Prior to having weight loss surgery in June 2006, I was a big time mindless snacker. Every time I walked in the kitchen, I walked out with something in my hand, a handful of chips, a cookie, or just a bite of something or other. During certain times of the day it was like an eating monster took over my body; late afternoon and just before bed were the worst. I wasn't even hungry most of the time, sometimes I was just bored or it was just there. Every year, I packed on the pounds because those "just a bites" and mindless snacking meant I was consuming hundreds of extra calories a week.

One of the keys to post weight loss surgery success for me is being mindful each day of what goes in my body. I plan my meals and my snacks and if it's not in my plan for the day, it's not going in my mouth. The old mindless eating monster still comes a-calling, I just choose not to feed the beast. Instead, I pick an idea from my "instead of snacking" list to send me off in a positive direction. I have a copy of this on my fridge and in my office. Hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

50 Things to do Instead of Snacking
1. Imagine the new healthier you
2. Walk around the block
3. Call a friend
4. Make a list of your Top Ten Reasons to Lose Weight
5. Make a To Do list
6. Turn on music and dance
7. Jot a thank you note to someone
8. Go to bed early or take a nap
9. Read a book
10. Blog or journal
11. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
12. Plan a healthy meal for your family
13. Surf the Internet
14. Finish an unfinished project
15. Walk your dog, pet your cat, feed your fish
16. Brush your teeth
17. Balance your checkbook
18. Say a prayer
19. Chop veggies to keep on hand
20. Give a massage
21. Clean out a junk drawer
22. Play a game with your kids
23. Try a new route on your walk
24. Drink a glass of water
25. Kiss someone
26. Try on some of your clothes
27. Look at old pictures
28. Rent a video
29. Wash your car
30. Take a hot, soothing bath
31. Update your calendar
32. Work in your yard
33. Start your holiday shopping list
34. Count your blessings
35. Write a letter
36. Fold some laundry
37. Check your e-mail
38. Give your dog a bath
39. Send a birthday card
40. Meditate
41. Hug someone
42. Rearrange some furniture
43. Light a fire or some candles
44. Put your pictures in an album
45. Plan a trip (real or imaginary)
46. Straighten a closet
47. Clean out files
48. Visit a friend
49. Clean out your trunk
50. Do something nice for someone