I keep getting the munchies everynite and end up eating loads of chocolates, cakes & crisps!?

Question

The next day i feel so bad and vow not to do it again but then i do, i have no energy, how can i stop the temptation! I am slim but am worried i will put on weight. I need words of wisdom to encourage me to ditch the chocolate!

Answer 1

Don't buy chocolates, cakes and crisps. If you don't have any around the house, then you can't have it when you fancy it.

If you can be bothered to go out to purchase the above when you actually have the craving, then you might as well spend the energy preparing something to eat that is better for you. Make a fruit salad or some beans on toast.

If only cakes crisps and chocolates will do - even if it means going out in the pouring rain and driving a few miles to the nearest convenience store that's still open in the middle of the night, then you have a problem - I'd call that an addiction and you need professional help.

I currently feed my munchies with Honey Nut Shredded Wheat (straight out of the box, no milk). It's a sweet treat, it's neat finger food (like crisps), no prepration required and you can enjoy it in front of the telly. You won't eat loads and loads because it fills you up. Even if you do end up eating loads, it is much better for you than crisps, chocolate and cake!

Mini chocolate chip/banana weetabix are good for this purpose as well.

You sound like you know what is good and bad for you. So at the end of the day, you've just got to decide for yourself whether to give in to your cravings or not.

If you've got to eat because your body says "feed me", it doesn't have to be unhealthy food.

If you've got to eat because your MIND says "feed me", then you've got to train yourself to understand why you are comfort eating, and how to take your mind off it.

Answer 2

I used to have this as well. I have a wheat intolerance and have been reading a book to give me some insight in how to deal with it and have lost 5lbs in the first week of giving it up! Whilst I am not saying give up wheat the book itself gives insight into diet as a whole and that Glycemic index has fast, moderate and slow releasing foods. All the stuff you ate is fast releasing and only gives your body a boost for a short while. Whereas if you had the slow releasing ones during the day you would feel more full in the evening not feeling the need to snack. Often we think we are hungry when in fact we may be dehydrated - so drink more water if you can. I hate plain water myself it but have it with cordial to ease the pain!

Answer 3

That sort of food only gives you a sugar rush, so energy levels are likely to drop down soon again. Try to have a bowl of porridge if you are hungry or snack on some cereal, anything with complex carbohydrates will do too as they are broken down slowly and release energy slowly. Although may not be the best thing before going to bed so better during the day!

Answer 4

You need to seriously start ditching them now before it becomes a habit with consequences that are tough to reverse. I have the same problem with munching at night. I've tried making popcorn now because it's low in calories and satisfies my need to chew on something. One of the reasons why you don't have energy is because of the chocolate and crisps. It gives a temporary energy boost but it's a sugar-based energy instead of complex carbs. Apples may not taste as good as a kit-kat, but you'd got to try to reprogram your brain about what tastes "good."

Answer 5

I think it's one of 3 things

1. dehydration
2. not enough sleep
3. diet

These are the 3 main factors why we get hungry late in the evenings. Make sure you have a balanced diet and drink plenty of water and it should get better. The body often sends us signals that we are hungry when we are dehydrated as foods contain fluids, and the same goes for being tired, your body will tell you it needs more energy stores to keep you going.

Answer 6

Been There ! Sounds like you are bored and eatng will fill the time. First, get rid of all the snacks and crap in the house. Buy fruit and crunchy vegetables. Then find something to do that will keep your mind active, TV or reading IS NOT THE ANSWER. Take my word for it...stop now or you will regret it later..Nothing but problems.

Answer 7

Boring stuff but don't buy these munchie foods. You'll be climbing up the wall for a few days..but the craving will go.

Buy crackers, LF cottage cheese, chop up a juicy apple a few raisins and snack...yum. drink water early on in the evening or you'll be on and off the loo all night.

Answer 8

Try munching on things like carrot strips and houmus or celery or fruit. It really is an aquired taste but once you get into it you will be just as passionate about fresh clean healthy food as you were about the junk. And guess what its guilt free! In fact you feel even better the more you eat,

Answer 9

I am the same it kind of fills a hole in my tum in the middle of the night, well i would say that you should ditch the guilt and enjoy the choc cos life is too short and u obviously enjoy it like me and it helps u to sleep too. I have switched to low fat choc bars and limited to 3 little biccies, that's a good way i think. My niece is the same and we recently found out that we both hide the choc wrappers to reduce the guilt he he he - yeah try and have a limit.

Answer 10

Instead of eating something sweet try eating something salty or hot. Seems like you are addicted to the dopamine release when you reward yourself with something good to eat. I like pickles when I get 'taste' cravings. Pickled Jalapeno peppers are awesome. For sweets I eat Edy's rainbow sherbert, it's very low fat.

The key is not to keep going after you have had a bit. Once you get a hang of the 'stopping' mechanism, it will become second nature.