Any tips to stop snacking and bingeing?

I have a HORRIBLE binge eating problem. I can't keep any sweets in the house, so that would be my first suggestion. If it's not there, you can't eat it. The thing that helps me is to stock up on foods that are healthy and easy to snack on (egg whites, cheese, nuts, grapes, veggies with salad dressing, etc) and then if you have to snack, you snack on that. Also protein, fruits and veggies will keep you full longer.

I would just build in healthy snacks. I make daily snack boxes for myself, and find that it keeps me from picking at junk.

I have a huge snacking problem too!! Its usually just boredom eating though, not actual hunger. When it is hunger, I'll wait a good 10 minutes or so to make sure that it is that Im hungry and its not a craving and then have a substantial snack to keep me more full because I see it as my body's way of telling me that I need more food. When I'm not hungry though, I think to myself "why do I feel the urge to eat" and kinda do a check-in with my body. Am I tired? Bored? Sad? Angry? Whatever it is, I try to think about why I'm eating if I'm not hungry. Its really hard for me, because I had always thought, "it's 3 o'clock, Snack time!!!" even if I'm not hungry. Im trying to train myself to listen to my body moreso than what a particualr website tells me. I actually find that I snack a lot more when I'm counting calories since counting calories makes me obsess about my intake and think about food more and crave it more! If you don't want to stop logging your food though, I suggest keeping the foods that are easy to snack on way up high in your pantry or tucked away behind something else. That usually does it for me because I'll walk in there looking for something to munch on and if there's nothing easily accessible, I'm too lazy to get out a plate and fork! lol. Its just so easy to walk in and grab a handful of cereal or a cookie etc..much easier than trying to nibble on a can of soup lol! even better would be just to get rid of the foods you like to snack on, but unless you live alone that may be difficult. anyways, good luck along your journey!

My only tip would be make sure you're eating enough -- yes, calories, but also volume. Some people like the feeling of eating more and sometimes when you're losing weight, you feel "it's all over" and now food is "restricted."

But it doesn't have to be that way. I read a book called "Volumetrics" which has photos of different meals, comparing calories, etc. The purpose is to show you that you can actually eat more food by volume if you choose the right ones.

And, also build snacks you really enjoy into your schedule. I make sure to eat chocolate every day. One subsitute I like for a candy bar is 1/4 c. roasted almonds with 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips. It's filling and crunchy, and the almonds are really good for you, too.

I've also learned to make some soups that are really filling and I can use throughout the week.

Basically, you have to find what works for you, so that you feel like it's something you can keep doing.

I don't deprive myself. I keep some baked goods in my freezer. Like individually wrapped home made brownies or chocolate chip cookies. I allow myself 1 treat a day. I save for it. I usually eat mine with with a cup of tea. The warm tea seems to satisfy me. If I feel deprived I want to binge and I try to make sure to deal with my feelings my working out or talking to a friend. Make sure you are eating lots of lean proteins and drinking lots of water.

If it's too hard to keep them individually wrapped and in your freezer, then don't keep it in your house and plan for it so you know that you will have something you want soon, not NEVER. lol

Hope that helps you....

Sandra

I also have a really bad snacking addiction. I really am trying to work on it, but it is really hard!:ohwell: I don't know what to do either, but that's why I'm reading this. I feel for you girl.

You know, I have the same problem. I love to eat, especially after dinner. It's like a craving that won't go away. I came up with a partial solution. I started watching movies in the evening. I shut everything down, turn out the lights and rent something off of Amazon.com or find something free to watch on Youtube. Then I get a big glass of water. I always pick something that will totally engross me and next thing I know, it is bed time or I am falling asleep on the couch. It has worked very well for me and I have lost 19 pounds.

I have the same snacking problem and these are some great tips! I'll be trying a few of them as soon as I get home

Thanks for asking this question! These ideas are great! I needed to reread some of what I already know but it helps along the journey. Thanks everyone!

I'm sorry, when I read your title I thought of this SNL video...:) I know it's easier said than done. haha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw

I keep carrot sticks, celery, & radishes in a jug of water in the fridge. When I get munchy, I grab a handful

Keep a lot of LOW calorie snacks around (ie veggies that are mostly water like cucumber, jicama, bell peppers, etc.) and also keep some chewing gum within reach.

Keep a lot of LOW calorie snacks around (ie veggies that are mostly water like cucumber, jicama, bell peppers, etc.) and also keep some chewing gum within reach.

Gum makes it worse for many people; it causes your stomach to growl because your mouth releases enzymes to break down food when you chew the gum, but ends up digesting nothing, so you begin to experience hunger pains. (Google it) It may work for some people, but personally it sabotages me! Just my opinion

A couple of things that have worked for me.........

I have a water cup with a straw and it is full and with me everywhere I go. 1/4 cup of popcorn in a brown paper bag micro for 2 min. spray w/ smart balance spray butter. Gives me something to eat but low calories high fiber. Lastly when all else fails I floss and brush.