How do you prevent your late night cravings?

healthycourt2012
healthycourt2012 Posts: 6
in Health and Weight Loss
This is always my biggest problem. I do great with breakfast, lunch, and supper. As soon as I come home from work at 8 I'm hungry again. I usually eat some fruit and then try to not eat past 9 but this fruit usually does not hold me over. Has anyone found any tricks to help rid their cravings? Does anyone eat certain foods that are healthy AND filling for the night?
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Replies

  • kirstenmaria
    kirstenmaria Posts: 112 Member
    Oatmeal is the most filling food I have ever eaten. I also do cold cereal late at night..3/4 of a cup with 1/2 a cup of soy milk...If I haven't eat. If I have eaten, lukewarm water because chances are I'm just thirsty from no having enough water during the day. I read that cold water hydrates, warm water creates that filling feeling.
  • GauchoMark
    GauchoMark Posts: 1,804 Member
    I eat less during the day and eat at night when I get hungry. Problem solved!
  • alexandra0713
    alexandra0713 Posts: 41 Member
    I try to eat 3-4 oz of lean meat and vegetables 3 times a day. I use to snack on fruit, like you, but I found it just made me hungrier.
  • Jlhoney37
    Jlhoney37 Posts: 3
    maybe try making a smoothie with the fruit!,.. or greek yogurt. i have that problem sometimes too, i think its more boredem then cravings! or drink a bunch of water to resist even if you dont want it.
  • healthycourt2012
    healthycourt2012 Posts: 6
    i think the boredom is definitely a factor for me. maybe i should just try to play one of my xbox kinnect games and burn some more calories rather than consuming the bad ones!
  • Filomenaaa
    Filomenaaa Posts: 61 Member
    I have the worst eating habits at night, when the cravings start i drink herbal tea. I dont know what it is about that method but it really works for me
  • nickmast78
    nickmast78 Posts: 65
    Why can't you eat at night? If you still have calories left, eat em up! Night time is when I do most of my eating. If you don't have calories left at night, lower your calorie intake during the day so you can eat at night.
  • direwolfprincess
    direwolfprincess Posts: 261 Member
    Last night was a bad one for me in terms of craving non-hunger food. I showered, did sit ups, push-up and listened to some music. It really did help to get my mind occupied. Try reading or some other engaging activity.

    I have heard around that people brush their teeth to somehow trick them into the night time routine and others paint their nails when cravings get bad in order to avoid going in and eating anything. Can't say I have tried either of those.

    I also eat my largest meal for dinner and it does help.
  • shara85
    shara85 Posts: 70 Member
    I agree with the herbal tea method!
  • lauren3382
    lauren3382 Posts: 372 Member
    Actually, I don't prevent them. I listen to them. Usually it's my body's way of telling me I haven't eaten enough during the day. I like to have a protein shake at night or some cottage cheese to satisfy my cravings (I usually crave sweet things).
  • meghan6867
    meghan6867 Posts: 388 Member
    I used to be in the habit of eating supper very early (like around 5:00). I was always hungry by 9 or 10... so I just adjusted my schedule. Now I eat all the time. Breakfast, a small snack at about 11:00, lunch, a snack around 4:30 or 5:00 and then dinner at 8:00. If I'm still hungry after that I chug water or I just eat something filling, but healthy (for me, that means carrot sticks!).

    Splitting up my eating schedule into five separate categories has been helpful for me. I'm still hungry sometimes... but this way I know that food isn't too far off and I don't overeat.
  • stfuriada
    stfuriada Posts: 445 Member
    I brush my teeth and force myself to sleep rofl. Thankfully my cravings hit around midnight-ish so I don't have to sleep really early.
  • Cristofori44
    Cristofori44 Posts: 201
    Green tea!
  • slim104
    slim104 Posts: 160

    I have heard around that people brush their teeth to somehow trick them into the night time routine and others paint their nails when cravings get bad in order to avoid going in and eating anything. Can't say I have tried either of those.

    If i was a woman, that wouldn't work for me. I can just inhale food off the plate, no hands. :laugh:
  • AShawneeF
    AShawneeF Posts: 123 Member
    Oatmeal is the most filling food I have ever eaten


    that, or cream of wheat with just a little sugar to get over that really salty taste. I also got these Crystal light hunger satisfation things. they have a little protein and fiber and only 30 calories so i can drink it in just a bottle of water and it all combines to help.
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder, 2 tbsp natural pb, a little bit of water. mix til creamy. freeze for 30 or so minutes. tastes like a pb cup ice cream. sooo good and filling.
  • AShawneeF
    AShawneeF Posts: 123 Member
    Oatmeal is the most filling food I have ever eaten. I also do cold cereal late at night..3/4 of a cup with 1/2 a cup of soy milk...If I haven't eat. If I have eaten, lukewarm water because chances are I'm just thirsty from no having enough water during the day. I read that cold water hydrates, warm water creates that filling feeling.

    or cream of wheat. just add a little sugar to offset the saltiness.

    Also, Crystal light has this Hunger Satisfaction packet thing and it has a little fiber and protien so when you combine that with a whole bottle of water it helps

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    oh, sorry about that other spam post. still getting the hang of doing thing like quoting
  • squiggle888
    squiggle888 Posts: 6
    I have herbal tea or hot chocolate. Options hot chocolate is my big evening treat. Also due to work, dog walking, exercising and generally cooking from scratch it's rare for me to eat much before 9.
  • PurrfumeGIrl
    PurrfumeGIrl Posts: 31 Member
    I break up my meals into 6 segments (breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks). The last snack around 8pm. That helps me get through the night. If I don't have something, I don't sleep well, if at all. I usually have fruit or a bowl of cereal before bed.
  • jmcdaniel0
    jmcdaniel0 Posts: 130 Member
    I eat good leafy vegetable, and lots of meat/protein... but on the other hand, I just go to bed. I get up so early and work so late, that by the time i get home, I eat a quick bite, shower and Im out liek a light, so i don't really suffer with those too much.
  • 13inchestogo
    13inchestogo Posts: 296 Member
    It gets better and better with every success! So every time you successfully tell yourself and follow through by not eating after dinner you gain willpower each time!!

    When I was really bad with that I got an elastic band and snapped it everytime I wanted something after dinner, I don't encourage self harm!!!! Lol, That's just what worked with me sometimes. :P Also LOADS of water !
  • MissyMissy18
    MissyMissy18 Posts: 315 Member
    I've found avocado keeps me feeling full the longet. I've started adding it to my breakfast and lunch, and I haven't had ANY urges to snack during the day! I think it's the perfect combination of fat and fiber :)
  • PlunderBunneh
    PlunderBunneh Posts: 1,705 Member
    Chewing gum, bottle of water, knitting, brushing my teeth. If I'm actually hungry, a greek yogurt hits the sweet tooth just fine.
  • Mindmovesbody
    Mindmovesbody Posts: 399 Member
    Depending on if I can distinguish true boredom or hunger....

    A glass or two wolf water with lemon and a handful of almonds usually does the trick. Sometimes I will have an apple and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. I always drink water with it though!!
  • jumadey
    jumadey Posts: 60 Member
    I drink Peppermint tea
  • jessicae1aine
    jessicae1aine Posts: 885
    I typically have a sugar-free popsicle, or low-fat ice cream, or maybe even a grilled cheese with laughing cow cheese and sandwich thins.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    I just eat if I'm hungry. Last night for instance, I couldn't sleep and was starving at 2am so I finished off a bowl of wild rice fruit salad. Yeah, I would have rather had my son's chocolate pudding but I'm trying to eat healthier. Before, when I was fat, I'd have a bag of popcorn after dinner whether I was actually hungry or not. Habit I guess.
    If I'm really craving something I'll have it, but in moderation, like getting a soft serve ice cream cone and not buying a gallon of it to bring home, or get a small candy bar, etc. If you don't get a 'real' crave fix, you're bound to feel deprived, feel like you're on a DIET and overeat. This is a lifestyle not a diet. Also, if you don't learn how to control portion sizes of 'treats', you wont be able to maintain your weight loss after reaching goal.
    The main thing is to just eat IF you are truly hungry, but try to eat something healthy. If your tummy truly isnt growling as it should with real hunger, try reading, watching tv in bed instead of somewhere closer to food, go for a short walk, drink a tall glass of water, etc. Search the forums on here for info. I'm pretty sure the same question has been asked, at least about how to curb cravings.
    Good luck, you can beat this and still lose weight, if needed, and be healthy.
  • EnergyYesPlease
    EnergyYesPlease Posts: 104
    I break up my meals into 6 segments (breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks). The last snack around 8pm. That helps me get through the night. If I don't have something, I don't sleep well, if at all. I usually have fruit or a bowl of cereal before bed.

    This works for me to. And it helps to keep yourself satisfied before bed because eating throughout the night your body will stash every bit of it since you're not up and about keeping your metabolism going to burn what you just ate. And lots of water helps too!

    Good luck!
  • AmyP619
    AmyP619 Posts: 1,137 Member
    When I get hungry at night I just go to bed :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I eat less during the day and eat at night when I get hungry. Problem solved!
    THIS. I am usually eating at 11pm and night and still staying in calorie limits.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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