Nighttime Noshing - Part One

The Problem

Nighttime Noshing

Nighttime Noshing in the extreme has been labeled Nighttime Eating Syndrome.

My Name is Jean and I’m a Nighttime Nosher

Nighttime Noshing must be a recognized condition.

Do a Google search on the term and see for yourself. So I guess I’m not alone.

I did the search – looking for tips to help me reduce my nighttime nibbling before I pack on any more pounds.

I put on six last year, not because I changed my diet but because I was less active.

The easy answer would seem to be "get active again". I’ve got two problems with that.

One, my damaged hamstrings probably won’t allow me to do the type of exercise I have always loved – aerobic dance-y exercise.

Two, I can’t get motivated or over my fear of re-injury in order to even try. I guess I waited too long to "get back on that horse".

So what did I find in my Google research? Some excellent articles and a lot of commonalities. The consensus is I need to:

1. Determine why I crave nibbles after dinner and address the reasons (most-mentioned causes were boredom, habit, stress, loneliness, not eating enough throughout the day);

2. Cut back on carbs late in the day. "Starches, sweets, soft drinks and juices, chips, cookies and ice cream are rapidly released into our bloodstream, providing an immediate boost of energy" when we least need it. (Molly Kimball, R.D., eatingright@timespicayune.com); and

3. Find healthier alternatives, be they different activities (in place of snacking) or different snack foods.

Do you have any other or better ideas? Please leave your comments. I can use all the help I can get!

Ah-ha! I just read that nighttime noshing "in the extreme … has been labeled as NES (Night Eating Syndrome)."

Nighttime Noshing Articles

• Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing
• In Search of Low Cal Low/No-Carb Snacks for Nighttime Snacking
• In Search of Alternatives to Food
• Night Noshing - Getting Back on Track

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as medical advice.