College eater!

I am in college, and I live with 5 roommates. I am not overweight,  but I definitely have an overeating problem. I love to eat, and I always want more! The girls I live with are all very thin, so they basically eat whatever they want. This is hard for me because I will do great all day, then when I come home they are eating things that tempt me, and I usually give in. Also, I study late at night (until around 1:30 am) and I always snack late which I heard puts on the pounds faster... help! any suggestions??

Keep healthy snacks on hand, so you wont be tempted to chow down on unhealthy stuff.  The most realistic thing is to probably have healthy versions of what your roomates are munching on, (Its hard to eat carrots when your roomates are eating chips) maybe baked potato chips, rice crisps, 100 calorie microwave popcorn is awesome.

If you can maybe try apples for late night snacks or low calorie cereal (Plain corn flakes or rice krispies are good and economical as well if you do the store brands).

Do you have a fridge? Maybe keep some yogurts or string cheese in there as well.

Late night eating is hard in college, I know I used to eat tons of junk past midnight, maybe try to plan in advance what your going to snack on that night if you do want a late night snack.

Good luck with everything , I know its hard to eat well in the college enviroment!

thanks! Planning in advance is totally a good idea! I will definitely try that.

I am in the exact same situation!!! and it gets even harder when I'm stressed or short on time and they all go to McDonald's or somewhere else for fast food.  I'm trying to get back on the wagon again after spring break and I TOTALLY agree with the planning ahead thing.  I think the key is finding healthy alternatives... when they go out to McDonalds, or if I'm rushed and need fast food I get a Subway 6" and a bag of the light chips, or if they're going out for ice cream I go for the no sugar added fro-yo or whatever that is.  Easier said than done, I know, but I'm trying to do better.

Also, maybe let them know what your intentions are.  If my roomies know what I'm doing (I wrote my goal to lose 15lbs on the shower wall with a shower crayon to motivate me!) they won't invite me on their latenight fast food runs/go somewhere where I can get something healthy, or if they see me making a bad choice they'll remind me (very politely!) what I SHOULD be doing.  Sometimes it helps to have someone to snap you back into line if you get a little side tracked.  

Hope this helps and keep in touch! 

I have the same problem.....a combo of less exercising and more eating has put 10 lbs on my this past year.  I need to lose it asap!

Try hiding your food...its silly but it works

Good luck!

I eat all my treats in the AM so it's easier for me to 1) control portions, 2) avoid temptation later in the evening. Try that? Eat something decadent for your breakfast/morning snack so you don't feel like you're dieting all day. When you get home for the evening, you'll be able to resist the treats much better. And of course, keep counting your calories.

Personal example: today I knew I was going to have lunch with my colleagues at a very tempting buffet. In the past I would have skipped breakfast in preparation/fear, but then gone to the buffet and caved in at the free cheesecake, parfaits, ice cream, and petit fours. Now I know better. Today I made sure to eat a breakfast I really liked, and then to have a small ration of treats before lunch (2 Girl Scout cookies and a small handful of M&M's and Reese's Pieces). I easily ignored the desserts at lunch and managed to eat a very light lunch amidst all the unhealthy choices.

I also find this to be incredibly helpful:

http://www.bulimiahelp.org/tools/binge-bustin g/halt-taking-first-bite