How to curb those late night cravings?

[EGGO]

I try to eat as often as possible (every 2-3 hours). The diet tends to try and keep bread/yogurt and whatever carbs for postworkout. I also tend to buy from just Whole Foods and farmer's markets. For snacks I either go for protein or my favorite snack, baby carrots.

But when it gets past 10, I do get cravings for something, almost anything. It may even just be hunger. What do you do? Give in and feel guilty? Hold out until the next day?

I'm trying to get enough control to hold out until the next day.

 

[Maleficus]

I try to eat healthy, most of the time I succeed, some days I fail, it's like all things man.

Just earlier I had a handful of cheetos , 1 step at a time man.

I realize I didn't really answer your question, I just try to substitute something healthy and eat it

 

[EvilYoda]

heh, I love not being on a diet...yay for good genetics. Granted, I'd cut those last 5-7 pounds in the blink of an eye if I really watched what I ate.

But then I wouldn't have had a cheeseburger and fries for my drunken munchies tonight

 

[DainBramaged]

Dude, I feel the same way. The best thing to do is to either go to bed or just have the willpower to say "no." I've done both before.

 

[SludgeFactory]

If you've already used all your calories for the day, I guess you hold out.

If not, you want a slow digesting snack with minimal calories to get your stomach to quit growling long enough to fall asleep. Protein and fiber are your friends. A 150-200 calorie combo of fat free cottage cheese and a high fiber cereal/supplement works.

 

[TitanDiddly]

Willpower. It's been working for me. I don't think there's any magic bullet.

 

[GenHoth]

I'm working on my 5th beer of the evening, its 5:45 in the morning

 

[BlackTigers]

Sugar-free gum works fine for me. I'm chewing on something, it takes my mind off whatever I'm craving.

 

[I Saw OJ]

Originally posted by: TitanDiddly
Willpower. It's been working for me. I don't think there's any magic bullet.

Think again!

Magic Bullet

 

[SVT Cobra]

Keep drinking a lot of water, and plain popped popcorn if you really must.

 

[HannibalX]

Water, lots of water. I have found most of the time when I think I am hungry I am actually just thirsty. Two glasses of water takes care of my "hunger".

 

[jman19]

If you have to eat something, make it healthy. I've been trying to combat late night hunger with more water and occasionally a piece of fruit.

 

[OpenThirdEye]

It's been said numerous times that you shouldn't go to bed hungry as it promotes overeating the next day or so. Most will suggest that you have a little something to eat about an hour before bedtime. Make sure it's something that has some fiber, good carbs, and a little protein.

The following are some good examples:

- Light yogurt with a handful of granola
- 1/2 bowl of cereal (w/ milk)
- Banana with peanut butter
- 1/2 protien bar (depending on the bar...you could a full one)

I hope this helps!

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: OpenThirdEye
It's been said numerous times that you shouldn't go to bed hungry as it promotes overeating the next day or so. Most will suggest that you have a little something to eat about an hour before bedtime. Make sure it's something that has some fiber, good carbs, and a little protein.

The following are some good examples:

- Light yogurt with a handful of granola
- 1/2 bowl of cereal (w/ milk)
- Banana with peanut butter
- 1/2 protien bar (depending on the bar...you could a full one)

I hope this helps!

It doesn't necessarily promote overeating, but it certainly isn't good to go to bed hungry and catabolize muscle while your sleeping. I'd recommend a slow digesting protein shake with a low amount of carbs before bed

 

[purbeast0]

try drinking a tall glass of water and chug it if you can. thats what I did when I was cutting up and would get those late night cravings.

i also had a variety of protein flavors at that time so that I could change the flavors up for my late night protein shake to help with some of the sweet cravings I would get.

 

[OpenThirdEye]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: OpenThirdEye
It's been said numerous times that you shouldn't go to bed hungry as it promotes overeating the next day or so. Most will suggest that you have a little something to eat about an hour before bedtime. Make sure it's something that has some fiber, good carbs, and a little protein.

The following are some good examples:

- Light yogurt with a handful of granola
- 1/2 bowl of cereal (w/ milk)
- Banana with peanut butter
- 1/2 protien bar (depending on the bar...you could a full one)

I hope this helps!

It doesn't necessarily promote overeating, but it certainly isn't good to go to bed hungry and catabolize muscle while your sleeping. I'd recommend a slow digesting protein shake with a low amount of carbs before bed

Very valid points as well. Finding a good casein (sp?) protein will be a big helper if you're lifting as well!

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Keep drinking a lot of water, and plain popped popcorn if you really must.

This also helps you wake up on time since you have to pee as soon as you get up.

 

[thespeakerbox]

Try some slow digesting protein at night. Something with casein. Peanut Butter and Cottage Cheese are both great at night.

 

[Qacer]

Originally posted by: Pale Rider
Water, lots of water. I have found most of the time when I think I am hungry I am actually just thirsty. Two glasses of water takes care of my "hunger".

I would agree. The announcement at the gym that I go to always mentions drinking a lot of water. They state that water curbs your appetite. I've tried it before and it seems to work. The problem is that you'll probably wake up more often in the middle of the night to pee.

 

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Keep drinking a lot of water, and plain popped popcorn if you really must.

I'd also throw out the idea of celery or spinach. Like a whole cup of spinach is what...20 calories? Celery is basically nothing.

 

[TallBill]

Eat a steak!