I find it very difficult to control food cravings in the evening, does anyone else find this and how have you delt with it?

[Natty2013]

[BrideToBe51213]

Hello,

I had a real problem with this so I changed my routine and delayed the time I sat down to watch TV. I usually went for a walk after dinner or had a long bath, this way I had a chance to let my food settle and assess how full / hungry I was before I had the chance to think about food. I also felt proud of myself if I had been for a walk and I didn't want to undo the work I had done.

When you do go for a snack think about how long it will take to eat, A cuppa soup / hot chocolate will take a while to get through or try frozen chocolate - You will tend to suck it instead of munching and will take longer to get through. If you can make your own popcorn this can also be a good snack. Many people also try nuts that need to be shelled and this will take longer.

Lastly, if its a case of being used to doing something else with you hand or while watching TV then maybe knitting or sewing could work for you?

Good luck

[legs2013 in reply to BrideToBe51213]

I took up Knitting and Cross Stitch, which worked for me..

[Natty2013]

Those are good ideas. I think a lot of the problem is having the TV on and wanting to snack then. I will definitely try doing something else to take up part of the evening without tv and try and take my mind away from food. Thanks

[Hidden]

I paint my nails to stop the munchies!

[Natty2013]

Ha ha that's a good one, I could do a nail per craving!

[Vegetarian51]

Crochet works for me! I've so many requests from the family i don't have time to snack in the evening. Also do a chore just after dinner like sorting out and putting on the washing. By the time you've done this your dinner will have had time to settle and your brain will have time to register the message that you are full. Try also to distract yourself during the ads as they are designed to make you go and pick.Best of luck!

[Sarahd56]

Hi,we'll done on starting a new fitness thing!! I find if I eat meals slowly instead of cramming,I feel full for longer.also if u get the munches in the evening there are lots of healthy snacks you can have.low fat crisps, one bag only!!,chopped up fruit,a bowl of healthy cereal with scimmed milk maybe? My partner has lost 12lbs just by cutting out the rubbish,tho I do allow a treat at night like a cereal bar or there are loads of chocked biscuits low in calories I allow him. Remember this healthy thing shd be for the long run so I think it's important to change what you know you can stick with and modify the rest! Good luck x

[riripsy2014]

keep yourself busy and if you feel cravings do something for 15 minutes ( normally the time craving lasts for) if you really need to eat something have some fruit, and also keep reminding yourself you are doing this to get healthy and look better which in turn will help you feel better about yourself, only you can make sure you reach your goals, good luck x

[BethCr]

When I get a craving I force myself to wait for at least 20 minutes before I give in. However, I pretty much always forget that I wanted to eat something because I've been concentrating on the TV programme by which time 20 minutes has been and gone and I don't want the snack and don't allow myself to eat it.

[Karano]

I have found eating at fixed times (every 2-3hours) has helped me enormously to regulate my system. So over the past 4 weeks I have tried to eat at 8.00am, 10.00am, 1.00pm, 4.00pm and 6.00pm - breakfast, lunch and dinner and two snacks in between, 5 meals in all a day. I've cut down on portions and tend not to eat until I'm full, but just take a small portion of everything and enjoy it fully. In that time, I've had very few food cravings because I know the next meal is not far away, even if it going to be small. I've felt full most of that time, but not bloated as I was for years on end before and now taking a glass of water 1/2 hour before each meal really helps a lot. I've tended to eat a little even when I'm not hungry, but always on time - that was the secret for me: regulation and moderation. I lost 2.8kg in the first four weeks and 2.7kg in the second four weeks. That's about 0.7kg a week. I've got another 3 lots of 4 weeks to go before I get to my ideal weight of 61kg, having started out at 71.6kg, but slow and steady wins the race for me. My energy levels have picked up and I've cut out all eating after my last meal at 6pm, but I drink cinnamon tea at 9pm before going to bed at 10pm. I drink 500ml. of water as soon as I wake up in the morning before going to the bathroom. But I have had a few slip ups, but they have been learning lessons in themselves. I've recorded everything on sheets of paper, but have not counted a single calorie to-date. As my energy picked up, I joined a gym working out slowly 3 days a week and with the help of a book from the library and the internet, I see fair weather ahead. In that time I haven't done any cooking or shopping at all, practically. Maybe that is what I next need to do.

[ciderrsandy]

This is my first time on here, I have this problem, great advise you all giving, going to take this and make use for myself.

[glm1006]

I've started doing word searches lol I keep a wee book next to me and when I'd usually wander and look for food, I do a puzzle, once that's done I've forgotten about wanting something to eat xx