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SparkPoints: (2,255)
Fitness Minutes: (948)
Posts: 36
11/19/09 5:04 P

Evenings are the worst time for me when it comes to controlling my eating. I find that soaking in the tub with a magazine (or book I wouldn't mind getting soggy) works for me. TV watching makes me want to eat, but I haven't found a way to eat in the tub. After the bath I jump right in bed, staying far away from the kitchen. Other things I do around the house just lead to grazing because I'm up and moving and the fridge is just a few steps away.

current weight: 240.0

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Posts: 119
11/19/09 8:22 A

It is hard to avoid unhealthy stuff if you have nothing to do, so the other people replying are right: KEEP BUSY. With anything. Even better if you can keep busy doing a workout.

If I start thinking too much about unhealthy food, I know I am lost and sooner or later I WILL eat it. The only way for me is to think about something else. You can always do crossword puzzles or something that keeps your brain busy, and keep a nice bowl of healthy snack at your side.

You are so absolutely not alone in this problem.

Posts: 18
11/17/09 10:19 A

There are LOTS of great ideas here -- I especially love the ideas about checking Sparkpeople and exercising during the evening.

It sounds like you are a working mom (I am, too), so if you are bored, I want your tips! Maybe your DH does a lot more around the house than mine does. I find that with cleaning, decluttering, cooking and errands, I have no time to be bored! So, an "amen" to the person who mentioned doing chores. If you are on top of clutter and regular housework, how about cooking ahead (freezer meals, making your own bread)? Try to keep it healthy, of course! :)

Also, years ago, my DH had a schedule where he worked weekends, so when I came home on Friday night, I had several hours alone (this was pre-kid). I used that time to watch a chick flick that he wouldn't want to watch with me. What is a non-food treat you could give yourself during your time alone?

Finally, I try to ask myself how I can reach out to others when I am unhappy. Could you write e-mails or make phone calls to friends who need support? Could you plan acts of kindness that, if you couldn't carry out right then because you need to be home with your child, you could act on later?

I love your username, by the way!

SparkPoints: (6,453)
Fitness Minutes: (1,133)
Posts: 453
11/17/09 7:23 A

Here is a list of things to do I came up with when my friend's husband was deployed to Iraq (again):

1. (THE BIGGEST ONE) - Learn a new skill. I helped her learn how to knit, but you can learn a million things if you want to. Three hours a day can really add up! Other things include: sewing, crochet, new language (vids or tapes), crafts, jewelry making, woodwork, anything that keeps your hands busy while watching TV or sitting at a table.

2. Keep certain chores to the night hours. Folding clothes, dusting, etc aren't crucial and can wait until you put the little one to bed, and then you can keep your hands busy that way.

3. Buy some seriously healthy snacks and throw out the rest. Almonds, Kashi bars, FiberOne products, and fruit/veg have a LOT more vitamins and far less calories. Last night I dipped apple into pumpkin butter and it was AMAZING and filling and low in calories.

4. Tea and a book. The other users were NOT wrong about that one. Sipping tea will keep the impulse to eat at bay (and healthy antioxidants!) and keeps your hands and brain busy.

5. Get a subscription to Netflix, if you can. They have workout videos, as well as normal movies and TV shows that can occupy your time.

6. Buy a workout DVD. They're usually about a good 30 minutes of workout, then follow up with a nice healthy snack.

7. If you need chocolate (God knows I do), then keep a small hunk or nice dark chocolate around. It's not nearly as bad for you, and is delicious.

You can do this!

current weight: 192.0

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SparkPoints: (11,049)
Fitness Minutes: (3,991)
Posts: 1,210
11/17/09 7:11 A

Do you have internet access at home? Start a new evening ritual. Go home and immediately get on SP and read some of the really motivational blogs. It will remind you why you're doing this. I would also recommend planning some evening snacks into your nutritional program - healthy, but filling ones.

current weight: 253.0

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SparkPoints: (14,658)
Fitness Minutes: (24,937)
Posts: 2,099
11/16/09 8:38 P

Change it up a bit. If you always snack in the kitchen, go to the bedroom. If you always snack in front of the TV, don't watch TV. There has to be a way to break the pattern for the better. And, the tea and a book idea sounds great to me.

current weight: 115.0

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Posts: 570
11/16/09 7:12 P

I know how you feel. My husband is in the military and is deployed, so I'm alone along with my cat. I'm have trouble not snack out of boredom and loneliness. Reading a good book and watching a movie do help.

current weight: 107.0

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SparkPoints: (60,739)
Fitness Minutes: (34,182)
Posts: 10,616
11/16/09 6:07 P

A great book and a cup of tea! Or maybe rent a movie and have some fat-free popcorn.

Posts: 222
11/16/09 5:54 P

do you exercise? check out amazon.com and try a 30 minute workout while your lil one is asleep. Also, try reading books...there is plenty to do in doors, you just have to find something you enjoy besides food when you're home alone. you can do it, stay positive and DONT give up!

Pounds lost: 3.2

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Posts: 152
11/16/09 5:40 P

Because my husband is working a night shift tonight. And I ALWAYS fill the void after 7:00 when my son goes to bed and he leaves, with food. Lots of food.
Cheese melted on bread, a whole bag of popcorn (sometimes with chocolate melted on), a sandwich, waffles...I end up piling in on average 500 calories between 7 and 10:30.

I can't go out and do anything because my son is in bed (he's 14 months old).

It's so blasted dark and depressing too after 5. By 6 it's pitch black out so I can't putter around my deck..it just feels so lethargic and gloomy.. :(

So now I'm scared to go home tonight because I don't know what to do to not eat after dinner tonight. I do better when he's home (not so LONELY and BORED) but man oh man...when he's on a night shift..it's bad.

Thoughts? Suggestions? HELP!!!??

Pounds lost: 40.5

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