How to stop eating at night?

Lisnagry
Lisnagry Posts: 10 Member
edited December 21 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi Just looking for tips on how to stop eating junk at night. I can eat good all day then night comes and destroys all my good work Some people say dont buy it but i will leave the house to get it! Crazy I know!!!
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Replies

  • Zarebeth
    Zarebeth Posts: 136 Member
    I know there are people who will yell at me for this, but I eat my dinner late specifically so I am not hungry before I go to bed, and it is my biggest meal of the day - roughly half my calories. I don't eat until 7 at the earliest, and last night I didn't eat until 8:30. It helps me with my control in the evenings if I am not hungry.
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    happened to just reply another similar thread. :)

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/623050-losing-control-at-night
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    I know there are people who will yell at me for this, but I eat my dinner late specifically so I am not hungry before I go to bed, and it is my biggest meal of the day - roughly half my calories. I don't eat until 7 at the earliest, and last night I didn't eat until 8:30. It helps me with my control in the evenings if I am not hungry.

    I am with you. But now I try not to eat too late, say after 9:00
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    Some things that help me-

    1- Practice. Get out of the habit of having junk food at night and you'll forget about it.

    2- Make sure you're not eating because you're starving and feeling deprived because your daytime diet is so restrictive and dull

    3- Substitute. Have healthy nighttime treats like a baked apple or some hot tea or an iced coffee.

    4- Think about why you want treats at night. Do you feel like food is your only enjoyment or reward? Sometimes just looking at the issue dead-on helps end it.
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    I have a bedtime snack right before I go to bed. Literally. I eat it in bed, at like 11:30pm. There's nothing wrong with eating that late, your body burns calories 24/7.

    If you are hungry, eat. I try and have something high in protein so that I stay full longer.
  • rosalieharris
    rosalieharris Posts: 33 Member
    I have the same problem! I think eating later is actually smart. If you are within your calories, then what does it matter when you eat? I am not a nutritionalist or anything, but it sounds good to me...I am actually going to try this:) I do usually save a snack for late night. I say whatever works for you!
  • Alisha_countrymama
    Alisha_countrymama Posts: 821 Member
    I eat a full protein meal at dinner. keeps me full till bed. If I do get the urge I eat a cheese stick and drink some water.
  • Atziii
    Atziii Posts: 1
    You can always try eating something that's a bit healthier. My nutritionist recommended I try a bowl of cereal with skim milk, keeping it in moderation of course, and I know there's some cereals out there (like Special K) that have enough sweetness or chocolate to satisfy junk food cravings.
  • brittigno
    brittigno Posts: 193 Member
    Try to get healthier versions? Like instead of chips get snappeas? Or instead of ice cream do the frozen banana & cocoa powder thing?
  • tmd0521
    tmd0521 Posts: 6
    I think Zarebeth is on to something, Im gonna move dinner from 6 to 7pm, hopefully that helps. Or if you MUST have a night snack try to eat it earlier/less of it.
  • tobykang
    tobykang Posts: 24
    I am exactly with you on this one! Still kinda figuring this out myself....I try to stop eating by 8PM every night. If I still get hungry at best I have a little tofu, a tbsp of peanut butter, drink soy milk or just have tea.

    Often times, peppermint gum/tea seems to kill the urge to want to eat more
  • darls25
    darls25 Posts: 151 Member
    I save enough calories and eat healthy low calorie stuff after dinner. Some nights need some thing and some I don't. Have some cut up veggies and fruit and just work them in to your calories. Like someone said I think eating at night isn't a big deal as long as you don't a super duper huge meal :)
  • celticmuse
    celticmuse Posts: 492 Member
    I allow myself a dessert every night, not to exceed 150 calories after dinner. That way I don't overdo it, but I save the calories so that I can have it and stay within my daily calorie goal. I don't feel deprived and it helps with the cravings. Sometimes it is popcorn. Other times it may be sweets. I like the Quatratini dark chocolate wafers. 8 of them are only 150 calories.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    The time you eat doesn't matter. If it's simply a matter of switching calories from earlier in the day to later in the day, that's probably the easiest solution. If it's a matter of eating junk food, then, well, you just need to work on some discipline.
  • kittyfrost
    kittyfrost Posts: 54
    This will sound strange but I struggle with this, and I found that wrapping myself in a blanket works. That way I'm too comfortable/lazy to get up, haha.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    I allow myself a dessert every night, not to exceed 150 calories after dinner. That way I don't overdo it, but I save the calories so that I can have it and stay within my daily calorie goal. I don't feel deprived and it helps with the cravings. Sometimes it is popcorn. Other times it may be sweets. I like the Quatratini dark chocolate wafers. 8 of them are only 150 calories.

    I do the same thing. I also love the 100 calorie packs.
  • Learn2BFit
    Learn2BFit Posts: 14 Member
    I have the Exact same problem! For me, it's just emotional eating, pure and simple...I"m so good all day, I get my exercise in, but then, during my down time, I just find myself wanting to relax, watch a little tv after the kids go to bed, and WAY too often, end up munching when I know I shouldn't. Lately, though, I've started leaving a certain amount calories for the couple of nights of the week that I know I'm most prone to snacking, and I've found a couple of fairly low-calorie treats to let myself feel like I'm getting a treat, it seems to be helping!
  • Runs4Wine
    Runs4Wine Posts: 416 Member
    I'm an "after work, but before dinner" snacker. My latest tricks are:

    Eat more filling foods during the day
    Start making dinner sooner - if we eat closer to 5:30pm-6 I'm less likely to graze while making dinner
    Eat a good dinner, and have milk to drink. Milk seems to help me feel fuller and avoids the late night grazing
    After dinner, keep my hands busy. Sitting on the couch watching TV is brutal for my snack cravings
    If I do need/want a snack I try to stick to popcorn or decaf coffee with some SF flavored syrup to help me feel full and cut the sweet craving.
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    The time you eat doesn't matter. If it's simply a matter of switching calories from earlier in the day to later in the day, that's probably the easiest solution. If it's a matter of eating junk food, then, well, you just need to work on some discipline.

    all of this.
  • vbonina
    vbonina Posts: 19 Member
    I had the same problem. I found that if I plan out my snacking it works out well. Leave a few calories for the unexpected.
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    What tiger said. Along with that, increasing protein intake and eating more fibrous veggies will help you stay full. But if you already hit your caloric goal and you're going over it because you're having problems with binging at night, try brushing your teeth at night, after your last meal - it helps some people (not joking).
  • amymimi12
    amymimi12 Posts: 51 Member
    I agree with the folks on here, I don't think it's a huge problem to be eating late... it's more a matter of sticking to your calorie goal and trying to put healthy food in your system to fuel your body overnight. I used to eat popcorn and chocolate every night, and I still lost weight. But I decided it was a habit I wanted to break, so I started having a small snack and hot water with lemon or tea about an hour before bed. As soon as I finish my drink I brush my teeth. The hot drink and teeth brushing has become my new habit to signal the end of my eating day. Took me about 3 weeks to break the habit, but it seems to be working for now!

    And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!
    Wow, so that's why people do it! I never understood that.
  • Runs4Wine
    Runs4Wine Posts: 416 Member
    And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!

    I do this too... it's like adjusting it is a bigger PITA than eating is :)
    If I do make the adjustment I know I *really* needed it vs wanting it.
  • shanahan_09
    shanahan_09 Posts: 238 Member
    Ugh, hear ya--downfall for me with eating at night...but if I try to stay aware, like literally kicking myself in the @ss to walk away from the pantry, then it's all good. On those nights when the bag of chips are too tempting, I'll either have a nice cup of tea, give myself a mani/pedi, do the face mask thing, go to bed (this is a big one...99% of the time I'm overly tired, and not hungry at all). If you truly are hungry, have some raw veggies, or a good protein source. I know, not the same as having some goodies, but at least you're filling those hunger pangs and putting healthy nutrition into your body...which will only thank you in the long run.
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    eat ALOT during the day, and practice good sleeping habits helps as well, if you're not awake and getting all your needed rest you won't be eating.

    -or-

    indulge a little, portion out the snack you REALLY want and have it, save calories for it if you must. night eating doesn't mean the calories will be stored as fat.
  • Bakerchk
    Bakerchk Posts: 424 Member
    I really don't have time to read everyone's responses but I have this issue too. I usually save 100-200 calories for after dinner and either have fruit or a dessert (if I'm under in sugar). I eat just about every two hours. 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 8pm. That usually prevents me from being STARVING and then I don't crave too much at night. I also try to be in bed by 10pm, because if I'm up late, I will snack (out of habit for eating every 2 hours).
  • 7destiny
    7destiny Posts: 31
    A few peanuts, a tsp of peanut butter, or some greek yogurt get me through the evening hours.
  • JeSuisPrest
    JeSuisPrest Posts: 2,005 Member
    If it fits inside your daily calorie goal don't worry about it. Just make sure you are incorporating protein and fiber into your diet.
  • cerixon
    cerixon Posts: 17 Member
    Go brush your teeth. You may think twice about snacking if you have minty fresh breath. It sometimes works for me.
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