struggling with overeating at night

I know that I like to snack late at night, so I make sure I've either burned enough calories or save calories to enjoy my snacking. As a single mom, it's my only time to myself and depriving myself won't work. I have learned to make better choices with my snacks though--cucumbers, peppers (with Light Marzetti Ranch dip, only 60 calories for 2 Tbsp) or I'll have Honey Nut Cheerios, Special K Chips, 100 calorie popcorn...

I try to eat earlier in the day so I'm not starving come night time. I try to cut off my eating by 9:30 PM, and if I'm a little hungry still and have the calorie allotment for it, I'll drink a huge cup of honey vanilla chamomile tea with a tablespoon of heavy cream, and try to go to bed earlier so I'm not dwelling on what I could eat that I really don't need.

I get like that every once in a while. I just go to bed. I know I won't be able to satisfy that little monster - It's mostly head hunger for me - so I just put him to bed and he's gone by morning.

Wow! Glad to see that I am not the only one who struggles with the late-nite bingeing! I was doing well in 2011 when I was VERY active, but during my wife's 3rd Trimester, I slacked off and started snacking and eating more late at night. ICE CREAM!! (of course, with whipped cream and chocolate chips!) Something that I found that worked for me(a self-confessed chocoholic!), is a meal/protein shake. It curbs both my appetite AND my chocolate cravings. I drink it at around 7pm and have no cravings the rest of the night! Bonus is that it is good for me. Worth checking out.

maybe you aren't eating enough during your day, and also satifying some of your cravings.

here is an article that takes into effect the mental, and physical effects of having a little chocolate in your day.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=2459&printer=1

I too am a late night eater. i don't know why, I just like consuming most of my calories at night. I'll eat a whole slew of healthy veggies, fruits, and proteins, but at night I get a "bring on the carbs!" sort of feeling.

I've found though, that it helps if plan for your late night snacks and log them early in the day. That way you know how many calories your snack is going to cost and can plan the rest of your day accordingly.

This. ^^^ I eat when I'm bored or really tired but I've found that planning my meals and snacks helps ALOT! I also stagger my meals so I'm never truly hungery, but if I must reach for something else, it's usually tea.

Hey,

lately I have been struggling really hard to stop overeating at night time.
Anyone got any tips to help?

Also, if anyone else is in the same boat as me feel free to add me and we can support each other as needed

i am the same as a few others on here, kids in bed, tv on or book in hand and feel the need to eat! i know i am not hungry, i do not feel hungry in fact i doubt u actually know what hunger feels like because i eat so much, yet cant help but WANT to eat! low fat hot chocolate sometimes cures me, if not i read in bed and when the need to ea gets too much i go to sleep!lol!

Ugg....I have the same problem...it's always been my weakness, especially late at night...now, I work 3rd shift at a place that supplies all kind of chips, donuts, ice cream, cookies, hot dogs, soda and coffee...all for free. It's just laying around, tempting me all the time. Waaaah!

I'm almost compulsive about eating at night. I do better if I can stay busy or at least keep my hands occupied (crocheting while watching a movie), but since I have an infant who cluster feeds (nurses for 2-3 hours in the evening) those coping skills are out now. I don't keep junk in the house, but I also try to have low calorie snacks like a cup of raw cauliflower and two tablespoons of neufchatel cheese (105 calories, and it's very filling). The other things that really help:
Brushing my teeth and chewing mint xylitol gum (just read that mint is an appetite suppressant)...it really works.
Dessert teas like vanilla berry truffle! I put a tablespoon of half and half and sweeten it with stevia...very few calories and the half and half makes it seem very rich. The liquid is also filling.
I'll also fill my 32 ounce bottle with water and add Archer Farms Simply Balanced drink mix (Target...it's like Crystal Light, only all natural and only 10 calories). Sipping it satisfies the grazing tendency, and it fills me up.
Finally a huge help has been adding lots of enzymes/probiotics. I've been eating yoghurt throughout the day, and in the evening, I'll have 8 ounces of kombucha...it's fizzy like soda, but only has 35 calories. It's very high in vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and beneficial bacteria. These things have cut down on the cravings.

Maybe this is my Hispanic upbringing, eating chili powder with everything, but when I'm feeling munchy at night, I slice up a cold cucumber, put some lime on it, and sprinkle a little chili powder on it.. Delicious, and it doesn't pack too many calories.
The sodium may be an issue, just because chili powders tend to include salt, but you don't need that much for a bit of zest on your snack

Excellent idea! =o

I know this sounds silly, but I've been playing Words with Friends or other mindless games while I watch TV and relax with my hubby in the evenings. It helps me not snack as much, although i do miss out on some of my show...lol

i can't really go for a walk at night time where i live without getting hurt?

plus i still live with my family cant exactly throw out all their food now can i

If it's not safe where you live, you could also do some sort of strength training work out. You can find good strength work outs that do not need equipment at www.self.com. I get their magazine every month and they have tear out cards which are really nice.

I'm not sure how old you are, but if your family does the shopping, maybe you can request a few small things that will help you with your cravings that people have already suggested such as veggies, green tea, etc.

I also agree with the the people who recommended about not watching TV in the evenings. I know that when I watch TV I get really bad cravings due to all the food commercials. I find myself heading to the kitchen when I'm not evening hungry. I've recently picked reading back up and rent books at the local library. When I get into a good book, I forget about everything else, and don't think about food.

The only tv show I watch is the biggest loser... and i watch it whilst doing schoolwork.

Sometimes that show has temptations that look mighty tasty! Several posters have given great ideas that will hopefully help you. Good luck on your journey!