Night Binge

Anyone else here have problems binging at night? Or anyone who is fighting this and winning? Lets see... Ended my day with about 1400 cal... if only it were the end of the day

8 grahm crackers

Bowl of cereal

ice cream

many many nuts.. that was lastnights.. very typical

You know, im just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  Im not stupid, i get that this problem is bigger then what i can fix on my own. But i havent got the money or insurance to get the help i need. Frustrated, exhausted.. I feel defeated.

I have problems with night binging too. Some nights its terrible but others I feel more in control. Last night for example, I felt the urge to binge. I still had about 100 calories left for the day. So I carefully thought about what I wanted that would satisfy me. I had a graham cracker sheet, sat there, then had a piece of chocolate. I really wanted ice cream too, but I forced myself to stay on the couch and think if I REALLY needed the ice cream. I distracted myself with some tv and then forced myself up the stairs to go to bed. It worked and I overcame the urge.

I know its hard to think rationally during that feeling of wanting to binge, but if you just hold up and really force yourself to think about it, you will realize you dont want all that stuff because you will feel like crap in the morning. Try having just one of the snacks you want to start. Don't know if this will help at all, but it is starting to help me get a hold of myself at night. Good luck!

Alright I feel your pain.

This is the thing that I had the most trouble with over my first few months.  I can tell you what worked for me.

-Eating 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones.  I am usually up for 16 hours a day, so that means eating about every 3 hours or so while I am up.  It also means you are eating your meals later into the evening.

-If I can't fight the urge, or get off my schedule, I make sure and drink a whole entire glass of water (quick, all at once).  Most of the time I still don't have the urge to eat after I drink the water because my stomach is all filled up.

-Another thing I do if I cannot fight the urge is I get up and go for a walk.  Most of the time when I walk my mind just wanders and I forget about wanting to snack.  Plus, the walk will burn calories that will help in the event that you can't avoid the snack . . .

-Finally, if I really can't avoid eating, I try and eat something low calorie.  If ice cream is a weakness try finding Health Choice Fudge Bars (80 calories for a pretty big pop).  Keep 100 calorie packs around.  That way when you reach for a snack it's not as big of a hit on your calorie count. 

Don't get me wrong, I have moments just like you had last night.  It's unavoidable.  The thing is that I stick to this plan and most of the time it works to distract me.  A few times a month though, I eat 2 fudge bars and 2 100 calorie packs and well, we just have to live with it.

Try not to get down on yourself about the binging.  Look on the positive side in that you are trying to find a way to correct it and not giving up!  If you stay strong, you can do this - and if you need anyone to talk to send me a message.

I was just thinking about eating smaller, but more meals. Came back over to the computer to work on the math and bam, seen your post rocconess. Also about the walks great idea, cant eally walk during the day here<florida> so evening walks are a great idea.

I'm not very busy at work and I also sit all day at an office job, so I am really dilligent about logging my calories and planning my meals/snacks.  I eat to fuel my body, so I don't get sluggish sitting here all day.  I also drink a lot of green and herbal hot tea.  Really keeps me full and awake.  Anyways, when I get home, I eat my nice healthy dinner and then all I want to do is eat everything in sight.  So, I blow it frequently.  I don't keep any food/snacks in the house that will really sabotage my weight loss efforts, but I'll eat 3 apples or 3 cups of soup or 2 sweet potatoes with a ton of ketchup.  Anything salty or sweet is my weakness.  I find if I have an alcoholic drink at night, it triggers the bingeing even more.  Basically, when we do this, we are filling a void emotionally because trust me, I'm definitely not eating all that food because I'm hungry.  Sounds bad, but if you're gonna binge, try to binge on fruits and veggies.  Candy and fast food burgers are the WORST offenders!  Also, go on a walk, it really helps to get out of the house and your mind off the food there.

I completely understand!  My nutrition is excellent and I can stay within my calorie range without too much effort until after dinner.  I cant explain what goes on in my head but I just keep picking and picking and picking....it doesnt really matter what it is.  I can easily go through half a box of cheese crackers...too many p/b and ritz....walnuts....u name it.   I dont understand how some people can eat dinner and have that be the end of eating for the day.  I know its my way of self soothing but the urge is so hard to resist.  What makes it worse for me is that I quit smoking 2 years ago...this was a HUGE BIG deal but I did it....so why cant I stay out of the kitchen after 8pm?  The night time eating i my "mountain" that I must move.

Thats a good idea about the tea and I have meant to get some veggies and dip so at least Im not binging on high calorie stuff.  Just know that you are not alone and many people share the same struggle.

try eating dinner later ...that worked for me

and tea and sugar free chewing gum are my saviors!

ok, so tonight it looks liek my cal wil be around 1600, which is only 100 over my eating plan!  But still i went over because of needing to feel "full". I will keep working on it. The tea sound sliek a great idea. So today ive dont 6 meals, also i drank a large glass of water with all 6.  I went over wih some chicken, decided if i was still hungry i should eat more protien since it helps me feel fuller longer.

Thank you for all youre ideas.. tonight really feels much better then lastnight.. i think the 6 meals a day is going to really help.. also got some multi vits..

hagn, thank you again.. if anyone needs a buddy, just add me, or im me