Ever hear the 'fridge call your name at night, even when you're not particularly hungry? Eat at night more from habit than hunger? Find yourself cruising cupboards, drawers, and pantry shelves looking for something crunchy or sweet to pound down? Eaten stuff that you didn't particularly want, just to eat something? Reproached yourself afterwards for being "bad" when you had been "good" all day and resolved not to do it again. And promptly did the same thing the next night? If so, you are definitely not alone!
Nighttime temptations are a common problem for anyone trying to be healthy. It's an even greater problem for those who have a significant weight problem. About 27% of obese Americans manifest what is called Nighttime Eating Syndrome. (See the links below.) It's estimated that 1.5% of all Americans (you do the math) qualify for this diagnosis. Whether this is a syndrome or very unhealthy habit doesn't matter much; it's a real problem for a lot of people. Me, included.
I've been surprised by the intensity of my nighttime cravings. I always did a lot of secret eating at night. Yet my urges were no greater at night than any other time. In the process of losing 150 pounds over the last four years I thought my cravings might disappear. For the most part, as I have learned to eat healthy and exercise, the cravings have diminished or simply gone away. Not at night, though. Along with a sweet tooth that is far more intense than ever in the past, night urges are the most stubborn remaining obstacle in my path. I have some ideas as to why this is so and will write about it in future posts. I'll also explore ways to stop the nighttime eating. For now, check out these links about Night Eating Syndrome. (To be very clear, not everyone who eats at night or struggles with the mindless munchies has an eating disorder! Most do not. Not every human foible is a disease!) In any case, I'd be very curious as to your experiences with this problem!
The evening hours are a very difficult time for anyone trying to eat healthy and/or lose weight. The inhibiting structure and responsibilities of the day are gone. Simply put, you don't have to go out of your way or wait for a break to indulge. You can eat what you want when you want it. Your options are greater. You have a house full of food that you yourself have purchased or had a hand in selecting. Your guard may be down and you may consciously or unconsciously believe that you are "entitled to a little reward" for all your efforts throughout the day. If you have problems with relationships, children, work, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or any of our modern ills, eating may be seen as a quick fix — or at least an easy distraction — for what distresses you.
Nighttime temptations are a common problem for anyone trying to be healthy. It's an even greater problem for those who have a significant weight problem. About 27% of obese Americans manifest what is called Nighttime Eating Syndrome. (See the links below.) It's estimated that 1.5% of all Americans (you do the math) qualify for this diagnosis. Whether this is a syndrome or very unhealthy habit doesn't matter much; it's a real problem for a lot of people. Me, included. I've been surprised by the intensity of my nighttime cravings. I always did a lot of secret eating at night. Yet my urges were no greater at night than any other time. In the process of losing 150 pounds over the last four years I thought my cravings might disappear. For the most part, as I have learned to eat healthy and exercise, the cravings have diminished or simply gone away. Not at night, though. Along with a sweet tooth that is far more intense than ever in the past, night urges are the most stubborn remaining obstacle in my path. I have some ideas as to why this is so and will write about it in future posts. I'll also explore ways to stop the nighttime eating. For now, check out these links about Night Eating Syndrome. (To be very clear, not everyone who eats at night or struggles with the mindless munchies has an eating disorder! Most do not. Not every human foible is a disease!) In any case, I'd be very curious as to your experiences with this problem!
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