Evening munchies

[Ruby1973]

My first day today and I’ve been calorie counting so I can certainly see that I used to be well over everyday which is why I gained the weight. Happy with the meals I’ve had and cut out the snacking in the day and drank more water. I find evenings are my downfall though. I do have some calories left but I know once I start I won’t stop, any advice please

[Sewneat]

Evenings can be difficult. I have avoided alcohol because I reckon it lowers my resolve to be sensible and makes me want to eat. Low calorie tonic water works well for me as it has a good flavour and it makes me feel I’ve got something interesting.

I daren't buy stuff like chocolate or biscuits because I find the control I should have just evaporates.

Try keeping good nibbles available eg carrots, cucumber, strawberries and other fruits so you can tell yourself that you ARE allowed to eat something.

Good luck. Keep going and focus on your ultimate goal.

[Toones]

My 1st day too & I find snacking at night so hard to avoid. I have 1 bad day then think I’ve blown it, so carry on until 1 bad day becomes a week! 🙈 Sick & tired of yo-yo ing up & down. Want to stop wasting time & get on with it. We can do it! Good luck 🙌

[Diane2]

Hi Ruby I wonder if you are eating enough of good foods that make you feel full ? Have a look at some menu ideas on here via Daily Diary page(& join in,share ideas,great way to progress) and Lyrhams Larder both found in our Pinned Posts section..

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

And this might also give you food for "thought" and action too! All best

fatismyfriend.co.uk/

[Subtle_badger]

Maybe try to change your way of thinking so you start fasting overnight, the way our ancestors did. Have your dinner, make sure it fills you up, then clean your teeth, or have a of mint tea or something else that tells your mind you are done. Then start the clock. Don't eat again for another 12 hours until breakfast. It's not that hard, you'll be asleep for more than half the time. It's really good for you; it let's your insulin levels drop. You can have black, unsweetened tea and coffee, and water, but nothing else. Anything else will cause an insulin release and limit the benefits of the fast. I find it easier to not snack at all, than to keep it controlled.

You will get used to it. I think most snacking in the evening is a habit, so break it or replace it with a different one. If you are watching TV, maybe take up a craft like knitting to keep your hands occupied.

If you do find yourself going to bed hungry, then the next night, eat a little more at dinner. Make sure you include some healthy fats, as that makes you feel full for longer.

[Ruby1973 in reply to Subtle_badger]

I think you are right that I’m just in a habit and I do tend to do it while watching tv. I will try the fasting from dinner time til morning

[Maxineis]

Hi. In the evenings is it a sweet or savoury craving?

[Ruby1973 in reply to Maxineis]

Sweet and usually my willpower is lower if I’ve had wine. I am also on the drink less forum and going to limit that to assist with my weight loss too

[Maxineis in reply to Ruby1973]

Yep... booze and cravings. I stopped alcohol 20 days ago. First weekend was the hardest. Feeling so much better for it and no evening cravings

[Ruby1973 in reply to Maxineis]

I did dry January to raise money for cancer research so I know I can go without it when I want to 😀 I might limit myself to fri & sat though this time.

[Maxineis in reply to Ruby1973]

Excellent idea... then it becomes a treat and something to look forward to.

[Fircones Healthy BMI]

Try to create new habits but if you are at the start of weight loss be a bit kind to yourself as new habits take time. My top tip is don't go to bed too late and mad as it may sound I drank and still drink the occasional hot cordial in the evenings. I found this stopped the glass of wine habit. I didn't want coffee in the evening and I don't drink tea. When mixed with boiling water a very small amount of cordial is needed and there are some interesting flavours around, it just makes a drink a bit special when you don't want water or the calories of wine. I found the start of weight loss the toughest time and sometimes I just went to bed early! Two years on and four and a half stone down I have maintained my weight loss and changed habits, but I still find that if I drink wine I am more likely to want sweet things later. Good luck.

[Ruby1973 in reply to Fircones]

Thanks for the advice. I’m hoping by limiting my wine to a couple of nights might also help as at the moment every day seems like a weekend (though I am working from home).

[May38 in reply to Ruby1973]

I am trying do only have couple of drinks a night because I think that’s not helping me with my weight loss but in these strange time find it relaxing and being home all day does not help

[Fircones Healthy BMI]

Great idea. I found weighing only on Sunday morning helps cut the Friday/Saturday night over indulgence. Focus only on the total amount of weight you lose and record that total weight loss - don't worry about how much you lose from one week to the next. Every bit counts. NHS weight checker is brilliant for setting a goal. And yes, with one day similar to the next - it's tricky - be kind to yourself but being mindful about food may help.

[MMP1]

I tend to eat my evening meal later, then I wont snack afterwards. I still have my treat day, counting the calories until the evening then having my chocolate. I count calories using an app and walk a lot. If I keep myself busy, I eat less.

[Subtle_badger]

How are you getting on, Ruby1973

[Ruby1973 in reply to Subtle_badger]

Having a few blips but I am definitely cutting my calories from what I had before. Will soon see when I do my Saturday weigh in 😀