I've really developed a late-night eating habit that's become an addiction. I'm trying to diet, but I seriously lose control at night. Please don't tell me it's "just a habit" since I'm having a really hard time at that moment. Do you think this is psychological or just a simple matter of willpower?
I used to literally raid the kitchen at night for a while. Then I started having reflux and went to the doctor, and I was found to have a stress-related issue. To be honest, mine was psychological, but the solution was simple: they told me to drink a glass of water before eating something at night. It was tough for a while, but it worked.
While everyone hangs out at the student house at night, I start going over to them and eating even if I'm not hungry. At one point, I tried to stay away from the scene, and it worked a bit. I think you should try to entertain yourself with your phone instead of heading to the kitchen at that moment.
My direct solution suggestion: consider talking to a psychologist instead of a dietitian. Because the feeling of losing control, if it's not just a habit, likely has deeper issues behind it. The fact that it is especially limited to the night could also be psychological.
Well, there’s also this aspect: let’s not attribute the entire problem to external factors. If you’re losing control at night, it might be related to not being able to set your own boundaries. It’s a matter of habit after all, and you need to be a bit more willful 😅
The desire to eat at night can sometimes be due to low serotonin levels in the body rather than hunger or satiety. If you haven't had a blood test before, check your B12 and vitamin D levels as well. There may be a biological deficiency.
By the way, I forgot to add this: I generally don't have much appetite during the day, and I eat dinner late. Then I really dig in at night. Is this a normal routine, or is it wrong to be like this from the start?
It's as if we're talking as if everything can be solved with sheer willpower, and that bothers me. You already say it's not easy, and when someone adds "a bit of willpower," the pressure just increases. Could the real issue be that society expects women to maintain a flawless control all the time?
