Monday Morning Weigh Ins

I can't imagine being chained to the idea of 3 meals a day w/no snacks in between! I mean, what "normal" person does that? None that I know of...I just don't think that it's healthy. I know for myself that if I wait too long to eat, I become overly hungry and will be willing to eat just about anything. However, if I eat on a 2-hour-or-less-between-meals schedule(usually less ) I make much better choices and never really get overly hungry...just enough to know that it's time to eat. I am still really careful with the calorie counts at each meal, with amounts dependent on whether it is a "meal" or a "snack". Also, I notice that my blood sugar crashes through the floor if I don't eat on a very regular schedule. If that happens...I'm back to looking for anything that will bring my sugars up...and I do mean anything! I guess it all comes down to being in "diet head" (a phrase borrowed form Melting Mama) almost all of the time...constantly counting and plotting and planning. So, far...it's all worth it! But, ask me again in a couple of years...I may have a different answer.

I totally agree! I was able to stick with the 3 meals w/o no snacking until recently (well, I guess I should count my sugar free gum as a snack, I chew lots of gum, that is my transferred addiction lol and I guess as addictions go, it could have been worse). But lately that no snacking thing has gotten me down. I usually try not to go more thanr 4 hours wtih out eating cause I know that if I go longer than 5, I will eat anything I can get my hands on and eat way too much. So far it has been worth it to me too but I agree that my answer may change before it is over. How many calories are you getting in now a days? I am going over 1200 with out the snacking so that is another reason I try not to do the snacking in between meals.

Usually I get in upwards of 1400...but a lot less on the days that I get really busy...I just forget to eat. I still can't eat a large meal, they are still around 200-300 calories on the high side. Most of my snacks are 75-150 calories. So, it really takes me all day and sometimes late into the night (study nights) to get over 1400-1600 calories in. I just can't seem to eat calorie-dense meals that some are able to...no room in the pouch it seems. I don't eat out, but if I did I am sure that I could easily go over calories with only 3 meals. I think that I got so used to watching what I cooked with and the foods that I ate for the year before surgery (South Beach Diet plan) that I just can't tolerate rich foods anymore....simple is better for me now. Of course, that doesn't lend a lot calories, so I think that is another reason why I need to space my meals out over the course of the day. Each meal is low in potential energy, so the calories/sugars run out quicker than if I had eaten a 400 calorie meal. I think that we need to be able to adjust our eating plans to accommodate our individual lives. It should work for us and make us happy, not stressed out or guilty. I feel at peace with how I do things because they are working for me and I know that I can live like this for the rest of my life. I have enough wiggle room to make little changes should weight gain become a problem later on down the line. Oh yeah...about the sugar-free gum...you got me hooked!! One day, I thought, "well, it really seems to help Stephanie curb the snacking and keep her mind off of food". So, I started chewing one piece a day, one flavor. Now, I go through the equivalent of about a pack of gum a day in various flavors, and always have at least three flavors of Orbit in my bag at all times! I am addicted! Well, I also got myself addicted to Chai tea w/Splenda and soy. I am drinking at least 8 cups a day! I just love that stuff!! In fact....I'm off to have some now that I brought it up!

See what I mean when I say you always know what to say and you type your thoughts out so well!! Thanks! And I agree **as I am snacking on baby carrots** that we should be able to adjust our eating plans to accommodate our individual lives and make us happy, not stressed out or guilty. And sorry I passed the gum addiction on to you! I have had 4 pieces of the "flame" flavor made by Rain this morning and it is so good! I try to limit my self to one five pack a day while at work and then I leave the rest here in my desk drawer. lol But when I get home my daughter usually has some and I find it and grab a piece or two before bed time. Thanks again and talk to you soon. Steph

Oh my gosh!! I just realized it has been a MONTH since I posted a monday morning weigh in...geez, how time flies!! My life has been turned upside down since the hubby got home! haha It's nice to see I have made some progress this month though. Just a few more pounds to my goal...though I'm very happy where I'm at right now. Have a great week ladies! Stacy highest weight 307 day of surgery 291 last weigh in 162.4 this week 156.2 lbs lost past 4 weeks -6.2 total lbs lost 150.8 lbs left to goal-6.2 (Goal is 150)

Can you believe it, Stacy? Barely more than 6 pounds to goal? Yay...you'll be there in no time at all!

time flies when you're having fun huh Stac??? heheehehehehe!!! Wow just 6 lbs to goal. You have done so good! That is fantastic!!!!

Well I wasn't joking when I said I go up and down. This week has been crazy. Most of the household sick. My weigh in was a shock, not sure where all 7 pounds came from. SW: 247 LW: 156 CW: 163 I have been ranging between 156 - 159 since October. This week was challenging though and I have to admit something. About March 2007 two months after surgery I began smoking, which before was just a social thing for me, maybe a couple of times a month. But in March I begain to replace snacking with smoking - which I knew/know was not healthy. So, Feb 2nd I stopped - cold turkey - have not smoked even one little drag. So, I very glad about that but upset about the gain. But, I'm the one in control of what goes in my mouth so, this week will be better!!

Hi Marilyn - I know what you mean about the smoking thing..... I also started again in July of 2007 ( too many family tragedies to handle and I can't use food to relieve stress). I wish I could stop and I keep telling myself that I will, but I'm also afraid of the overeating issue. Congratulations on stopping cold turkey !! I hope you stay smoke free as it is soo not good for you. Maybe gum??? I guess I could try that as well. Marta

Congrats on quiting! You've come this far, keep going!!!