Therapist Explains Why You Can't Stop Eating in the Evenings

[@snowy1634]

Just looking at your reasons, and I think you are totally on the wrong track. A few months ago I switched to about a 95% whole food diet with almost no sugar. I eat less during the day because I am satiated, and after dinner, I am never tempted to eat at all. The solution to this can all be summed up not when you eat or how much, but what kinds of food you are eating. Try talking about that. You are leading your viewers down the wrong path.

[@TheBingeEatingTherapist]

From your personal experience I can completely appreciate how it may look like I am barking up the wrong tree. The trouble is with advice such as ‘eat a 95% whole food diet’ is that it is akin to telling an anorexic ‘why don’t you just eat more?’ The behavioural advice may be sound but it doesn’t address the ‘how’. You may be someone who can decide to change your diet and just do it, but the majority of people I work with have a very complex psychological and emotional relationship with food. Most of whom know what a ‘healthy’ diet looks like. That doesn’t mean the implementation of this is as straightforward. My work is about trying to help people become mentally and emotionally healthy around food so that they feel free to make their own choices. I am not a dietician, I am a psychotherapist so I work with people’s mental health. Better mental health = better choices. To say I am on the wrong track because it doesn’t match your own experience negates the complexity and differences in others’ experience. It’s ok if my approach is not relevant to you, but I don’t think it’s fair to assume that’s the case for everyone. With all that said, I’m genuinely glad you’ve found a way to eat that is working for you 🙂 All I want is for people to find what works for them

[@Knightly7611]

Greatb response! Thanks

[@rainbowfox1934]

This is one of those many occasions when you are both right. Great video from someone who has studied this issue.@@TheBingeEatingTherapist

[@zxyatiywariii8]

People are different. It took me lots of experimentation to go from being clinically obese, to being a healthy BMI and maintaining it; because different things work for different people.✌🏽🙂

[@zc1312]

Amazing that you can afford to eat a whole food diet and have cut out so much sugar! Especially since sugar is in SO many products (at least in the US). The cost, accessibility, and preserving fresh food are the obvious components for accessing whole foods. There is also the emotional affordability in making choices around what food to actually eat. I think it takes something like a supportive + safe enough environment and feeling somewhat optimistic about the future to take on the temporary discomfort in an effort to change habits and patterns. I can confidently say that those are wonderful components to have in life but its is not something granted to everyone. At the end of the day, what each person goes through, even if identical on paper, will not be the same in experience and perspective… but it seems like you succeeded in getting the exact result you wanted and thats fantastic for you 🎉

[@bonnacon1610]

No. 4 is revelatory if you live alone - even if you’re not objectively “lonely” all the time, there can be slivers of loneliness and evening can be a trigger. Without food to accompany you, particularly in autumn/winter when it’s dark outside, the Void opens up before you. So in that moment, and possibly beyond it, it’s all about loneliness: food as a friend, food as a partner.

[@TheBingeEatingTherapist]

Yes! Very much relate 💯

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

This is me

[@theresajones8367]

I agree with you

[@tuchus8781]

Yep

[@anniewhelan3811]

Me too.

[@Yolduranduran]

Evenings are difficult and sad somehow. Mornings are hopeful.

[@TheBingeEatingTherapist]

Oof! I related to that. Morning Sarah felt like a completely different person to evening Sarah.

[@wordswordswords8203]

I feel like shit all day long.

[@klevykids]

Wow, I feel exactly like that. I feel like 2 different people in the morning and in the evening...

[@klevykids]

​@@TheBingeEatingTherapistI wrote my comment and then read yours...shockingly similar

[@mrssclarkie5474]

What a perfect explanation 🥺

[@juliaannepark]

I just loose control and prowl around my kitchen looking for something nice to eat. Each morning I say to myself, why did you do that last night???? Then I repeat the compulsive eating again. 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@tiffanyj3245]

Omg. Me too. I even get up in the middle of the night to eat. I always feel so bad about myself in the morning. Even If I eat early in the day then I’m just grazing the rest of the day and nothing fills me up/satisfies me. 😔

[@thisnthat42]

@@tiffanyj3245Are you eating the right combinations of food? We need some carbs and some protein to feel full.

[@KateV769]

Same

[@bramble2020]

Reasons why binge at night, before or after dinner... 1. Not eaten enough during the day 2. Decision fatigue - have food available 3. Using food as a reward - use alternative reward 4. Transitioning - switching from one thing to another - be aware and so avoid temptation 5. Habitual pattern - look at how to change your habit (research it).

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Thanks for the summary

[@blazee3895]

Thank you❤

[@adaharrisonn]

I don't see how "having food available" isn't just the exact same thing that caused your decision fatigue but ahead of time. It's so much work.

[@dela2612]

If you prepare healthy foods to be there for you when you have decision fatigue, you're less likely to just grab anything in front of you ​@@adaharrisonn

[@valv4008]

@@adaharrisonn I feel it is planning to not slip into unhealthy eating, by having something that’s a better choice available ahead of time that is more positive to eat than something you may regret binging on! To me it’s very good advice , but we all can read these things differently, however it’s still good to be aware of!

[@evelynfidler6285]

I eat less during the day because i want to enjoy my food when i am relaxed and not busy. Hence the binging at night

[@MsMtwardy]

Same here

[@shiNIN42]

I had a time when I only could go home to cook at 10pm... My main meal was that meal then, in piece... Glorious if I just could stay awake :D There was no binge eating, just eating (a lot but I needed it), I was hungry! Wasn't ideal - but the best I could do at that time.

[@mooshie2272]

Same

[@Jane_Friday]

Biggest mistake. I have a very stressful job, I can relate, jet I eat a full meal, plus a snack later like banane and a protein bar at work. The overeating at home is no longer a problem.

[@andycap8469]

So true!!

[@elle4560]

This might sound silly but once I've decided 'enough eating for the evening', I say a phrase, like a mantra almost, and it's 'closing shop!', and I'll turn the lights off in the kitchen and that's it, no more entering the kitchen. It usually helps me stop eating after that 🤗 Great advice you gave in your video. Thank you ❤

[@paulamoors]

I kind of do that. Okay kitchen is closed! Period!

[@jessarain9917]

I like this. Thank you so much!

[@dawnwoods8196]

I love that idea! I struggle with this because I have to go through my kitchen to use the bathroom. We only have 1 bathroom in the house! So if I wake up in the night I try to leave the lights off..less visual cues.

[@wendywalters784]

I'm trying this, maybe it's bringing awareness to the fact, you're done! No more eating! Thank you for sharing this.

[@tarajohns7430]

This is a very useful tip. Thank you!

[@willowraine5514]

No idea why, but brushing my teeth right after dinner stops the urge to snack.

[@kristengomerimhof4633]

I’m so tired of people suggesting this….it doesn’t work for me or the majority of people I know who have this issues of eating at night

[@jennymulhall816]

I’m going to try this, I’m desperate! Thank you! ❤

[@Isla_Dawa]

It’s just psychology.

[@gas-lyghtchristianson-ashl5041]

@@kristengomerimhof4633but if it works for some people than why not suggest it? It’s healthy and realistic.

[@sunnyGreece2022]

Because after you eat again you need to brush your teeth and most of them the time you lazy to go through this process again

[@kimberlyj4538]

YES!! #4 Is transitioning from a day of decisions and people and responsibilities. Binging at bedtime is pleasant bc I'm alone, food is a joy. I leave my husband and dog and binge. I feel so happy.

[@ketoqueenyo2431]

Loneliness and habit. Mainly loneliness at night. I hate it. Don’t even enjoy what I’m shoveling into my gob.

[@Medietos]

Oh, how I feel with you! And you express yourself so well. Overeaters Anonymous hs helped me and many , many others. have you heard about it? It is said to be very, very good in America, if that is where you are. I should like a sponsor (free guide through the 12 steps work) from USA. Thanks for your honest, open share. I have prayed for your well-being.

[@rachelcoleman4693]

I have the same problem.

[@cathwalsh9921]

That’s really sad 🩷

[@carriered4715]

Same Here. It makes me feel Really ashamed too, and even though I'm in my 60's, all the sweet things I end up eating, make my skin break out in spots and pimples. Which makes me feel even worse. 😢

[@WiseMindNutrition]

Love this tangible concept of eating more than 40% of the days food prior to 3PM!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

actually should be more like 90 percent of the food before 3pm.

[@elaineforan4751]

When she said it first I thought , ^of course I eat enough^. When she said 40% before 3pm, I thought, ^oh no!^. Really interesting insight.

[@margaretmcgill526]

Since retiring, I have moved my main meal of the day to 11 or 12 in the morning. I've been stunned how much this reduces my hunger in the evening. I can have a couple of scrambled eggs or even just a banana at dinner time with a cup of coffee and I'm fine. My mother, who lived to 95, never ate between meals. So she had a 12 hour fast every day. I believe this helped her longevity. She had no heart disease, no cancer, and no diabetes.

[@myriammadigan9966]

There's an old saying, eat like a king in the morning, like a prince in the afternoon and a pauper at night. It makes great sense.

[@celticlass8573]

My binge-eating was never on "meal foods" always on "snack foods", which can include everything from chips to chocolate to crackers and cheese to something like banana bread. I think there's many layers to why this is, but one of them definitely is that those types of foods subconsciously to me, mean that everything is OK, I have enough to eat, I'm safe, and happy, because growing up, the only time I would get those things, was when my basic needs were met. So it transitioned after I grew up, into the habit of, "I want to feel safe/happy/everything is great, so let's scarf some junk and binge-watch". Even as I typed that, it felt like it would be amazing to do, and I want to do it!

[@daisy8297]

I wake up during the night and eat. It started after my husband died, and 25 years later I still haven’t managed to stop.

[@TIGGY-14]

I do too but have no idea why and its got to be chocolate or something sweet. Wish I could stop

[@pinadelmonico]

It’s called night eating syndrome. My husband has it now it’s a very difficult condition to overcome.

[@darcyturnbo8347]

Spot on! My eating disorder was curtailed when I started chemotherapy 😮 Afterwards, I felt like a blank slate. Once I started eating again I promised myself I wouldn’t binge eat again. Each time I ate something 3 days in a row I started to recognize that a habit was starting to form. It was the first time I could distinguish a behavior that started to become more than I could handle. I quickly redirected my energy to stop it. I’ve been counting calories and macros and realized I’ve been under eating. My weight is “normal” now and I’m cancer free, but I’ve gone back to the dieting mindset. Disordered eating is no joke and I’m constantly working on improving myself.

[@KBear44]

Hope you can find peace and enjoyment with food and be proud of yourself and your body for overcoming cancer 💜

[@cf8595]

Not sure if someone mentioned, but satiation at night too. I often cook a "healthy" dinner, denying myself of satisfying carbs and dessert, but then I'm "jonesing" for something to satisfy where dinner didn't actually do ANY of that. A huge mistake for me is volume eating. It stuffs and bloats me, and disconnects me from hunger. I used to eat enormous salads so I could keep chewing as long as possible, but I've actually found really dense and delicious food feel so much better and lighter, like a small bowl of stew, or if I do a bit of veggies, with some really nice rice or potatoes. Savoring a little of something super thick and sweet (honey and full fat yogurt) is also more satisfying that chowing down a whole box of diet cookies. Also, I eat chocolate for breakfast EVERY. DAY. The morning is when I have "control" and a modest amount delights me to no end. A final thought is super strong digestive enzymes, or if you can handle them, bitters (usually too stimulating for me...coffee, dark chocolate, etc). I don't have access to the prescription enzymes anymore, but the digestive aid of them made me feel more satisfied and unbloated. Oddly, when I'm bloated, I think "screw it, you feel terrible anyway" but when I feel lighter and leaner, I want to stop.

[@katie7748]

Have you tried eating gut-healthy foods?

[@lynne3989]

Swedish bitters is what I take. I had horribly uncomfortable bloating & 2 t. - one before heaviest 2 meals of day- pure magic!!!

[@KatarinaS.]

​@lynne3989 How do you take the bitters, mixed in a beverage?

[@melissal3383]

There’s an excellent soup recipe on Food52 website. Genius Cauliflower soup by Paul Bertolli. 4 ingredients. Olive oil, 1 onion, cauliflower & WATER. Salt, pepper. It’s pretty good and filling & no cream or flour. Before you adjust ingredients it’s worth making EXACTLY as written the 1st time. I’ve subbed broccoli & still pretty good. Just thought I’d throw that out there

[@tarajohns7430]

I've also found that volume eating is not great for me long-term. I do better with smaller, tastier meals. Thank you for sharing.

[@sarahhursey3215]

Honestly that was the most interesting and helpful video that I've watched in years.. I am starting my weight loss journey and evenings are my struggle.. now I understand why.. thankyou so much 💓

[@cstotesberry572]

i have found that eating from 7:45-8am to 3:45-4pm, eating the most around 11-12. Sometimes i have to literally just go to bed, it does help that i get up at 5am, so 8-8:30pm is a good bedtime!

[@MarykayOsoski]

I battle eating at bedtime, it relaxes me, and I sleep better🤷‍♀️

[@zeynopovski00]

Same for me! 😢and I loose the battles, it's so hard for ADHD brain to fight against the idea. I had many many sleepless nights because of this and it gets worse then.

[@jennymulhall816]

@@zeynopovski00I have ADHD also, and crisps are my downfall. Even when I’m not hungry, I can (and do!) eat a mortifying amount in the evenings. The flavour doesn’t even matter, it’s the crunch! I know it’s likely a sensory thing, so I’ve started to make myself a wee tray in the evenings with nuts, crudités and the like but I would jump over them to snatch a box or ready salted Pringles from the jaws of hell! 😂😂😂

[@polopopolo2197]

This is exactly how I feel as well! It is almost like taking a sleeping pill. I have anxiety and ADHD and stuffing myself at night I feel makes me sleep better until I wake up the next day. Thank you for sharing this I thought I was the only one in the world like this.

[@zeynopovski00]

@@polopopolo2197 i recently learned that eating at night also serves as a transition purpose for me. Maybe knowing that helps to cope with it. She mentions that in the forth section. Google that if you like. 💜

[@charliedogg74]

Yes yes. Ill eat so much at bedtime. If I wake up as well ill grab something. How do we overcome??? X

[@drmeredithdavis1987]

This was so on point! Food is a disrupter. Think about it. We learn as infants to be satisfied with a bottle. Regardless of why we cried, most of the time we were fed. Eating to forget eating to remember

[@zezezep]

so true

[@bec-jb8qr]

ADHD transitional and habit eater here - food is still so damn relaxing. Coffee can be relaxing. Exercise feels always like a chore, like I have to be in "active mode" even an after a work day. So yes, I envy people who "exercise to relax" or something like that. Not like I'm bingeing - but I often eat more than is comfortable (so more like overeating)

[@patriciamaddi3028]

This describes me exactly!

[@isaidwhatisaid4130]

Start with just light stretches in the areas you feel tense and meditation for 5 mins. It worked for me.

[@applesauceandoranges]

Exercise doesn't have to look like crazy active stuff. It can be anything that is movement. Stretching, ballet moves, whatever. Just something to make you feel good. Doesn't have to burn a lot of calories. That's not what you'd be using it for in this context.

[@ErnestPiffel]

I have Ritalin during the day and then my brain races at night so I have to eat to relax

[@laurie3753]

I eat when I’m hungry and stop at enough. I can’t stand feeling full etc before going to bed. There are no foods off limits, including cookies or ice cream. But I only eat when I’m hungry and I stop and question any eating signals entering my mind. Hunger or boredom etc? If I eat healthy complex carbohydrates earlier in the day with protein and vegetables I’m satisfied a lot longer and I don’t overeat at night because I’ve eaten what I need earlier in the day. This has helped me learn mindful eating habits and to not overeat at night, have lost 35 lbs in 18 months at 58 years old.

[@sissy9405]

Thank you for sharing...very helpful :)

[@Missauthentic716]

I’m watching this which is preventing me from going to the kitchen…lol thank you for the great advice!

[@minoozolala]

I felt nearly driven to eat in the evening and really wanted potato chips, crackers, hard cookies. Anything that would crunch at lot. Some nights I'd want potato chips so much I'd get them delivered at midnight. It took nearly a year of evening crunch eating and potato chip binges before I discovered that craving for potato chips (and other crunchy foods) is a sign of anaemia. It turned out I was severely anaemic! Once I got my iron and ferritin levels up, the urge to eat potato chips and the other crunchy stuff completely disappeared.

[@kellyharris4639]

Interesting

[@CapucineAbadie]

WAIT I haven't heard this before, and potato chips are my biggest weakness! I got a blood test recently that showed my ferritin levels are extremely low... thank you sooo much for sharing this 🥺

[@OutToTheWoods]

How did you get the levels up?

[@minoozolala]

@@OutToTheWoods I took iron pills. Now I take a multivitamin with iron. The iron pills can be hard on the stomach so I alternated with Brewers Yeast. There are FB groups that give good advice about low iron and anemia.

[@tiffanysalerno]

@@OutToTheWoodsidk about ferretin but beef and cooking in cast iron pans help. Also you can take supplements!

[@vannessa7636]

I always overeat at night because that’s when the kids get home from school. The stress of after school activities, homework, dinner and baths always put me on edge and before I know it I’ve eaten 3 servings of dinner, a snack, dessert and anything I can get my hands on. I agree that it has become a habit now and I always resort to, I’ll do better tomorrow.

[@Diantinatalist]

Shudnt have had them lol u just burden urself

[@oilinmyface787]

Follow the feeling process by teal swan ! I promise if you pay after to your feelings again the need to overeat will go away

[@mlc7497]

I remember those days....just waiting for the kids to get into bed so I could divulge in my "hidden, all for myself food". But, as you know, kids are precious and need your attention and love. My boys are adults now and are wonderful people. I believe all that the therapist said above is so true. I wish I would have seen her points way back when. I was in the same boat as you so I can relate for sure. 😊

[@katie7748]

​@@DiantinatalistPut the Kool-Aid down.

[@brandillysmom]

@@katie7748 I really don’t understand why some people are compelled to give stupid and unhelpful statements.

[@francisb2124]

You just hit every point for me, thank you🙏🙏. I‘m a health food junkie, eat loads of veggies and Whole Foods, keep my Insulin/Sugar levels low, yet I binge eat and I am an emotional eater. Thanks to you, I now know where to change and observe myself differently😊

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9209]

This Lady really knows her stuff! ✨️ She's also super cute ❤

[@zezezep]

During the day i eat if i'm hungry. In the evening and night I eat, eat, eat. When a friend stays over there is no urge to binge

[@healthhollow7218]

I overeat during my OMAD. I’ve done this for 2 years. I know I need to get as much protein and good nutrition as I can in my 2 hour eating window but as soon as I get all of my healthy food, I reach for the bad stuff. I haven’t gained any weight but I still don’t want all if that sugar. I am definitely not hungry after supper but I want all the sweets! I don’t even know where I put it half the time. I wouldn’t be able to eat another bite of chicken but I can fit in that piece of cake. It’s ridiculous 😢

[@TheBingeEatingTherapist]

I really wanted to be able to do OMAD during my BED days. I was convinced it was the answer. I personally had to move away from it to recover, but I was struggling with an eating disorder and you don’t say whether that’s actually the case for you. I hope you find a way to eat that brings you some ease and peace ❤️

[@suz6529]

My life story😢

[@richardmiddleton7770]

It's your body trying to catch up. If you eat too much in one sitting, especially later in the day, your body won't properly digest and utilize it so you'll constantly be on the back foot no matter how much you try and stuff in! Switch to 2 meals and try eat the most in the first meal and concentrate on protein.

[@healthhollow7218]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions! I have struggled with an eating disorder for quite some time so I definitely need a structured diet like fasting to tell me when I can and can’t eat. Surprisingly I was on keto for 2 years before fasting and I did well, but it was hard to let go of carbs. I finally had enough and thought I’d try fasting instead. I like it better, but now I’m so afraid of eating more than once a day and lose all of my progress. There’s been days I’ve made exceptions for family outings and found myself eating so much more because my window was longer. I need more self control 🥲 I’m still a big work on progress. I’m at my goal weight, and have been for quite some time, but I don’t want to go backwards. I think I should probably just let go of the fear and give it a shot. It’s just scary 😟

[@margaretames6522]

When I was quitting smoking, I started meditating when I felt stressed. I also had post hypnotic suggestions to replace times when I habitually smoked with replacements, e.g., stretching my arms after eating, taking a walk. Now that I’m wanting to address poor eating habits, several things you mentioned make sense! Besides breaking habits, understanding how transitions cue a desire for food, it will help strategize to recognize and deal with those feelings and behaviors. Thank you!

[@tinaharris9862]

I really resonate with the transitionary eating point … I really get the social to solitary thing you mentioned, that is definitely me too, I had a massive binge tonight and feeling crappy, trying to analyse it without judgement, but I know I’m judging myself and feeling awful for over eating chocolate tonight. Your videos always make so much sense, wish I could put it into practice

[@thinker646]

Im sorry this is happening to you. I can relate.

[@nct948]

I also recognise this pattern, but on an emotional level, when food compensates for the lack of social interaction (I live alone). I also noticed the social influence pushing us to eat : meet a friend at a cafe so have a piece of cake with them, or if I see a film at home where people are having meals, or discuss with a drink in their hand, I will 'join in' and make myself a sandwich or pour myself a coffee. The meal was the moment of the day when we all met and shared that time of togetherness (we never watched tv then), so I still prepare too much food despite being on my own now, and as I hate to waste food, I over-eat .

[@kedeglow2743]

This was very helpful. I knew I wasn't eating enough through the day, but somehow I just didn't acknowledge it. I'm going to try to keep this in mind.

[@karencampbell2410]

I absolutely know I wasn’t eating enough during the day. I am now making myself eating regularly. I was really in that rut of wanting to eat higher calorie food like chocolate and ice cream.

[@tolagbaja]

I really resonate with transitionary eating. I do this daily, once i put the kids to bed and move from Mum mode to my own relaxing evening, it usually equals bringing out all the snacks. I think i need to replace that habit with showering and changing into some warm pjs as a symbol of changing modes/ shifting gears.

[@Rocknrolla25133]

This video really spoke to me. I truly believe every single one of these apply to me. My mind is pretty blown.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Just found you. Brilliant. You put into words what we subconsciously feel/know!.. easier to work with. Going to write them and hang them in the kitchen.. then ask myself which of the 5 it is before i take food! Thanks.

[@tipofthespear74]

Love your content and half way through your book. Night eating is my primary enemy at the moment. I'm trying to eat more during the day at the moment but I'm counting calories so it's shifting more earlier. Problem is I love big dinners so it's a hard adjustment.

[@Tia-vj9ox]

That “together to alone “ concept resonates with me. My biggest bingeing happens when my husband (who I am with all day) goes downstairs in the evening to work in his shop or to watch a movie. It’s not like he leaves the house!

[@TexasGal.]

It was nighttime and I was literally contemplating binging, while I was eating mind you, when this video came up. Thank you! So very helpful!

[@TemoteControl]

I believe it’s our carb addictions. We eat way too many carbohydrates as humans and most of those carbs are refined or processed. Spikes our insulin and messes with our glucose levels which makes us crave for food even when we’re not hungry.

[@gerribrown7602]

I’ve just discovered your channel and I feel so relieved and grateful. You get it! I cannot wait to listen more. Thank you❤

[@donnalofton7988]

This is excellent! I've been having trouble with late night eating---even on days where I do well with sticking to my planned eating. Great ideas to help me figure out why.

[@kmk2451]

Glad I found you! Some very interesting analyses here. I have some issues that you’ve highlighted that I can work with. I identify with the ‘habit’ issue especially.

[@coquetscache]

Since watching your videos this year I have decided to do some work on the stubborn rusty encrusted tangled knot of a mess that makes up the engine behind my eating habits/choices. There's a long road ahead but heck I will wind up traveling it anyway so why not at least try. Evenings were hard for me until recently. I eat my biggest meal at lunch time. There are still many changes to make though. The events of childhood and meals with extended family where literally everyone 'binged' for hours, the focus on food by my super-taster Mom, the long days of eating nothing but an ice cream sandwich in high school cafeteria, and then finally having a meal when famished, the frustration with fitting into clothing and watch my size go always only up and up…now bouncing around the X-sizes for years on end…... Until now in my 60s finally getting a small glimpse of light. I want to be thankful for your videos and exercise empathy for the old woman in the mirror. It's not too late, BUT if it is I will also find a way to accept that I just might be 'this me' until the day I die, and I want to be grateful for that too. Thanks for everything.

[@sherir520]

I am a dietitian and thank you for #1 I was worried when I started this I wouldn’t agree with your ideas but I do!

[@NadoCrowFriend]

The Transition aspect is brilliant!

[@patriciasalem3606]

I often switch lunch and dinner, eating a big meal around 2 pm and a smaller one later. That tends to solve both #1 and #2 for me. But I can always tell when my life is careening off the rails if I'm not able to do that due to lack of planning/prep. Conversely, if I'm in a really good place, I can eat a large meal at 3-ish and fast until breakfast. The more I eat later in the day, the more I know I'm overwhelmed by something and need to figure out how to whittle that down. Mindless eating has definitely gotten worse during the pandemic and increased TV watching. Evening eating is like the proverbial canary in the coal mine for my overall state. I appreciated that your video didn't shame, blame, or judge!

[@lylky]

I don’t think I can thank you enough for this video, I really appreciate the way you explained everything and it made me understand myself better instead of just blaming it

[@tigerhen7346]

I have never heard of transitional eating before you mentioned it. That was life changing. As many other things you have addressed on your channel. Thank you so much for all your great content ❤

[@whimsical9860]

I didn't know "transitional" was a thing. As it turns out, transitional eating has become a habit for me. I feel like I finally have the clarity on the why. Thank you so much!

[@annaschmidt2]

I very much appreciate this information. I am overweight and in my middle years, and I find evenings the hardest time to eat healthy and keep my portions reasonable.

[@NadoCrowFriend]

Outstanding!!!! You touched on so many, many truths that most of us likely hadn’t even thought of. So glad I stumbled on your channel!

[@Joyjoy-ih1ie]

This was a very helpful video. The comments to. It seems like everyone is on the right path. It's comforting to know people are stepping out to tackle a serious issue. It takes consistent healthy eating to start to crave those foods. There actually cheaper then processed food. You eat less.

[@XritaosorioX]

Thats precisely what happens and how I feel. Every advice you gave is accurate, however we really need to want and have courage to break free from this. Thank you.

[@Missauthentic716]

The transition switch is so true… after I ride my horse and leave the barn… I’m so happy but have a desire to buy candy bar on my way home everytime!

[@a.sobriquet6220]

OMG. Thanks to you, I just realized that my binge eating may be a “transitional” activity between evening activities (tv, reading) to bedtime…like a toddler, I want to put it off. Wow. Thank you. I will try something else soothing, like listening to a grownup bedtime story…which they actually have on Apple Podcasts/music!

[@evage99]

I struggle HARD with this, so thank you for these insights. I will examine myself more closely this week to try and pin down the exact reasons I binge in the evening.

[@24cts]

THANK YOU! I’ve wondered why .. at night I’ll eat dinner then… continue to eat a little of this and that before I go to bed. I suspect I’ve not eaten enough during the day - I am an artist and writer and work out of the home so also add the Transition eating issue (I’ll have to work on this), Somewhat habit - which I can put some attention on that as well. I have streamlined my shopping and meal planning - I developed my own meal plan complete with recipes, and shopping list based on season and Ayurvedic dosa .. so I have decreased the decisions around this. But I will surely work on the transition, eating more during the day and any habits contributing to this. Thank you again.. you’ve given me direction and confidence I can create a new habit of not eating at night!

[@sallyjamieson6347]

What you say totally resonates with me. I wish I had found you earlier. I am so lucky to be getting binge eating support through the NHS. One of the practitioners told me about you as she thinks you are amazing & I have to agree. Thankyou for helping me make sense of my behaviours. I am 61 & have been using food to self soothe for as long as I can remember but the binges are getting so much less now. Thank you 😊

[@hamaarahof5712]

I worked with lots of therapists and dieticians, due to old trauma. Very impressed with the empathic and clear explanation. Fully agree on the not eating enough, but not in reference to amount of food, but nutrition. I had a dietician tell me years ago that I am starving myself, while I was overweight. I am sure the look on my face was priceless, lol. Now that I am learning more on nutrition and the lack of in "modern" food, it makes total sense. Slowly eating breakfast, or try. More protein, fibre and full nutrition is clearly changing cravings and results in weight loss. Blessings and greetings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ShelleyShelley-h5j]

I could agree with every one of your points. Thank you for giving me something to work with….finally!

[@elaineforan4751]

One thing that is helping me with evening eating is having a hobby, i do some needlework or knitting. Both require both hands, concentration and clean hands. I could not eat while doing my work as the project would get dirty, id lose my place or my hands are busy. There may be other hobbies like this that have the same benefits.

[@tiffanysalerno]

Playing an instrument can help too!

[@gisellenakandakari5943]

I wish I had come across your video a few hours ago; just came back from being at a cafe having coffee and pastries because I felt lonely. But this content was very revealing to me, thank you so much. Suscribed to your channel now.

[@glamourgirl1962]

I’m working on being intuitive about eating and this information makes sense. Thank you.

[@yol8532]

I'm number 4 🙄 Finaly I have an answer to my cravings in the evening! Thank you 😍😍

[@MalinBHolm]

Wow! Using food for transitioning is something I would have never thought about - but this is a proper eye opener for me. I have both a busy home and work life, and to add to that I work from home. So I have no commute to work that can help me get ready / reset, and I do notice that the first thing I do when I sit down for work is get some food.

[@amberexplainsitall4u]

This is so relatable, thank you. Growing up, food was my only comfort. I had an alcoholic mother and step-father who were very abusive, and I had to become a parent to their children starting at the age of 7. I would sneak food just to feel okay. I got control of it for many years, but about 3-4 years ago, my sister ended up in severe addiction and we took on my 3 nieces and my husband start playing video games every night after work. It's been since October since we had the kids, and it got really bad for me, as he continued to play video games. I never said anything but that means I was spending 95% of my days completely alone as I'm disabled due to my brain. I've a brain, skull spine surgery survivor (Arnold-Chiari). I finally realized this was what was making me so sad and I'd sit in front of the TV and just eat. I'm two days binge free after a two hour long convo with my husband. He's really wonderful, he just didn't know I was so sad. I knew I was sad, but not why, but now that I do I feel like I work to make changes.

[@snatskinell-it4ll]

This is so interesting, I can relate to all you have mentioned. The only thing I would add is if i haven't drunk enough water during the day I seem to be more hungry in the evening.

[@dixiemerchant1052]

This is so insightful I’ve known food was a reward, but until you spoke about it, I never realized the application in my own life! I had always thought I liked food in particular verses wanting a reward in general. I’ve never been able to make that separation before.

[@leoluv822]

Wow fascinating, spot on. Especially number 3 and number 5 for me.

[@mohulrajsingh8029]

Thank You. I have never heard someone who has articulated this so well. Transitioning is what I feel contributes to my evening binge. The feeling that now I am all by myself and in non work mode. That couped with secret eating behaviours that you spoke about in another video

[@mirathurner2641]

Since I was young, my relationship with food has been dicey. Trauma from childhood carried over into eating disorders and hyper awareness of food and what I eat. I was later diagnosed with a chronic pain syndrome which has a strong anxiety/depression component and compulsion behaviours. Thanks for providing this helpful summary; a good place to reassess. ❤

[@rosaleesantamaria7673]

#1 Spoke to me so loudly I had to wait a few days to come back and watch the full video. #2 is also a bang on factor.

[@Nan-59]

Kind of funny I haven’t ever found this channel before today. But I found it today. That’s what matters! ❤

[@orchidmuse]

I like your 5 top explanations. I think I don't eat enough during the day and I also try to reward myself and to fill the evening, because work's over, I am tired for a hobby, so let's eat. That's bad.

[@Lev-t2t]

I eat a huge salad at night. Helps me squash cravings.

[@ShowMeMo]

I have noticed that for me, if I have a higher carb dinner, then a few hours later is when I have a near insatiable urge to binge. If I have a lower carb dinner, I still occasionally get a small urge to eat a little something. I will then either a small yogurt or drink a cup of tea.

[@noonmanji2086]

Why we eat more at night: 1)R u eating enough during the day? If u don’t enough day time u could end up overeating around 7pm. 2) R u eating because u r feeling tired-decision fatigue ? Meal prep will help 3) R u eating as reward? 4) R u using food to transition ? Social mode to a low mode? Eating out of discomfort and bring uncomfortable in certain situations 5)R u stuck in a habit? Try to break the habit and do something else. Summary helps me to remember yr tips. Thank u Sarah 🙏

[@SuperDrLisa]

I had so many arguments with my brother who was on the autism spectrum about when and what he ate and what time he went to sleep and got up. Being alone can be painful. Right now im in my family home, alone. I lost my daddy in 2013 and my brother this past November. The house is 4 bedrooms 2 baths large den...I've closed off the upstairs. Im now in the bedroom my daddy passed away in my brother was in until he had to go to a nursing home. My 3 cats and i are alone. Ive lived alone before, but not for the past 18 years. I just want to sleep and eat.

[@strawberrylove5684]

I’m so sorry for your losses. I hope you can get a roommate or move to an apartment where you won’t be so alone, sending you love ❤️

[@yeracontra]

Definitely number 3, I use food as reward. I was able to stop binge eating when I got diagnosed and treated with ADHD. With more dopamine in my body and better impulse control I didn't feel the urge to binge as much. It definitely wasn't any appetite suppressing effects of the meds I as still eat a lot in general but just no binging, even on my med free days.

[@ireefree2024]

How do you create more dopamine?

[@corrinnacorrinna5572]

​@@ireefree2024 probiotics (fermented foods), caffeine, make sure you're not vit D deficient, natural sunlight

[@Jane_Friday]

Interesting to hear from a professional. I feel the not eating enough and also decision fatique a lot. What helped me is to have planned meals spaced evenly throught the day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner have the same amount of calories plus an afternoon snack. It really circumvents those problems.

[@erickaericka-]

Great video.I also think one thing that contributes to the transitional aspect is we may associate different foods with work than when we are at home.

[@shiNIN42]

I had this problem, not binge eating, per se but sometimes it is hard to get satiated in the evening, I feel less controlled (not like I am that during the day), my decision making regarding food may be worse... So I was curious if I learn something new! 1. Totally. If I eat too little, of course I get hungry later. But I shouldn't eat before 3pm and I usually don't as I am perfectly satiated. But I should eat enough between 3pm and 6pm (these are approximate times), enough calories, enough protein, satiating enough food and satisfaction is needed too (not each and every day but usual). Or else I surely won't feel content in the evening even without going near the kitchen. 3. Understandable for me but I use food as joy, not reward. Food is my right ;) There is no problem with a lovely biggish evening meal if it isn't overeating or some other problem and eating late suits us. Even if not, I had a time when a very late big, peaceful meal freshly made by me was the best I could do considering my working hours. But if one can't do it... There are non-food rewards, they seem safer. Or the food reward should be something small that doesn't trigger anything bad like binge eating... Whatever works in the individual case. If I just want comfort, I can have a warm drink (I never sweeten those but that may be fine too for others). They don't (or super rarely) trigger eating in my case, not even my coffee with a little cream. 4. was a new one to me. Wow. 5. It is for skipping lunch in my life. It's so strange not to eat when I normally do, it's my very natural eating time, it was all my life, it suits me. I can do it if I am really satiated at that point but otherwise... It's not just habit, it's much more. But habits can be quite strong too, I experienced that.

[@NickiC-o4l]

Just found your channel. Recently diagnosed with BED and have been gradually trying to recover. I still have a long way to go but I can see it is possible to change. I don’t always WANT to change, and it’s easy to fall back into old patterns, but I am beginning to see what’s possible. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and learning more. Also I’m glad you mentioned the transitioning thing - as someone who is autistic and has adhd, this is definitely part of what goes on for me. I am SO glad you mentioned this, because most people don’t,

[@atropatene3596]

This is really helpful. I think for me it is the transition. I transition a lot every day. Mom, commute, work, commute, mom, student, and then just me relaxing for an hour with a tv show. So that's where it all falls apart. And it's definitely become a habit. I've never really figured out why but the transition makes a lot of sense. It's like "ok now I'm done, now it's time for me!" and suddenly I've eaten a bunch of junk food. And then it doesn't help that I don't have a lot of time during the day to eat enough. I'm going to try and see how I can turn this around. Thanks for the insight.

[@Malschauen1234]

This is a very interesting and eyeopening for me. Thanks. 🙏 I've struggled a long time with overeating at night and don't really know why. 😢

[@DonnaSueSings]

I wish I could afford to work with you privately. I love your videos.

[@Mona-fd5kf]

Thank you for giving me something to think about this is quite interesting and relatable.

[@fiop001]

I am amazed you didn’t touch on what you should eat! It’s well known that foods higher in protein and healthy fats are more satisfying (read satiating) than carbohydrates and empty calories. Overeating is not just about mindset. It’s also about managing our biology to help achieve your goals. It’s the difference between “swimming upstream or swimming downstream” working with your biological systems can make it much easier

[@emmamcqueen227]

This has been a star find coming across your channel- I’m a type 1 diabetic (over 30yrs now) and in a very very long waiting list to speak to a dietary psychotherapist, am starting to lose the will with it but looking through all your videos I think this is going to go so far to helping me right now so thank you 🙏 😊

[@slack128]

Im so glad I found this channel

[@pamelafoley2772]

Intermittent fasting changed my entire life. I'm an extremely skeptical individual. But, I tried it and it is life changing.

[@Hannah7Banana]

I normally don't eat until afternoon because I wake up late and my mom only makes dinner whereas I have to scrounge around for food for lunch which normally results in a small meal for lunch being my first meal of the day. This video clears things up for me, thank you. I have been struggling with this my whole life

[@agirlisnoone5953]

Before you mentioned smoking for number five, it dawned on me so hard that I use smoking for transition. I take my phone with me when I smoke, then I get wrapped up in usually a KZbin video, So I have several cigarettes. I end up wasting so much of my time and feel horrible about time management. I also use it as a procrastination tool. I have ADD So transition and procrastination are two of my struggles.

[@m0L3ify]

Ah, thank you! I think you've identified my problem. I really appreciate this video! I've been using food to transition. I have autism and experience intense anxiety if I don't eat before I go to bed. If I avoid eating, I end up staying up much later than I intended and ultimately give in and eat something so I can go to sleep. I wasn't sure where this anxiety was coming from, but it's very likely just a transition issue. The only time I don't need to eat before bed is when I'm so exhausted that my brain gives me no choice but to sleep. I'll work on developing a new bedtime routine for my brain to latch on to.

[@caroline6331]

I often binge at night to avoid uncomfortable feelings, loneliness and sadness mostly. I have things to occupy myself during the day and I don't think about food that much apart from breakfast and lunch but after dinner in the evening, even though I'm full, I just want to eat. It's the same as watching endless Netflix or drinking alcohol. The brain doesn't like to feel discomfort so will always push you to something that gives you pleasure even if it's bad for you in the long run.Thoughts come and go and you don't need to act on them all so if you can ignore those thoughts of overeating, they will pass but difficult to do sometimes.

[@santisanti8386]

You got me at number 1. Perfectly explained, fantastic video.

[@eleanam4835]

Thank you for helping change my life for the better🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@justsierraok]

This is so helpful for me, I had no idea why I did this every night but there are several reasons that resonate with me here. Thank you so much :)