OP here—these are all great suggestions. It’s definitely not legit hunger because it doesn’t go away after eating. It’s like at some point I just stop because I have to but I never actually want to or feel satisfied. And it’s not there in the morning or other times of the day. I also typically eat a bigger dinner. I’m not overweight but as I’ve aged I find these things make a bigger difference in maintaining my weight and how I feel. I used to be able to get away with it but I can’t anymore and it’s so hard to break the habit.

I think the idea of having something well defined and limiting it is key. I just can’t get over how intense my cravings have become in my 40s… more than ever.

I used to equate reading with having a crunchy snack. Very hard habit to break. Now if I have the urge, I make a cup of tea or cut up an apple. Air popped popcorn is also great.

Many times people think they’re hungry when they’re just dehydrated. Drink a talk glass of water and see if that helps before grabbing something high in protein and low in sugar.

Create a new ritual- maybe a cup of decaf tea?

Eat enough during the day and eat a small amount of the food you typically crave, earlier in the day. This is what works.

Don’t buy snacks. Or, only buy snacks for the kids that you don’t like. Sit down with water, and only have that.

Try Intermittent Fasting. Stop eating at 7pm. IF isn't skipping meals, it's just getting your calories in during a specific window so your body burns fat after 12 hours of fasting. I stop eating at 7pm and don't eat again until 10am the next day. I find that I'm not hungry at night (or the morning for that matter), and I end up going to bed earlier which is a bonus. We all need more sleep anyway. Being more rested, you feel better and make better food choices the next day. It's all tied together. Good luck OP!

Anonymous wrote:Take sleeping pills and program yourself to fall asleep sooner in the evening. Your body will shift after about 2 weeks and you won't feel hungry at night anymore. The sleeping pills are just to ease you into the new schedule.

Yes, deprive yourself of your relaxation/alone time at the end of the day - I'm sure you don't receive any benefits from that.

I eat a snack every night. I have regained zero pounds of a 40 pound weight loss after 3 years. Maybe just plan for it instead of beating yourself up over it. Everyone's appetite is different and you are allowed to eat when you're hungry.

I had this to and have pretty much beat it. Give in slightly- hot chocolate or tic tacs if you have a sweet tooth, saltine crackers if you like savory, glass of red wine. I found getting in to a good show or reading a really good book gets your mind off of it.
It WILL get better with time but you will have stronger cravings at certain times of the month.

Take sleeping pills and program yourself to fall asleep sooner in the evening. Your body will shift after about 2 weeks and you won't feel hungry at night anymore. The sleeping pills are just to ease you into the new schedule.

Do you have an overweight or obese BMI? If not, you may just be physically hungry and unable to recognize it.

I had horrible sugar cravings for years. Got some blood work done and found out that I had multiple vitamin deficiencies. After supplementing they went away completely.

Brush and floss your teeth and watch TV in bed.

If you have to give into it give in with air popped popcorn and a tea. Or decaf coffee and a rice Krispy treat (100 calories). Or an apple and a string cheese.

Keep it under 200 calories.

Every night I say I won’t snack and every night I succumb. The second the kids are sleeping and I’m able to rest, it’s like my brain is wired to think relaxing equals a snack. It is such an intense and powerful feeling and I am struggling to push past it. I suspect if u could stop it for even a week, it would diminish significantly.

Anyone else deal with this or something like it? Any strategies that work for pushing past it without losing your mind?

Thanks!