Hey there!
Trying to get going with intermittent fasting, but I have problems with waking up in the middle of the night, and feeling completely out of control when it comes to eating. Could just be habit from when I was struggling with binge eating at night (that was over a decade long issue). OR possibly blood sugar, or histamine issues, or my liver having a hard time, since I currently have SIBO. Or who knows, but it has felt impossible to get ahold of. Upped my calories from around 1200-1500 (5’1”) and have been putting on weight, so I think I am above my maintenance calories, and eating a keto diet, but still no luck. Anyone else experience this/any tips?
Yoyre fighting two things here, chemical dependence, and habit. I’d start by accepting the habit, and planning for it. Prep a good fatty, protien snack or meal for you to go for when you wake up at 1am. Something that will satisfy your drive. If you need some carbs to feel satisfied, add some, but with the goal of weaning them off over time. Then at least you’re moving away from carbs, away from that insulin spike.
Don’t address the habit until your needs in the am are no longer URGENT. Wean off the chemical drive first, and then after that you can start redirecting the habit.
If you’re driving when you’re in a state of mind where you do not have control, this isn’t just an eating issue, You’re a danger to yourself and society at that point.
Do you live with someone that can lock you in your room at night and take your car keys? You would need to make sure your room has safe fire exits (windows). But other than that, it might be a better option to lock you in rather than lock the pantry and fridge. Pour soap on your garbage outside.
I do this! Have been for years. In the last year I’ve determined it is 100% related to stress for me. The only thing that has helped is managing my stress, and then keeping the foods I typically found myself eating in the night out of the house. I tried the whole lock on the kitchen and pantry thing, I’d wake up and un lock it. Then I tried putting the keys in my car, I would go to the car and get them. Then I tried parking my car around the block.. still didn’t help. It was quite the viscous circle because sleep eating would cause more stress, which would cause more eating. The best thing I’ve found is prioritizing my mental health. So sorry you’re going through this because I know how frustrating it is!!
I was on psych drugs that were causing sleep eating for me. I did a 16:8, but pushed my fasting time til 8 pm. I eat heavier protein and healthy fats and make sure to consume water at night before bed. I’m sleeping better and I have only had one episode of night eating in several months.