Hello I'm new. Can anyone advise me please?

[stilldreaming]

I'm in control most days until late afternoon and then the 'craving monster' takes over. I lose control and just eat. I tend to want extreme flavours: sweet; sour; salty or even alcohol. This happens regardless of what, or how much, I've eaten earlier in the day. I end up feeling defeated and miserable.

[bunblebeaz]

Hi still dreaming,

You don't say whether you're at work or at home during the day, although I'm presuming that you're at home as you mention the taste of alcohol and you give in to your cravings.

The mid-late afternoon cravings I find are the worst for me - work slows down, clock watching and boredom all take their toll. And I've identified that its the boredom making me want to eat. Is that the same for you?

Make sure that you are drinking enough water through out the day because:

- A lot of the time we're not hungry we're thirsty

- Water is a great way to fill yourself up

Some other quick tips:

- If you are at work, take emergency money only and don't spend it

- Make your own food and snacks and take it with you to work

- Find some distraction to help take your mind off wanting to eat, if you're at home this could be a good time to stick an exercise DVD/go for a run/ do some other form of exercise

- Rid your house of all the stodge and bad food you would want to binge on. When shopping don't buy any 'bad' food

- Have a look and see if you can find healthier alternatives to your snack foods and if you really can't resist at least they'll be better for you

- Make a meal plan and stick to it. Take it shopping with you so you only buy what you need.

Finally, we should take small snacks in the day to tide us over. Have a look at your eating pattern and see whether an adjustment of your eating times and what meals you're having could help.

There's lots of information on the NHS choices site, plus some other questions further down about binging and snacking. Have a look at those for some handy tips and advice.

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Hi stilldreaming,

I'd very much agree with bunblebeaz.

I'd just add that alcohol is a double whammy for those on a weight loss journey. Not only is it high in calories in itself but the body prioritises getting rid of the alcohol - which is sees as nutritionless and toxis - and stops burning fat whilst it does that.

The main ways to deal with boredom eating are pretty similar to those for dealing with comfort eating - it's about putting boundaries around the situations. One of the main reasons why I don't this problem is because my lower desk drawer is no longer a storeroom for KitKats, Twix, Belvita and other such snackery.

The only snacks I have at work is a scone from the canteen at about 10 am or fruits that I have taken into work in the afternoon.

You might like to explore other ways of distracting yourself from eating during work lulls.

Good luck.