How to Stop Eating at Night
In nine years of the Releasity ministry, one question has come up more than others. “What should I do about eating at night?”
Many women struggle with snacking at night (without feeling physically hungry) and they often say it’s because they feel like they “deserve it” after the various challenges they overcame that day. Whether it’s a cup of cereal or some form of chocolate, women generally regret this choice. If you’re in this boat but you’d like to get out, here are a few tips to minimize this habit.
Pray. You knew I was going to mention praying! I once told a counselor about my ongoing predicament of overeating even though there was a small part of me that knew I needed to stop. She said, “When you find yourself in that situation, ask that part of you to pray for you.” Even saying a prayer while putting the food in your mouth can be helpful. God sees you, loves you and wants to help you. He will help you find a way out of this temptation!
Get some physical distance between you and the trigger food. This could mean going to a different place in your house or getting out of your house by taking a walk or driving around. And did you know you can actually get rid of the food altogether? Shocking, I know! See my Drastic Measures videos if you need some courage (or laughs) in this area.
Find something else to do to stimulate your senses. Lighting a candle will give you something to smell rather than eat. I also enjoy taking a hot bath at night and find that the heat on my skin satisfies my sense of touch, replacing my urge to eat. You could even listen to some good music and enjoy hearing something beautiful or fun. Let goodness enter your body through a sense other than taste and see if that curbs your urge to eat.
If you do need a taste, try a calorie-free beverage. I keep an assortment of hot tea flavors in my pantry for just this occasion so that I have a better chance of not eating after dinner.
Name your emotions. Sometimes simply identifying what you’re feeling will help you see that you are trying to cope with an uncomfortable emotion by eating. Sadly, this won’t solve the original problem you’re facing, but perhaps you can constructively address that issue through journaling, praying or talking to a trusted friend about it.
Get into God’s Word. I love to get in my bed at night and read the Bible to take my mind away from the kitchen. Choosing to read a chapter of Psalms, Proverbs or a chapter from one of the books about Jesus’ life (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) can bring fresh insight, comfort and a sense of connection with God.
Lastly, if night time eating is the problem, it might be that you are actually tired! Put on your jammies, go through your bedtime routine and try crawling into bed for a good night’s sleep!
“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13