Overeating on days off (night worker)

My thoughts. Would you have eaten the Kool whip If it had not been there. You have kids, so completely controlling your food environment is a little harder for you than me. Though, controlling what we have in the house can be a good strategy. If it's not there. You cant eat it. It takes temptation out of the picture and reduces the need for will power. I agree with doing something more engaging. Keeps the brain occupied. Keep healthy snacks. Would you have eaten a bag of carrots? Maybe, but unlikely. Why low carb for diabetes? Look at the ADA recommendations. They are now low carb, more moderate. Jmho

violasmith85 wrote: »

psychod787 wrote: »

My thoughts. Would you have eaten the Kool whip If it had not been there. You have kids, so completely controlling your food environment is a little harder for you than me. Though, controlling what we have in the house can be a good strategy. If it's not there. You cant eat it. It takes temptation out of the picture and reduces the need for will power. I agree with doing something more engaging. Keeps the brain occupied. Keep healthy snacks. Would you have eaten a bag of carrots? Maybe, but unlikely. Why low carb for diabetes? Look at the ADA recommendations. They are now low carb, more moderate. Jmho

I'm insulin resistant so low carb is the only way to go without taking insulin. I'm 34 and been diabetic since I was 12. The cool whip and berries are the only "sweets" I allow myself but ya. I probably won't have it on hand on my days off to help prevent that. Funny that you mentioned carrots because I love them and totally would eat a ton but they are full of sugar so I don't buy them often. But you've given me a great idea. I'll time my grocery shopping to make sure the higher calorie stuff is only available on work days when

. losing weight increases insulin sensitivity. High fat can cause insulin resistance as well if eaten in excess. I dont know what level your dm is, but moderate carb can be ok.

I'm not a stickler, but I've found intermittent fasting helps with this. by having a window of time for meals, then no food outside that window, I have cut way back on random boredom-related snacking.

pre-logging, as someone else mentioned, is helpful too! that way you can portion out based on what you've entered, and you can see what the energy/caloric intake will be up front.

and... video games or crafty stuff (knitting!) also sound like super helpful distractions. I'm definitely a I'm-bored-lets-snack sort of person, so helping my brain occupied helps. taking a few moments to analyze (is this boredom or actual hunger) is a great way to get in tune with your cravings as well.

I am going to second or third getting some type of hobby that will take up time.

Knitting and crocheting there are decent you tube videos to show how to do it. I can do a basic beanie hat after watching a few of those. And if you feel inclined many hospitals love getting the baby hats for the newborns. Or even basic scarves and so for homeless. Or family and friends.

Another one if you like to read, is there are online book clubs.

One that I have just started doing, and am at the very bottom level is acrylic pouring artwork.

I for one totally support you on the low carb approach, with being diabetic as well.

psychod787 wrote: »

My thoughts. Would you have eaten the Kool whip If it had not been there. You have kids, so completely controlling your food environment is a little harder for you than me. Though, controlling what we have in the house can be a good strategy. If it's not there. You cant eat it. It takes temptation out of the picture and reduces the need for will power. I agree with doing something more engaging. Keeps the brain occupied. Keep healthy snacks. Would you have eaten a bag of carrots? Maybe, but unlikely. Why low carb for diabetes? Look at the ADA recommendations. They are now low carb, more moderate. Jmho

Another viewpoint a bit different. The ADA is very slow to make changes, that statement was shared by my endocrinologist.
And something I think worth clarifying as I see it quite a bit, and mean no disrespect and I too am guilty of this. Is when we say low, or moderate. As to what that really means.
For diabetics in general, not differentiating between 1 or 2 here.
Low Carb 50 to 100 grams and or 10 to 20% of ones caloric intake
Mod Carb 100 to 150 grams and or 20-35% of ones caloric intake
Reg Carb 151 or higher.
My endocrinologist has as a handout, and on their walls these days as well.

Not talking net carbs, or about Keto. Could not agree with you more about healthy snacks. And not going overboard on the fats.

Diabetics as a whole in general, opposed to non-diabetics should not be getting the 45 to 60% caloric intake from carbs as a whole.

Fellow night shifter here who also keeps a night schedule when not working. I'm not sure my solutions to keeping busy will work for you, as I have the good fortune to have a spouse on the opposite schedule who can be home (if sleeping) when the kids are sleeping. I hit the gym pretty much every night I'm off (and after shift on those that I'm not.) I do active chores - up and down the stairs doing laundry (quietly), for instance. I'll even go out walking in the neighborhood.

I agree with the other posters about pre-logging and finding enjoyable activities that you don't associate with food. I think if I were watching much Netflix I'd be devouring popcorn and snacks. For me, reading, playing some computer games, etc keep me out of trouble. Good luck!

One of my regrets when I lost the weight was that I didn't lift weights to maintain muscle mass. I would suggest that you use this time to lift weights and build or at the very least maintain muscle while you are losing weight. I too spend way too much time in front of the TV and am mpw planning to use this time instead to lift weights.

Oh and if you like berries in a creamy medium. Might I suggest using 1-2% greek yogurt or fat free? The protein and fat in the yogurt, along with the fiber in the berries will blunt the "spike" in b.s. in most cases.