Hi,

Okay, this may seem crazy for some of ya'll who have hectic lives, but I'm in the VERY SMALL percentage that has a LOT of free time--A LOT!! :rolleyes2::redface::redface: I praise God that he has blessed me with a wonderful Monday-Friday 9-5 job (no overtime required unless voluntary, and then I am paid time n' half). I have no kids (but 2 dogs) and no hobbies. I come home and fix a homemade meal EVERY NIGHT (to have something to do) and I still have 4-5 hours with nothing to do but watch TV. I wanted to explain myself before I go on. So, I'm starting to eat little things here and there because I'm so bored. I work out on my lunch hour because I like the way it makes me feel for the later part of my day. I've been applying for part time jobs to keep me busy and help out with bills. I think I'm going insane with all this free time! I just needed to "vent" about this. If anyone has any suggestions, please share!!

I hear you .... maybe you can take up the gym after work, before you go home and eat your dinner. This way you are adding a positive activity to your regimen while taking up some time at the end of your day.

Hi TangerineDreams,

That's a great idea, but I may do something at home? or close to home? I work in downtown St. Louis and I don't like to be here after hours.

On the eating part, look for things that are no-cal. For me, that is usually a cup of herbal tea. There are some great flavors out there, and it seems to satisfiy the "I'm bored and want flavor" urge.

Have you tried any hobbies? Not only to fill time, but to keep you hands busy?

You can do it at home or around your house. My suggestion is just to add something, an activity, to your day to 1) keep you busy so not to eat, 2) assist you with your weight loss.

How about a nice extended walk with your dogs every evening when you get home?

They will sure appreciate it and it will be good for you ... and you never know, you might make new friends while you are out every evening.

I've started a deal with myself where if I want a snack at night, I have to drink a glass of iced tea first. Often enough that'll pass some time at least, if it doesn't satisfy me by itself.

But you need some hobbies! I draw, or try to crochet (not good at crochet yet). I try to do something that evolves my hands so they can't be heping me snack.

Get some hand weights and do some uppper body work at home while you watch TV. You can also lie on the floor and so stretches and leg excercises. Clean house or organize your closet or junk drawer. Play with your dogs (my favorite). Now if I could only practice what I preach. LOL

I go to the gym after work - kills an hour there - then get home - get on the computer to LBT site - kill another hour or 2 - cook and eat around 7:30 - watch t.v. - clean kitchen - eat snack popcorn - tv then bed - I too don't have much activity at night after work 7:30 to 4 - So when I am bored i might go take a shower - give my self a facial - paint my nails - when I can't fight the urge along longer I find something low calorie to eat - plus I budget my calories during the day to allow for night time Snacks.

You just gotta find out what will work for you...

Good Luck

whenever I am bored I turn the tv on my favorite tv show or a good movie and get to walking or riding my exercise bike.

I look at clothes ... online babyphat.com ... newport news ... fredricks... stuff I know I want to be able to soon fit into.

I crochet hats. they are easy and when I am done I give them to charity. Or if a friend really likes one they can have it. the yarn is not to expensive and I can get one done in about 4 hours...the down time I have at night after the gym and dinner.

if you don't want to be out after work, you could always just buy some of those workout VIDEOS and replace the snaking w/a quick lil workout....don't skip the gym during the day, but just add in a lil extra cardio at night.

the perk to that is, it'll help the weight come off quicker and tone muscles too.

GOODLUCK with whatever you decide. i have spare time at nights too, but try to steer clear of the kitchen. once i'm done cooking and cleaning for the night i usually turn off the lights in there and stay outta there unless its to grab some Water.

xoxo, christie

Make a list of things that you can do to fill your time. If they require materials, get those ahead of time. You can make a box full of things to do. Like reading, crocheting, knitting, puzzles, etc. Is there something you've always wanted to try? Like maybe playing the guitar or doing origami (two that I chose to keep on hand for "bored" times). Make a list ahead of time and make sure you're prepared to be able to do anything on that list. Then when you're bored, pull out the list and pick something. You could try online games if you're into that. Come chat on LBT. Pick a movie to watch on TV (no commercials...less temptation to eat). Write a letter to somebody. Hubby or boyfriend? Think up something romantic to do for your honey. Go take a bath with some candles lit and soft music playing. Find other ways to indulge yourself. Good luck!

Hi Charley Girl: I remember being your age...slightly..and can remember having so much energy left over after the day's end. If this almost 50 year old could turn back the clock when I had more energy I would 1) Learn a new skill to apply to a new 2nd career/ job 2) volunteer 3) Take up a hobby where you meet 1+x a week and meet others like you 4) Take another p/t job 5) Go back to school 6) Go to the gym/walk the mall or anywhere in the evening 7) Visit parents/friends/ etc. more

mabe you could take the dogs out.

or met up with friends. something to keep your brain occupied

I have the same problem. Almost all my calories are eaten at night. I like to be home at night, but i think i am going to have to start getting out more. I just sit and nibble. I am losing weight, but i would lose a lot more if i would quit grazing at night. Donna