Nighttime Eating - a Follow Up

There's been a lot of interest in my articles on nighttime eating, and many people have written comments about it I thought I'd take a moment to get back to the subject.

I love the suggestions that several of you made:  a hot cup of milk with allspice, salad with vinegar or toast, meditation or Reiki, an appreciation "letter to God."  These all sound possibly good, but each person is different of course (isn't that wonderful?).  I'd like to add that I have found herbal tea, such as chamomile or some fruit tea with cinnamon in it very helpful.

Prepping for the next day, laying out clothes sounds good, and perhaps takes some worries off the mind.

A few people have said they resonated with my suggestion of trying to understand what is underneath the nighttime eating.  Anne talked about exploring "an emptiness" with her therapist, and also of losing her husband and substituting food for "substance abuses."  I say congratulations, Anne, you are really a courageous and caring person.  Sounds like you're on a really fruitful track.  In addition, I encourage you to explore making a new friend or two.  That could really help.  Praying, too, which is something you say you're new to, at least when it comes to help with weight. By all means, keep praying, and loving God in all ways. A place you might find some friends, and spiritual fellowship too is Overeaters Anonymous, or another Twelve Step meeting.  Or, there might be a group at your church (or temple or synagogue) you might find interesting - a study or reading group, or one that prays together.

Iamabetterme wrote asking me about how to "pinpoint" underlying issues.  That can be a vast and potentially complex subject.  It may help to consult with a therapist or counselor.  In the meantime, it might be useful to keep track of dreams.  The symbols in our dreams are sometimes meaningful as to what is underlying our behaviors.  Also, re-read what I wrote originally.  Think about the meaning or symbolism of the foods you're eating at night, what past experiences or meanings are associated with them.  Congratulations to you, and great work.

Becky asked me "what time is best to eat sweets or eat."  She also mentioned that she stopped drinking alcohol.  There are some big clues there.  Please see my recent article on the study that was recently conducted on sugar addiction, it also relates to alcohol (which is mostly sugar.)  I have found in my life that there is no best time, per se, to eat or not eat.  I follow a structured food plan, eat every 2-3 hours, and generally avoid sugar and things with sugar in them.  Sugar was, and sometimes is, a huge problem for me.  I believe it contributed to my former obesity.  Best wishes, Becky, you're on the right track it seems.

Anderson1541 wrote of his/her work in caring for elder parents (one with Alzheimer's disease), and pursuing an MBA, and eating premade meals, but bingeing at night.  Wow!  You've got a lot on your plate, for real.  Sounds like there's also a lot of stress.  I also wonder if the nighttime eating is energy seeking, as I wrote about before.  If I were you, I'd focus on ways to find balance in all aspects of your life and work: eat healthy, fresh food throughout the day, on a structured food plan (I of course think the one in my book is best, but there are many).  Find ways to de-stress, like using your body/exercising, meditation, spending time with friends.  Be sure to get enough rest, and plenty of water.  Also, are you by yourself in caring for your parents or is there a way you could get some help?  Leaving your job sounds also highly stressful - are you making enough income?  You may have way too much on your plate, perhaps.  Just a thought.

I appreciate everyone's comments a lot - please make me happy, help others, and write some more!