For those who work 2nd shift (or even 3rd)

[Elmophant]

I'm trying to do what I can to try and lose weight. I'm trying to start small so that I don't "overwhelm" myself and "blow it" if ya know what I mean? Anyways, one of the things I was trying was the "No eating after 7pm" rule. But the problem I'm having is that I work 2nd shift 3 nights a week, so when I do that by the time I get home and in bed it's nearly 1am and I'm STARVING!!! How do you combat that if you don't eat anything after 7pm? I tried just drinking tons of water but it hasn't helped and then I don't sleep well b/c I toss and turn b/c I'm so hungry. How do you cope with shift work?

[Hello Kitty]

No wonder you're hungry, you're starving! First off, I think the general no eating after 7pm rule is bull. Eating half a chocolate cake at 8:30, probably not the best idea. Eating a balanced healthy meal or snack, good, if you're actually hungry.

Anyway, it's especially bull when you are working 3-11s. Shift your day around to pretend you're working 7-3 and plan your meals accordingly. Wouldn't you eat a little something after work, unwind and go to bed? What's your day like before work? Are you able to eat during your shift?

[NotDesperate]

I saw a study that said that rule is bologna. Basically it said it doesn't matter when you eat as long as you are still eating within your "allowed" calorie limit.

I think this rule mostly applies if all you eat is junk after dinner and before bed.

But this rule definitely doesn't apply to you working the 2nd shift. But what you may have an issue with is being awake too many hours in the day (if you get up early) and eating more because of that. That is what happened to me when I worked late shifts.

Continue to drink the water. Maybe you can try the several small meals per day instead of the 3 big meals.

[Smiley124]

I agree with the above posters. I have also read that not eating after a certain hour is not a rule to go by - especially if you eat healthy. I work 10:30 pm to 7am and I always eat breakfast when I get home (right before I go to bed). I have not had any problems losing weight (as long as I stick to my diet, that is! ;) ) I don't sleep well if I'm hungry so it's important that I eat. You should too! Letting yourself get too hungry could lead you to binge.

[NotDesperate]

I also wanted to mention that you should be make sure you are getting enough sleep. Because I read that a sleep deprived body will crave fatty foods more.

[Elmophant]

Thanks for the tips. I always thought the no eating after 7pm rule was supposed to be the "golden rule" of dieting. Maybe I'll just adjust my eating habits to fit my schedule. Thanks so much for everyone's replies!