How do I stop eating so much after the kids go to bed?!

[Anonymous]

I know - just stop. Get some willpower. But seriously, I appear to consume at least 50% of my calories between the hours of 8 and 11. And I know that's awful and I need to lose weight. But it's comforting and relaxing and part of my wind down time. Any tips or techniques other than the obvious just stop eating?! TIA.

[Anonymous]

Create other means of winding down. Figure out other things that comfort you.

For me, that was yoga and meditation and making an agreement with myself not to eat anything after 7pm.

[Anonymous]

Don't buy crap and make time to sit down to real meals. Don't starve yourself all day either. And watch the alcohol, because it weakens your resolve to avoid junk.

[Anonymous]

Forgot to say you can eat popcorn and fruit with minimal damage.

[Anonymous]

What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? If you aren't eating enough fat (healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, salmon, seeds, etc) then your body may be trying to get what it needs later be craving food. I would bulk up your breakfast and lunch, I bet you won't be nearly as hungry in the evenings. Also, make sure you are well hydrated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't buy crap and make time to sit down to real meals. Don't starve yourself all day either. And watch the alcohol, because it weakens your resolve to avoid junk.

OP here. I don't buy crap, and I do sit down to real meals. I eat dinner at the table with the kids, then after they go to bed I have more dinner, or healthy snacks that aren't healthy when you eat them in large quantities. I don't drink.

[Anonymous]

Eat as much celery as you want!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? If you aren't eating enough fat (healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, salmon, seeds, etc) then your body may be trying to get what it needs later be craving food. I would bulk up your breakfast and lunch, I bet you won't be nearly as hungry in the evenings. Also, make sure you are well hydrated.

Hm - maybe that's it. I try to be "perfect" for breakfast and lunch and so end up eating really light during the day. And I have stopped drinking much besides coffee and diet coke. Ok so I am seeing an issue...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Create other means of winding down. Figure out other things that comfort you.

For me, that was yoga and meditation and making an agreement with myself not to eat anything after 7pm.

Thanks - good advice. I've never done yoga or meditation but have wanted to try.

[Anonymous]

I do eat dessert rather often, but if I'm not actually hungry, some herbal tea satisfies the urges.

[Anonymous]

I don't let myself go on the first floor after the kids go to bed. The proximity to the kitchen is too much for my willpower - but my laziness will keep me in bed watching TV vs. going "all the way" downstairs for a snack. Lost 5 pounds just from moving TiVo (we're old school, with just the one ) to our bedroom

[Anonymous]

OP you never said what you are eating at night. Big difference between a large bag of chips and veggies with hummus. Just make better choices. I have a cucumber with salt and vinegar, a half of a slice of cheese, some sunflower seeds, and maybe an apple with peanut butter. I love snacking, but I realized that I need a bit of fat for satisfaction, but I do try and eat "good" fats. The cheese is not so great, but I LOVE cheese, so I allow myself to indulge a bit.

[Anonymous]

Brush your teeth immediately after dinner or, chew gum

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you never said what you are eating at night. Big difference between a large bag of chips and veggies with hummus. Just make better choices. I have a cucumber with salt and vinegar, a half of a slice of cheese, some sunflower seeds, and maybe an apple with peanut butter. I love snacking, but I realized that I need a bit of fat for satisfaction, but I do try and eat "good" fats. The cheese is not so great, but I LOVE cheese, so I allow myself to indulge a bit.

It's usually just more of the dinner we've had, usually focusing on the carbs. Or popcorn, or pretzels, or laughing cow cheese, or veggies with hummus. Any of that in a normal quantity I think would be ok, but I have...volume issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you never said what you are eating at night. Big difference between a large bag of chips and veggies with hummus. Just make better choices. I have a cucumber with salt and vinegar, a half of a slice of cheese, some sunflower seeds, and maybe an apple with peanut butter. I love snacking, but I realized that I need a bit of fat for satisfaction, but I do try and eat "good" fats. The cheese is not so great, but I LOVE cheese, so I allow myself to indulge a bit.

It's usually just more of the dinner we've had, usually focusing on the carbs. Or popcorn, or pretzels, or laughing cow cheese, or veggies with hummus. Any of that in a normal quantity I think would be ok, but I have...volume issues.

These don't sound like bad choices at least. I had to stop buying cereal because I will eat half a box late at night if it's around. Kids now have oatmeal, smoothie or eggs for breakfast and they don't expect cereal anymore.