Munch, Munch, Munch..........

STRESS EATING!!! Well, I know a lot of people have been having a harder time eating the way we should and I am one of them lately! I am going through a divorce right now and my world feels so turned upside down. Some days I don't know if I'm coming or going sort of speak. I have been married for almost 15 years so that's about all I know. Now I'm single, raising two kids, and am eating junky stuff that ends up making me sick everytime I do it. So why do I keep doing it? I know it's stress and sadness making me eat this way, but how do I make myself stop and stay focused on the basic stuff? I don't want to ruin everything I have worked so hard for this last year--namely losing 107 pounds and getting into a size 6/8 clothes. Please keep my kids and me in your prayers this holiday season and any comments on how to get me back on track would be great! Luv to all, Charlotte 269/162/137

SENDING LOTS OF HUGS AND PRAYERS((((HUGS))))

I think most of us are here because we are emotional eaters. But knowing that is half the battle....right? Try chewing gum, sugar free mints, brush your teeth or drink some crystal light and chew on some crushed ice... but dont dont go back to the junk food! you can do this. p.s. a walk might help too! michelle

It also helps to have something to munch on that is good for you. Cheese cubes, pepperoni slices, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, etc. If they are quick to get finger foods, they will keep your hands busy instead of going to the other stuff.

{{{{{CHARLOTTE AND KIDS}}}}} I think that you just need to let up on yourself. You are going through so much stress right now. You are human, after all. Just try to eat jerky and other better for you choices than the crap. Good luck and God Bless! I will pray for you and your family. Jill

You know the answer as well as we do to your question. Increase your protein and quit snacking. It seems those carbs are our comfort foods though. I have to play a game with myself. I can snack if I want to but it has to be protein and in a limited quantity. One oz cheeze, 8 pork rinds, 10 almonds, etc. Only one snack between meals, etc. I set the rules so I don't have anybody to get upset with once the rules are in place. Often I find given the choice of protein or nothing, I don't eat. Set your own rules and abide by them. Sorry to hear about the divorce. It's hard to change our lifestyle even if it's for the best. It's even harder if it's not our choice. You will adjust in time but the holidays are not a fun time to have to adjust to being alone.

I hear you........today I was sitting at my desk eating my nice, post op friendly food(jerky made by a coworker, very tasty) and I thought as good as it was, I hate my job and wanted chips. Now.....what do those 2 things have to do with each other? My managers seem to actually put effort into making things suck at work and I just was feeling so sad about hating it here and my automatic reaction was to want some salty chips. I did not get any, (although have pringles at home so really must get over this before I get there) and I finished all my stuff I brought. My solution for today is that I need to do something nice after getting out of hell....I mean the office....so after taking my son to get his hair done we are going to a nice restaurant and i am going to have some shrimp scampi. Then we will go home and crawl into the warm bed and watch a good movie-maybe Elf again cuz I love laughing and it makes me laugh!!!!! I hope you do something fun this weekend too! Do something that makes you laugh! (I really do swear by that movie! Elf is just so darn funny to me, it is my happy pill these days.............Will Ferrell has a big part in my life, lol) Heather post lap rny jan 27, 2004 253/145/140

I hear ya babe...I still have trouble with snacking, especially in the evenings. Here are a few things that have helped me. 1.) Self control starts at the grocery store. Always eat before you go and make a list. The first time I was able to NOT buy ginger snaps was a big achievement. 2.) Remind yourself that it was years of thinking "just one won't hurt" that made you obese. It's true that one won't hurt, but 1+1+1+1+1+1+1...WILL hurt. -1-1-1-1-1-1-1 WILL HELP!!! 3.) Be especially careful of unplanned eating opportunities, like in the break room at work. My mantra is, "Just because it's there, it doesn't necessarily have my name on it." 4.) Focus on what I CAN have, not what I can't have. 5.) Get busy. When my mind and hands are occupied I'm less likely to think about food. 6.) If I'm really and truly hungry (I mean, really physically hungry) I eat something healthy, e.g. protein snack. and finally 5.) If you fall off the wagon, don't beat yourself up. Nobody's perfect. GET BACK ON TRACK.