Why am I STRUGGLING today?

I've been so good for the past three weeks, and after the first day or so, I really haven't been craving or looking for foods that aren't good for me. Today I have this feeling like I'm looking for something - nothing in particular, but I want to really chow down! Why is this happening and how do I fix it? I'm drinking loads of water and just had a cup of caffeinated coffee to try and suppress my appetite. It's not too bad here at work, but I'm afraid when I go home I'll go wild!!! H-E-L-P!!!!! Hugs, Nancy

Chomp down on 2 or 3 sugar free popsicles the moment you get home.... or Fill up on protein as soon as you get home.... You're doing so well... you can do it... 170 is just around the corner for you!! Hang in there!! CHOO CHOO... stay on the train!

Nancy, Hang in there sweetie! The cravings could be hormonal or stress related. I myself am an emotional eater and continually need to keep this in-check. I often have to reevaluate why these feelings of eating come upon me..ususally I am reacting to an outside factor: being upset, bored, nervous...etc...you get the picture. If you feel that you must eat something stick to protein: cheese stick or some nuts. Also, try some crystal light or propel water. Mary

Hang in there! I agree with all the previous suggestions. I'm going through my own "chow hound" feelings. I want to eat everthing in sight, and in fact that's what I did this weekend. I know in my case it's from feeling deprived as well as hormonal. I can only deprive myself for so long before I go "crazy" and want to graze and nibble everything in sight. It's almost like I'm trying to make up for all the calories that I missed out on the last few days/weeks/months. I guess keeping busy and making SURE that we're eating food that we find satisfying are key to keeping the monster at bay. Irene

I agree Irene - I seem to find that I can go for so long without craving, then all of a sudden it's like the floodgates open and this compulsion comes over me - it's awful. No matter how busy I keep myself I'm obsessing about eating. It doesn't really matter what, I just want to EAT. I'm home now and I ate about 1 cup of Cheerios and 1/2 of a Pop Tart. I'm not going to eat anything else that doesn't have protein in it. If I have to eat, I'm going to fill myself with food that's healthier - that's about the best I can do right now. I wish I had some jerky - that would satisfiy the chewing and take a long time. Maybe I can find something else around here - maybe shrimp or steak. I think I'm going to go do a WATP video - at least that will be 40 minutes or so that I'm not eating... BTW - do you still have those meetings at St. Joe's? I'm sure I could benefit. Let me know. Hugs, Nancy

Yes, we still have meetings at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital. We meet the second Monday of the month at 7 pm in the Meyer Conference Center. Everyone is welcome. As part of my job I now facilitate the support group meetings. If you're available Monday, February 13, it might be an especially helpful meeting - considering this thread. We are having a very special guest speaker - Valerie Wood. She has developed a WLS Relapse Prevention and Recovery program and will be talking to the group about that subject. Let me know if you're interested - I can e-mail you more information and I will be posting about the meeting on the NJ board. Irene

Nancy, I'm sorry the munchies have attacked you with a vengeance. I wish I had some magic pill to send your way. It seems the eating crave is a curse we will have to contend with the rest of our lives. Usually a SF popsicle helps me--it is sweet and it can take 15 minutes to eat. Sometimes a spoon of peanut butter on a celery stick helps--again, it has substance and takes several minutes to eat. When I have the urge for potato chips (always my great downfall) so strong I just can't stand it, I eat soy crisps--low in fat and good protein. I am seldom tempted by really surgary things because sugar still makes me dump, so a pop-tart would be no enticement to me, but if I substitute the word chips for pop-tart, I identify totally. Speaking of chips--have you tried munching on ice chips? Just a thought. I know sometimes, nothing seems to help so we just have to pick ourselves up and get back on the horse. Hope you make through the night. Oh, another thing, when I am feeling especially tempted, I get out my crocheting, or applique project and keep my hands busy. That helped when I quit smoking 12 years ago also. Anyway, hang in there, Sister. You will overcome. Monna -163 lbs.

I have some turkey Sloppy Joe meat that I'm just leaving out on the kitchen counter and when I feel that urge to munch, I'm taking a bite of that. I'm not figuring on eating dinner tonight if I'm munching. I also have a piece of chicken breast I'll nosh on if necessary. The need for sweets seems to have passed at the moment. I did the 2.5 mile WATP Walk and Jog and tired myself out pretty good, and now I'm going to take a nice long .... Thanks all of my sisters for your suggestions and support. Guess they can fix the physical, but the emotional or psychological is a whole other animal....

Nancy, you said it, they can fix the physical, but the emotional or psychological is a whole other animal.... I hope you had a great night. You've come so far and are doing well. I completely understand where you are coming from. Take Care, Teah