My biggest challenge...eating junk in the evenings!

That's exactly why I started working out at night. I used to go to the gym at 8:30 or 9pm and workout until 10pm when it closed. Now I spent the money on a treadmill at home, I have some weights, bands, etc. I will often workout even later than 10pm if I'm still up. Keeps me away from the kitchen, gives me an extra burn and dosen't keep me awake at night.

I read an article that said that your willpower decreases as the day progresses. I know mine certainly does. They suggested some of the things that the posters above did, like working out or staying out of the kitchen. Sometimes I drink peppermint tea at night, which seems to help. If I'm really hungry, I might eat some carrots with hummus, if I'm craving something salty, or a small banana with some almond butter, if I'm craving something sweet, and once in a while I just give in to temptation and try harder the next day.

I'm the same - kids and hubby are asleep hours before me, it's especially tough thru the winters and hubby has to get up at 4 am for work so no way he can stay up later than he does - I bought some 100 calorie popcorn to crunch on and some sugar free del monte popsicles for something sweet (just 35 calories) at nite when a craving appears... I also drink a lot of water and teas thru the day good luck!

I totally have this problem too! Lately, it has been under control, but there have been many many evenings where I have had trouble. I can really relate to feeling like you want to sit down and relax with some chips/candy/what have you. I have a long commute and I get up very early to work out. By the time I get home, I am exhausted and struggle to muster up the energy to make dinner. I just want to flop down on the sofa and take a nap or veg out with some munchies. Things that have helped me are similar to those others have mentioned. I don't keep junk in the house at all. If it's not there, I can't eat it. Yes, I'll buy a single-serve pack of something special every now and then- but it is planned into my day in advance and isn't just sitting there calling my name at night. I also am a big believer in replacing an undesirable habit with a more desirable one. I love to crochet, so I'll often take out my latest project as soon as we finish dinner. Can't eat while I'm busy with that. I also brush my teeth right after eating and turn out the lights in the kitchen. These are kind of "signals" to myself that eating is over for the day. Best of luck to you, to me, and to everyone struggling with this issue!

Thank you for the ideas. I also have this problem after a long commute home. I also have found I need to make my dinners smaller and eat more healthy things during the day.

As others suggested, find something else to do that keeps you occupied and your mind off eating. I get ready for bed and read in bed. Before you know it I am asleep. When I was losing weight (I am on maintenance now) I came to MFP and read the success stories, actually I still do. That gave/gives me the motivation to keep from eating things I really don't want to eat. Another thing that works for me is asking myself, "do I really want to eat these additional calories. Is it worth it? Will you be upset with yourself in the morning?" That usually stops me. Good luck! It isn't easy, but truly worth the effort.

I did something similiar. I would get off work late and be starving and be munching while making dinner so always spoiled my calories. I like what loraf83 said start a different routine, also the brush teeth idea too.