I start my diet saying, “This time I’m definitely determined,” but then suddenly find myself in front of the pantry at night. Is this a habit from childhood or am I really experiencing emotional hunger? Does it happen to you too, and how do you control it?
I also experienced this for a very long time; my diets always ended around 1-2 a.m. in front of the fridge. It turned out that I was constantly craving carbohydrates due to work stress or feeling down. I worked with a nutritionist, especially adding more protein to my dinner and controlling late-night snacking.
This situation had even led to reflux for me. I was constantly snacking and sleeping, and I would wake up in the morning with terrible heartburn. Especially while watching shows, it had become a habit to snack on nuts or something. Now, instead of junk food in the evenings, I’m drinking herbal tea, which keeps me occupied.
My spouse always has trouble with this at home. I just fill up on breakfast and go to bed hungry at night; I’ve gotten used to it. But for her, it’s always a situation of “Honey, I feel like eating something.” It’s almost like a search for comfort that goes back to childhood, but on the other hand, I think it’s completely a matter of habit.
Actually, it’s important to state that there is a difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger. Emotional hunger comes on suddenly and usually leads to cravings for things like chocolate or chips. Physical hunger, on the other hand, begins more gradually. If you experience symptoms like irritability or dizziness when you haven’t eaten for a while, it might make sense to seek support from an endocrinologist.
Let me say this, I think it’s quite a normal situation. It could be a habit that comes from childhood, but emotional hunger definitely takes precedence here. Besides, most people feel weaker at night, especially because the stress during the day causes this.
I swear, when I think about what you all are saying, I realize it now. I’m especially prone to eating at night during exam weeks. If I were eating low-calorie things, it would be one thing, but I go straight for the greasiest stuff. Stress is probably really triggering me. I’m going to try the protein thing.
So let me ask you this, do you eat enough filling meals during the day? For example, if you’re skipping lunch, you might be going into the evening really hungry like that. Or are you maybe always eating a carb-heavy diet? 
I think it’s not just stress or childhood, but there’s also a bit of a desire to escape. It could be a thought like “I managed during the day, so I’ll get my reward at night.” I’ve seen this in many people 
Now I’m going to say this, but don’t get mad; it’s a bit of willpower and a bit of bad programming. If you’re standing in front of the pantry at night, you need to ask yourself, why are you not locking that pantry? Or why are you bringing those snacks home? The excuse can’t always be stress or emotions.