i have 3 stone to lose and every day i start my diet and by 5 or 6 at the latest i have blown it and continue to blow it for a few hours - last night was bad hence i thought i'd try and find some support in cyberspace - so my plan today is to detox the excesses of last night and drink plenty of water
What are you eating during the day? If you're getting hungry around 5 or 6, you're probably not eating enough calories during the day. I'd also guess that you're not eating nearly enough lean protein, which has a much higher long-term satiating effect than either fats or carbs. (I'm not just making this up -- the research is pretty clear.)
These after dinner hours seem to be a problem for many of us. Sometimes a big bowl of chopped fruit and vegetables helps me get through the munchies- reenforcing, I suppose, the need to keep feeding- sometimes it doesn't. But there is a reward for the successful nights....eagerness to get on the scale in the morning. Even sitting on my hands (literally!) keeps me focused on powering through the craving. My poor hands don't get out much!
Welcome, Glad to have you join us. My advice is to look for a Support group, Chat, or Challange to join; small groups make it easier to get connected. Most sub-forums have groups covering almost every need, find one that inspires or motivates you and just post to join.