I seriously need help with my night eating problem
Replies
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My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?0 -
sunsweet77 wrote: »My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?
Itr would be difficult to stop eating in front of the TV because my husband and I have been doing this for years. It is our thing. At the end of the day we sit down in front of the TV and eat our dinner. I could say though, that after eating the meal, if I want a snack I need to go to the table and eat it and then I rprobably would not bother. One thing I did do, is put some tempting snack items in the basement fridge. My knees hurt too much to go up and down the stairs too often so this may be helpful. I have been doing Wordsearch on my phone lately so that is helping while I am watching TV. I will try your water trick. It sounds like something I could do. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thank you for the advice.
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kenyonhaff wrote: »I think you're responding emotionally here.
My guess would be your husband leaving to watch his own shows prompts you to feel lonely, or abandoned, or have a loss of connection or something. Putting food in your stomach to ease that empty feeling is how you try to stifle that feeling.
My suggestions?
* Suggest at least once a week to not retreat to separate rooms to watch TV. Do something else together. I'd suggest not with a screen.
* That seems like a lot of TV/movie/etc. viewing time. Do you really know how much time? Could you spend some of that time doing something more active, productive, or differently? A lot of passive TV viewing tends to be linked with behaviors that support obesity.
* Nothing exactly wrong with eating in front of the TV - as long as it fits in with your CICO plan. But of course munching emotionally gets hard to control.
I am not sure exactly what else we could do at night. I enjoy my shows and look forward to the end of the day and sitting down and relaxing. Things like paying bills, cleaning the house etc. we do during the day. I also have to care for my 95 year old mother who lives in her house alone still. We also cart our grandchildren around a lot to their different activities. I do not watch TV at all during the day. I am seriously trying to make a change but I am not sure how quite yet. My eating in front of the TV has definitely contributed to my obesity.0 -
I vote for trying intermittent fasting too. I skip breakfast so I have post-dinner calories left for snacking. I experimented with diff snacks to get more bang for my buck! 1/4 cup of seasoned sunflower seeds is 60 calories and it takes ages to shell them! 3T popcorn air-popped with a white cheddar popcorn seasoning. Crackers with jam and blue cheese. A small mars bar. Red wine. Mini bag of gourmet jellybeans. There are lots of options! You don't have to give up snacks to lose weight.1
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It is a celebrated alone time. Just adjust your carbs or calories accordingly to you night time party.0
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sunsweet77 wrote: »My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?
Itr would be difficult to stop eating in front of the TV because my husband and I have been doing this for years. It is our thing. At the end of the day we sit down in front of the TV and eat our dinner. I could say though, that after eating the meal, if I want a snack I need to go to the table and eat it and then I rprobably would not bother. One thing I did do, is put some tempting snack items in the basement fridge. My knees hurt too much to go up and down the stairs too often so this may be helpful. I have been doing Wordsearch on my phone lately so that is helping while I am watching TV. I will try your water trick. It sounds like something I could do. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thank you for the advice.
This is where the problem is rooted.
Change this up. Do not eat dinner while watching TV.
Eat dinner alone if you have to, in another room. Your husband can choose to join you if he wants. If he doesn't, stick to your path and eat by yourself.
As for the "tempting snacks" in the basement fridge...why are you doing this?
Do not have tempting snacks in your home period!
Make a decision to be "all-in" for your health journey. Your knees will thank you.4 -
I have the same urges when I get home from work at 11 at night and want to eat while I watch an hour of tv to relax. I’ve found a couple healthy snacks to munch on that will make my urge go away. I usually have cheese and grapes. But you could make it anything healthy or natural. This is not for everyone but it fits the diet I obey. Won’t take up to many calories cause it’s fruit. Pick any fruit or vegetable. They are good for you so I’ve never seen a problem with it. Side note: it helps if you keep any other tempting junk out of the house. Personally it’s hard to resist so it can’t be in my house. Hope this helps s little.0
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d everyone. I think you have woke me up.kmeyer6979 wrote: »I have the same urges when I get home from work at 11 at night and want to eat while I watch an hour of tv to relax. I’ve found a couple healthy snacks to munch on that will make my urge go away. I usually have cheese and grapes. But you could make it anything healthy or natural. This is not for everyone but it fits the diet I obey. Won’t take up to many calories cause it’s fruit. Pick any fruit or vegetable. They are good for you so I’ve never seen a problem with it. Side note: it helps if you keep any other tempting junk out of the house. Personally it’s hard to resist so it can’t be in my house. Hope this helps s little.
Cheese and grapes is one of my favorite snacks. I also eat Lactose free yogurt and berries. Once in awhile I will eat one of the kids granola bars but I try not to because I have IBS. One of the snacks recommended on the FODMAP diet I follow for IBS is a banana and a little peanut butter, so sometimes I have that. If I could only get my husband to stop buying things like hot cross buns and chocolate raisins I'd be okay. That is why I tell him he has to keep them in our other TV room downstairs. Like I said, I have bad knees so do not like to walk downstairs very often. Thank you for your help.0 -
I have tried everything to stop my night eating habit. My husband and I eat dinner and watch shows together. As soon as he leaves to watch his own shows and I watch mine, I have a ridiculous urge to eat something. I just can't stop myself. Any helpful ideas?
Hi, I posted here. I have the same problem. Perhaps we can support each other because unless someone has this, they do not understand it. I get a lot of advice but most of it I have already tried. Message me if you want to fight this together!
I have the same issue, my husband goes to bed earlier than I do. I either ensure I leave enough calories for my night time snack which is usually, crackers, cheese and grapes or I will brush my teeth so nothing tastes good. Good Luck!
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Just plan it into your day. That way you enjoy it and no guilt.
You're schedule doesn't have to match anyone elses. Giving up something you really enjoy is likely a strategy for failure. Save those calories earlier in the day, plan what you're going to eat so it's not a free for all and enjoy.1 -
sometime the biggest workout needed is to the 'willpower' muscle.!! i fight this daily as well and my willpower is getting stronger!1
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sunsweet77 wrote: »My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?
Itr would be difficult to stop eating in front of the TV because my husband and I have been doing this for years. It is our thing. At the end of the day we sit down in front of the TV and eat our dinner. I could say though, that after eating the meal, if I want a snack I need to go to the table and eat it and then I rprobably would not bother. One thing I did do, is put some tempting snack items in the basement fridge. My knees hurt too much to go up and down the stairs too often so this may be helpful. I have been doing Wordsearch on my phone lately so that is helping while I am watching TV. I will try your water trick. It sounds like something I could do. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thank you for the advice.
This is where the problem is rooted.
Change this up. Do not eat dinner while watching TV.
Eat dinner alone if you have to, in another room. Your husband can choose to join you if he wants. If he doesn't, stick to your path and eat by yourself.
As for the "tempting snacks" in the basement fridge...why are you doing this?
Do not have tempting snacks in your home period!
Make a decision to be "all-in" for your health journey. Your knees will thank you.
Sorry, but eating dinner alone isn't an option. We have been doing this for years. I am trying to tackle the after dinner snacking. That is my problem. I am going to set aside some calories for ONE snack and it can't be too late because of acid re flux. I think this should work.
In theory, you are correct. But it is our lifestyle. We are older and retired and very unlikely to change this habit anytime soon. It is something we look forward to and enjoy. When you get to our age there isn't much to do. lol Thank you for your advice.0 -
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tirowow12385 wrote: »
This is probably my solution. I am usually busy during the day and really don't eat much. I think fasting is good for weight loss and my digestive problems. Thanks.0 -
tirowow12385 wrote: »
This is probably my solution. I am usually busy during the day and really don't eat much. I think fasting is good for weight loss and my digestive problems. Thanks.
My own variation of IF is what I call the " eat and forget" diet, stuff your face with your daily calories at breakfast and forget about food for the rest of the day.1 -
sunsweet77 wrote: »My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?
Itr would be difficult to stop eating in front of the TV because my husband and I have been doing this for years. It is our thing. At the end of the day we sit down in front of the TV and eat our dinner. I could say though, that after eating the meal, if I want a snack I need to go to the table and eat it and then I rprobably would not bother. One thing I did do, is put some tempting snack items in the basement fridge. My knees hurt too much to go up and down the stairs too often so this may be helpful. I have been doing Wordsearch on my phone lately so that is helping while I am watching TV. I will try your water trick. It sounds like something I could do. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thank you for the advice.
This is where the problem is rooted.
Change this up. Do not eat dinner while watching TV.
Eat dinner alone if you have to, in another room. Your husband can choose to join you if he wants. If he doesn't, stick to your path and eat by yourself.
As for the "tempting snacks" in the basement fridge...why are you doing this?
Do not have tempting snacks in your home period!
Make a decision to be "all-in" for your health journey. Your knees will thank you.
Sorry, but eating dinner alone isn't an option. We have been doing this for years. I am trying to tackle the after dinner snacking. That is my problem. I am going to set aside some calories for ONE snack and it can't be too late because of acid re flux. I think this should work.
In theory, you are correct. But it is our lifestyle. We are older and retired and very unlikely to change this habit anytime soon. It is something we look forward to and enjoy. When you get to our age there isn't much to do. lol Thank you for your advice.
Change.
If you were an alcoholic would you still go to bars because it is a "habit" and you have been "going to bars for years"?
You can still eat together, but not with the TV on. The TV is a trigger for your eating compulsion. Like Pavlov's dog.5 -
The abandonment aspect obviously isn't me as I'm not married. I do know if I don't watch tv, I likely won't eat at night or won't eat as much. I lost weight in the past just keeping busy and mind occupied with no tv at night. Try incorporating some chores into your evening routine while watching tv. Fold laundry, type on the computer, go through old magazines, work a crossword or jig saw puzzle, purge a closet, clean the room. Maybe it will get your mind off the option of running for food. I used to work a crazy busy job which meant doing some work at night at home with no tv. When I did, I never snacked and lost 20 lbs. As I've gone back to watching tv in last 2 yrs, I gained the weight back. I have to switch things up now too. I know how you feel!
Hope it goes well, I know it's TOUGH to give up the treats in front of the tv.0 -
GetFit4Life2018 wrote: »The abandonment aspect obviously isn't me as I'm not married. I do know if I don't watch tv, I likely won't eat at night or won't eat as much. I lost weight in the past just keeping busy and mind occupied with no tv at night. Try incorporating some chores into your evening routine while watching tv. Fold laundry, type on the computer, go through old magazines, work a crossword or jig saw puzzle, purge a closet, clean the room. Maybe it will get your mind off the option of running for food. I used to work a crazy busy job which meant doing some work at night at home with no tv. When I did, I never snacked and lost 20 lbs. As I've gone back to watching tv in last 2 yrs, I gained the weight back. I have to switch things up now too. I know how you feel!
Hope it goes well, I know it's TOUGH to give up the treats in front of the tv.
I think I have gotten myself under control. I also lost weight and put 20 pounds back on. I don't feel good with this extra weight so really want to get rid of it. I can try and do a few things at night. I sometimes fold laundry or play Wordsearch on my phone. I am going to try and get myself off the couch and do something away from the TV at night. At least for a little while just to break the rut I've gotten myself in. Thanks for you help. I will let you know how I am doing.0 -
tirowow12385 wrote: »tirowow12385 wrote: »
This is probably my solution. I am usually busy during the day and really don't eat much. I think fasting is good for weight loss and my digestive problems. Thanks.
My own variation of IF is what I call the " eat and forget" diet, stuff your face with your daily calories at breakfast and forget about food for the rest of the day.
I don't think I could eat all that at one meal. 1200 calories is a lot to eat at once. My system needs time to digest.0 -
sunsweet77 wrote: »My rules for myself:
Never eat in front of the tv, all food must be at table.
Allow for nighttime snack, save the calories. Popcorn, carrots, oatmeal, cheese, nuts.
I have two things that zap my cravings...
Peach ice tea from crystal light...it’s so sweet just a little usually cancels my sugar craving.
For salt, low sodium v8 which I don’t like...but cures my salt craving with a tiny serving.
If I’m really hungry, I do this process...
Drink a full glass of water, wait 20 min.
Still hungry.
Low calorie snack and full glass of water, wait 20 min.
If I’m really Still hungry.
Hot tea and granola bar. Usually I don’t get past that.
Another helpful thing I do is go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood.
Keep your hands busy with sudoku or knitting?
Itr would be difficult to stop eating in front of the TV because my husband and I have been doing this for years. It is our thing. At the end of the day we sit down in front of the TV and eat our dinner. I could say though, that after eating the meal, if I want a snack I need to go to the table and eat it and then I rprobably would not bother. One thing I did do, is put some tempting snack items in the basement fridge. My knees hurt too much to go up and down the stairs too often so this may be helpful. I have been doing Wordsearch on my phone lately so that is helping while I am watching TV. I will try your water trick. It sounds like something I could do. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thank you for the advice.
This is where the problem is rooted.
Change this up. Do not eat dinner while watching TV.
Eat dinner alone if you have to, in another room. Your husband can choose to join you if he wants. If he doesn't, stick to your path and eat by yourself.
As for the "tempting snacks" in the basement fridge...why are you doing this?
Do not have tempting snacks in your home period!
Make a decision to be "all-in" for your health journey. Your knees will thank you.
I think this advice is a bit too extreme, verging on ridiculous. Lots of people find that their diet is more sustainable when they incorporate foods that they enjoy, as long as it works within their calorie goal. It's perfectly reasonable to have 'tempting snacks' in your home, if you find a way of eating them in moderation - as it sounds like OP has done. I see what you're saying about the television, but at the same time, compromising important social habits and making yourself miserable for the sake of a diet isn't going to help to build sustainable habits. It's important to be realistic.2 -
Promise yourself to drink a full glass of water before snacking is thought about or a mug of flavored herbal tea.
Microwave popcorn with the flavored powders is a low cal option. Count it though.
You say you can't help it, it's a habit Only you can change bad habits and adopt new ones.
What your husband does is one thing but you don't have to.
An old dog can learn new tricks cause I am an old dog that has learned new tricks and it does work if you want it bad enough!
NO TRY, DO!!!1 -
Just had a thought as I was reading your posts.
Sounds like maybe you are doing for everyone else and forgetting yourself. How you "do" for yourself is FOOD! What do you do for just YOU?
Think about it!0 -
You could try smelling the food and then putting it back
Listening to your favourite music so that your on a high
Writing can speed time up and distract you
A foot spa for 30 minutes?
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Just had a thought as I was reading your posts.
Sounds like maybe you are doing for everyone else and forgetting yourself. How you "do" for yourself is FOOD! What do you do for just YOU?
Think about it!
This is true. I care for my grandaughters and my mom. My husband also has some health problems. I do put myself last. But I am going to start swimming soon. I can't really walk too much because of my kness but swimming is a great way for me to exercise. I am waiting for it to warm up a bit. And I do what I am doing right now for myself.2 -
Promise yourself to drink a full glass of water before snacking is thought about or a mug of flavored herbal tea.
Microwave popcorn with the flavored powders is a low cal option. Count it though.
You say you can't help it, it's a habit Only you can change bad habits and adopt new ones.
What your husband does is one thing but you don't have to.
An old dog can learn new tricks cause I am an old dog that has learned new tricks and it does work if you want it bad enough!
NO TRY, DO!!!
When I think about it, my husband started the eating in fromt of the TV years ago. Our kids were at home then so I just said OK, if he is going to eat there we will too so we can be together. A big mistake. I am trying to change, bit by bit. I have lost a couple of pounds over the past few days just by coming here and listening to everyone. It has been really helpful and I appreciate people taking the time to try and help me and for letting me vent. Better than a shrink.
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Promise yourself to drink a full glass of water before snacking is thought about or a mug of flavored herbal tea.
Microwave popcorn with the flavored powders is a low cal option. Count it though.
You say you can't help it, it's a habit Only you can change bad habits and adopt new ones.
What your husband does is one thing but you don't have to.
An old dog can learn new tricks cause I am an old dog that has learned new tricks and it does work if you want it bad enough!
NO TRY, DO!!!
When I think about it, my husband started the eating in fromt of the TV years ago. Our kids were at home then so I just said OK, if he is going to eat there we will too so we can be together. A big mistake. I am trying to change, bit by bit. I have lost a couple of pounds over the past few days just by coming here and listening to everyone. It has been really helpful and I appreciate people taking the time to try and help me and for letting me vent. Better than a shrink.
Remember YOU! Move somehow someway! Not just waiting for warm weather. Again I reiterate, only you can make changes for you...no one else will do it for you or make changes for you but YOU!0 -
I’ve found a few snacks that aren’t super high in calories but that taste good enough to satisfy late cravings. Halo Top ice cream or Oikos Greek frozen yogurt are my favorites.0
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RDJNowOrNever wrote: »I’ve found a few snacks that aren’t super high in calories but that taste good enough to satisfy late cravings. Halo Top ice cream or Oikos Greek frozen yogurt are my favorites.
I eat greek yogurt and I will go to our Superstore and try some Halo Top. I hear it is highly recommended.
thank you.0 -
Promise yourself to drink a full glass of water before snacking is thought about or a mug of flavored herbal tea.
Microwave popcorn with the flavored powders is a low cal option. Count it though.
You say you can't help it, it's a habit Only you can change bad habits and adopt new ones.
What your husband does is one thing but you don't have to.
An old dog can learn new tricks cause I am an old dog that has learned new tricks and it does work if you want it bad enough!
NO TRY, DO!!!
When I think about it, my husband started the eating in fromt of the TV years ago. Our kids were at home then so I just said OK, if he is going to eat there we will too so we can be together. A big mistake. I am trying to change, bit by bit. I have lost a couple of pounds over the past few days just by coming here and listening to everyone. It has been really helpful and I appreciate people taking the time to try and help me and for letting me vent. Better than a shrink.
Remember YOU! Move somehow someway! Not just waiting for warm weather. Again I reiterate, only you can make changes for you...no one else will do it for you or make changes for you but YOU!
I am starting to do a few weights and a bit of cardio. I am doing a chair workout because of my arthritic knees. This is why I need to swim. Really cold here up in Central Canada.0
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