Eating during the evening

[mountainboo]

I have, unfortunately become the heaviest I have ever been, with a double chin to match! Whilst I don't eat between meals during the day, I have a tendency to snack or have a bowl of cereal around 8pm. Can anyone tell me if it is true that eating during the evening is double the calories as this is what I've heard and thus would explain the dramatic weight gain.
I have to say that I am mortified at exactly how much weight I have gained in so little time. I am 30 and have always been approximately 10st and relatively slim (even after I had my three year old). I am now over 11st, a size 14 and very frumpy. Is it all down hill from here on?

[Mosaic]

Oi - wot's wrong with being a size 14 or more?
The thing about eating at night is you don't digest as quickly, and that tiredness can be interpreted as hungry by the brain. so you snack when you get sleepy.
So all I can suggest is keep busy and tumble straight into bed with a drink of water / water and juice.

[mountainboo]

Thanks Mosaic. Lol, sorry, I'm sure there are many who can carry off size 14 or more very nicely, unfortunately for me I don't. Dig dig dig...

[ChocolatChip]

I think they tend to suggest that in the evening, you are less active than you are during the day. Therefore unable to burn off any extra calories that you have taken on.
I think they normally suggest not to eat after 7pm and no caffiene.

[rowanwitch]

no scientific evidence to prove eating in the evening is any worse than any other time... it is overall consumption that matters, try writing down what you eat (at the time you eat it for a few days) you will soon see the real culprits....and that means weighing stuff.... that little bite of cheese left over might be a couple of ounces, and its amazing how much butter/fat you can spread on bread without thinking it all adds up... cereal is a really good snack if you have it with skimmed milk and no sugar (avoid the sugary kids ones though)

[chrissa1]

Rowanwitch are you still here.....can I have a word?

[johnk]

I agree with Rowan. Just cut down a little each week until you get down to 10 st. I don't know your diet but if you can replace junky, fatty sweet stuf with fruit tha would help and try and get some exercise, I know that's difficult with a child but try anyway.

[divegirl]

I have a problem with this as I work till 11 most nights. I try to have my evening meal at around 7 and if I eat after that I tend to go for veggies and a salsa dip or if I'm feeling really naughty a Food Doctor pitta bread! [Not good on the carbs side but better than cheese!!!!].
I've cut my carbs to about 120g a day and that alone has put my calorie count to under 1000 even though I eat loads and never feel hungry!

Lisa x

[rowanwitch]

zebedee, post a reference to a decent sized clinical study, always willing to learn

[mountainboo]

Thanks all. Rowanwitch I shall try writing down what I consume.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't believe for a moment it makes much, if any difference, when you take in energy. Were it so it would not be disputed.

Never mind the gimmicks (or excuses) go for a healthy diet and exercise that doesn't seem to be a penance to be endured for a short while, but a life style you can adopt permanently.

Yes calorie counting is no bad thing in the short term, and at odd times when at your ideal weight too. It ensures you aren't putting away more than you thought, and keeps your portion sizes reasonable & consistent.

[divegirl]

Whilst waiting for zebedee to return with the 'proof' I spoke to a friend of mine who has just qualified as a personal trainer and she says it is a myth! Weight loss is down to healthy eating and exercise!

mountainboo, I have been using this site as a food diary and found it pretty comprehensive [and free :0)], you can track your exercise on it too!

http://www.foodfocus.co.uk/registerprompt.php

Lisa x