Night eating

Hi all!

First of all, some background: I'm 23, 6', around 139 lbs, and moderately active. I have a history of anorexia but have been weight-restored for 5 years.

My problem is that I often get up in the middle of the night and feel compelled to eat. Usually it's just a yogurt or fruit, but last night I woke up 3 times and ate a total of 550 calories worth of SF ice cream! I woke up soooo upset about what happened-- the extra calories brought me to almost 2300 for the day. Any suggestions? I'm really, really angry at myself and I don't know how to make up for what happened.

Thanks!

Two things are going to cause what you describe.   If you're 6' & 139lbs (female?) you're still borderline underweight.... BMI <19   If you're moderately active you need 2100-2400 cals a day to maintain your weight.   If the extra 550 cals of ice-cream got you to 2300.... if you're normally eating 1700-ish a day.... you're undereating.

So because you're a very low weight and you're undereating your body is malnourished and has no energy reserves to draw on.  You'll be waking up in the night because your blood-sugars have dropped too low and your body needs them topped up.  It's basic self-preservation.

Aim from now on to get 2100-2400 cals a day on a regular basis.  Space your meals and snacks out well, keeping a light snack such as toast and a cup of hot chocolate for before bedtime. Choose good quality wholefoods so that your body is well-nourished.  If you can gain 7 -10lbs I also think you'd feel a lot better plus your long-term health prospects would be rosier.

Good luck

It isn't Ambien is it?  When I was a low weight and training/running a lot I "ambien ate". Before I went to sleep like fat free icecream.  I have heard of several people who have ate more while on ambien - not just people with eating disorders.

Thanks! Sorry it took me so long to reply. I've been eating a total of 2000-2100/ day for the last couple of weeks. It's hard and I feel pretty guilty about it. On the plus side, I think I've been getting up less frequently in the night.

I guess part of me is still in the "need a deficit" mindset. Is there any way to break free of this?

I should also add that I've gained 3 lbs just by eating around 2100/day. Is this normal? I feel really bloated and constipated (tmi, sorry!).

In regards to the bloating and what not, are you getting enough fiber in your diet, in addition to drinking enough water? If you have not been keeping track of it, then I highly recommend that you do.

i don't know i always have the i want to eat less feeling also.

and i'm soon to be in maintnence mode myself so i do not know what to expect either.  but i've seen most people say there is an initail gain, so you likely won't gain anymore.

goodluck.