What are some ways to quit eating at night before bed?

Hello CatherineM

Thank you for writing!

Many people struggle with night-time eating when cravings occur for either sweet or savory and often include carbs. This is how many gain weight. The body's job during sleep is to repair then rest. When it's busy digesting foods, especially unhealthy ones, it does neither of these tasks very well. So night eaters often wake up feeling unwell. Therefore avoiding food for several hours before sleep is a good idea.

Drink plenty of water - add fruit for flavor and to ease sweet cravings. Don't eat after 7pm but have your last taste be a sweet one, whether a healthy yogurt or fresh fruit. This can help ease cravings.

Remind yourself of how your late-night eating makes you feel. A lot of this comes down to will power. Be strong. Distract yourself with a good book and get to bed earlier than normal. A habit is formed in about 14-21 days and we humans are creatures of habit. Doing this for a couple of weeks will make this way of lief normal. Remind yourself that you can eat again in the morning.

It's good to simply say "no" to these craving but there are no magic solutions. It isn't easy but nothing worthwhile generally is.

Best,
Susan