Can't stop eating!

I struggle with this too. I did hear that if you are craving sweets to lick some cinnamon off of the back of your hand to curb your cravings. It does help.

I've also read if you feel like you're are craving something, wait 15 minutes before you eat it (like, 15 minutes before going in the kitchen and getting out the cookie jar), and see if you still want it. This works for me a lot. During the 15 minutes I'm waiting I'll put away dishes or something- it's a good distraction. Anyway, if you still want it after 15 minutes, just have it. A sensible serving, of course. Having taboo foods makes you crave them more and can lead to a binge. For me, at least!

Also, I drink an energy drink called "Spark" by Advocare. For me, it helps suppress my hunger. It's sugar free and has 21 vitamins and minerals. Plus, it gives me energy. It's seriously like, motivation in a cup! lol

Take fiber in the morning before you eat anything... That is what I do and it helps me to feel full when I eat and not overeat... It also cuts back on the want to snack.

I focus on eating whole foods and combining complex carbs with lean proteins everytime I eat. I stay fuller longer and don't get cravings. I don't keep processed foods in my office and avoid people who offer them. I eat oatmeal with fruit for breakfast. A serving will fill anyone up. I snack on fruits, veggies, lowfat cheeses, etc. throughout the day.
Nights are hard for me to. I try to work out 4 times a week, which helps me to remember that binging is sabotaging my hard work. When I have a sweets craving, which is most of the time, I will have some cherries or (my fave) a pink lady apple with some all natural (no sugar or salt added) pb. It has good fats and tons of protein to keep your belly full while you sleep. Good luck!

Can I tell you something that might sound ridiculous when you're trying to lose weight? But make sure you are eating enough fats, and of course enough protein.
Aim for 1gm of protein per 1lb of lean body weight and this should keep so so full and satisfied. You won't get the sugar spikes and crashes so won't be looking for more energy from anymore. It provides you with long lasting, slow release, steady energy and satiety!

I find that berries are really good for satisfying those cravings. They do have sugar in them, but you do need some sugar during the day. Plus all the other goodness in them makes them amazing. My personal favourite is strawberries but blueberries in particular have a lot of anti oxidants that help with muscle repair and the immune system. Try making smoothies and having them in the fridge. Or try snacking on nuts and seeds. They have a lot of the good fats that you need to get the balance right.

Cravings and hunger are not the same thing. If you crave something, make it the treat in your day. For example if you MUST have some chocolate then have a piece - just don't eat the whole bag or never more than a serving - want a cookie, eat a cookie - ONE. Not ever deviating takes away your life, spontaniaty. But count everything, plan for a treat, and stay within your numbers. I keep my proteins and fiber high so I keep the hunger away, but when I CRAVE chocolate, I have a piece. That keeps me sane and happy. I may not lose 5 pounds a week, but 2 - 3 is plenty for me!

What helps me is to keep my fiber count high - whole grains, pulses, keeping processed carbs at a minimum, etc. The better I do with that, the fewer cravings I get later on. Eggs also keep me feeling full for a long time.

I can identify with the going out problem though, mainly when it comes to alcohol. Those calories count, but when you're out on the town, you never know exactly how many you'll have. There are also times when you just want to have fun and not be planning things.

bump

Protine is the big thing as everybody has said but I just want to add that I have found that non-animal protine keeps me feeling fuller for longer. If I have eggs in the morning instead of my trusty whole grain toast with natural peanutbutter and a cup of almond milk (I steam it and add a teeny bit of non-dairy creamer for flavor), then I feel so much hungrier by lunch time. Same thing at lunch, if I have a tuna sandwitch instead of bean soup or bean and vegi tostatas then my belly is talking loud before my afternoon snack time. I tend to have animal protine for dinner and keep busy until bedtime. If I really want something to eat after that, I try to either pick something that will fuel my body or have just a small amount of something. Lastnight I really wanted chocolate so I ate about 8 of those mini m&m's. I try to savor my treats and just kind of getting the taste in my mouth really helps. The final big player on my anti-snacking squad is salad. I have a small arsenal of dressings (mostly low cal) so that I have options and then eat a salad (about 2 cups of romaine, green leaf, red leaf and spinich with a bit of carrot and/or a couple cherry or pear tomatos) before lunch and dinner. If I try to just have a salad with a hard boiled egg or some grilled chicken I a) don't feel full for very long and b) get burned out on it pretty fast. I have found that this way it's just part of my meal and I don't dwell on it. Good luck!