How can I avoid late night snacking?

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Hi, on day 9 of diet now and finding it so hard on a night when kids in bed to stop myself from snacking all I want is cake & chocolate
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  • Rottingtone
    Rottingtone Posts: 26 Member
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    Have a nice big cold glass of water. Fills you up usually.
  • Meghanebk
    Meghanebk Posts: 321 Member
    edited September 2017
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    Find something sweet you can enjoy in tiny portions? I love the Trader Joe tiny Mini peanut butter cups. A "serving" of those is 27 pieces/210 calories. So if I eat 6 of those (slow down and enjoy whatever you eat) its a nice treat and only 46 calories. People can say a bit of fruit is just as satisfying, but my brain and body sure don't think so.

    Edit: Also, make sure your weight loss goals aren't too aggressive an you're getting enough protein/fat/carbs throughout the day.
  • SoulOfALion5
    SoulOfALion5 Posts: 115 Member
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    If you like tins of tuna. My personal favourite, tin of John West tuna 'chunks' in spring water. Great for a snack and filling with protein hit also.
  • work_on_it
    work_on_it Posts: 251 Member
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    Don't.

    I love my late night munchies and drink, so i try to plan on them. Leave a few calories for a treat and chug lots o' water with it. I also find upping your activity during the day helps offset it.

    I was miserable when I would just deny myself, so instead I plan and it's been working out.
  • sarahroper87
    sarahroper87 Posts: 7 Member
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    Thank you for all your replies I will give them ago x
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,012 Member
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    Just save some calories for an after dinner snack.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,741 Member
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    This probably isn't for everyone but I find that brushing and flossing right after dinner makes me not want to eat again until breakfast. I am too lazy to do it again just so I can have a snack, even if I do have a few calories remaining (but I usually don't anyway because I know I'm not going to eat past my evening meal).
  • Brabo_Grip
    Brabo_Grip Posts: 285 Member
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    Go to bed early?

    This literally is often the way I control my late night grazing desires. I force myself to go to bed early - which has other health benefits obviously.
  • Nurturegirl
    Nurturegirl Posts: 82 Member
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    When you have a craving browse MFP's community forums. Distract your mind!
  • firstjog11
    firstjog11 Posts: 58 Member
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    I have been following a fitness nutrition specialist for awhile now...her advice and I have found it really works for me is to eat some healthy fats at night. You feel full and under control for the evening. It is usually like 12 almonds or 8-12 black olives or something similar. Good luck!
  • bweath2
    bweath2 Posts: 147 Member
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    Glass of water with 2Tbl apple cider vinegar and 2Tbl lemon juice and add stevia to sweeten.
    Yes, it's gross. When I did this, I didn't feel like eating anytime soon after and it took away sugar cravings in general.
  • Gould118
    Gould118 Posts: 544 Member
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    The struggle is real! When I feel like I want to snack late at night I drink a glass of water first. If I still feel like I want something I will let my self have a 1/2 cup of no fat cottage cheese! If you going to eat, make sure it's protein!
  • nballos77
    nballos77 Posts: 80 Member
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    Drink a glass of water and if the hunger persists eat a small piece of cheese , hope that helps :smile:
  • SoulOfALion5
    SoulOfALion5 Posts: 115 Member
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    Gould118 wrote: »
    The struggle is real! When I feel like I want to snack late at night I drink a glass of water first. If I still feel like I want something I will let my self have a 1/2 cup of no fat cottage cheese! If you going to eat, make sure it's protein!

    Yea, agree here, I love cottage cheese with chives !!!
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
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    Save some calories for your night time snack. If you've used them up then drink water and keep busy. It really is just a habit/notion to want to snack, usually not from being hungry, boredom really can make us want to reach for the cookies!
  • cs2thecox
    cs2thecox Posts: 533 Member
    edited September 2017
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    I agree with @seltzermint555 that brushing your teeth is helpful.
    Or just take some time out with a nice mug of tea.

    Also, do you eat with your children? You might do a bit better to delay your evening meal until a bit later, if that fits with your/their routine. Depending what time they eat, I get that child dinner time through to adult bed time can be a long time...!
  • msemiliejean
    msemiliejean Posts: 24 Member
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    When I was in uni I found late night snacking was one of my biggest food vices - I would barely eat all day and then just be so hungry late at night while studying and eat whatever.

    If you incorporate some healthy fats in your meals throughout the day you may find that you won't be as hungry later. They really tend to keep you fuller for longer. As much as you may want to snack on whatever late at night, once that craving hits try a mug of tea or glass of water first. Then if you're still hungry and not just bored try reaching for something that's delicious but also filling - like apple slices and almond butter. Or just swap something naughty for something better. If you want ice cream instead blend a frozen banana with a dash of vanilla extract and almond milk until it's smooth, add some nuts or cacao nibs and it satisfies that craving well without derailing you! I've even found having a mug of hot cocoa is enough to get that sweet kick you want late at night
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,669 Member
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    I eat till 11:30pm. EVERY DAY. Because many shows I DVR'd are of an adult nature, that's when I watch them and snack. It's been a habitual behavior since I've been an adult and will till I die I'm sure.
    What has helped to control calories is NOT eating between when I sleep and 12pm.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
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    Hi, on day 9 of diet now and finding it so hard on a night when kids in bed to stop myself from snacking all I want is cake & chocolate

    What time do the kids go to bed? Maybe try and go to bed then as well.