Harvard University Health Services

I am not overweight, but am 25 lbs heavier than when I got here. I work out daily and eat healthy, but can't resist junk food and binge eat all night. What can I do?

This sounds primarily like emotional eating and there are resources on campus that can help.

  • First, make sure you are not under-eating at breakfast and lunch and that you are having an adequate meal or snack after your workout.
  • Include some fat in your meals to help trigger satiety.
  • If you are up long enough after dinner to become physically hungry, take a break from working or studying, and have a pre-planned snack.
  • Work on developing some alternate ways to deal with stress. Some ideas include yoga, meditation, listening to soothing music, taking a walk or talking with a friend. You could also try writing in a journal about your thoughts and feelings.

If you would like more help with this, you can contact the HUHS Mental Health Service directly at 617-495-2042, or ask your primary care team for a referral to a HUHS Nutritionist.