4 Reasons Why You Might Be Binge Eating or Overeating at Night

Many people struggle with binge eating or overeating at night. I'm obviously not a doctor or an expert but from the people I've coached and talked with, there are usually four main reasons why this happens.

Although I've never been anorexic or a binge eater, I have struggled with body image issues a few years after I started my "fitness journey". It is one of the most difficult things I have experienced and I have really learned how much control the mind has over everything we do, feel, and think.

The reasons I have listed below are just from personal observation and I suggest that if you struggling with binge eating that you seek professional help.

4 Reasons Why You Might Be Binge Eating or Overeating at Night {or really anytime}

1. You didn't eat enough throughout the day.
   • If you are not eating enough throughout the day you will be starving at night! Skipping meals and cutting calories during the day will only make you more hungry at night. Try to evenly space your meals throughout the day, considering what works best for your schedule. Eating one egg for breakfast and a salad with nothing on it for a lunch isn't going to cut it. Also, only eating 1,200 calories a day is NOT enough (except for a very small portion of the population). It doesn't make sense to restrict your calories all day just to binge at night, that defeats the whole purpose. Do not be afraid to eat!
   • Not sure where to start? Join our FREE 13 to Clean Challenge!
2. You restrict yourself.
   • This is different from above. There are some people that can have one square of dark chocolate every night and be perfectly fine - others who do best to just abstain altogether. There is no right or wrong way, you just have to figure out which works for you and learn how to work with yourself. If you restrict yourself and impose rules on yourself that you can't eat {insert food here}, that's probably going to be the first thing you grab at night. What good is it do tell yourself not to eat one small portion only to binge and eat four times that amount later? Listen to your body and find out what is right for you.
3. You are bored and/or emotionally eating.
   • You've probably read this one a million times but it's true. If you normally sit down to watch TV at night and mindlessly snack - you will eventually associate the two. Try reaching for healthier options like kale chips, four ingredient protein pudding, etc or find a different activity. Some of my favorite things include taking a walk, taking a bath, painting my nails, organizing a closet, etc. Find something that distracts you from your boredom.
4. You are thirsty.
   • Sounds simple and it is - you may be thirsty. Take a mental note of how much water you are drinking throughout the day and if you aren't drinking enough you could be mistaking thirst for hunger at night. Try to drink water on a consistent basis throughout the day, and maybe even try a nighttime tea (make sure it contains no caffeine) to help satisfy you.

I hope this short list helps you figure out why you may be binge eating or overeating at night. As always, it's so important to focus on being healthy above all else. This includes having a healthy relationship with food and exercise.

Try implementing some of the tips listed above including making a healthier version of what you crave, distracting yourself, and not restricting your calories early in the day.