Thoughts on Snacking and Maintenance

Unitl recently, I've avoided snacks altogether. But, I'm at goal--or rather fluctuate within a reasonable proximity of goal. I work out at least 4 times a week (weight training and cardio) and have recently taken up hiking. I've been trying to do a 8 to 10 mile hike every weekend. I'm finding myself grazing more. Part of me says it is ok, because I'm expending calories and I haven't had a big gain. But part of me feels like I'm not following the rules. Also since the pouch definately accomodates more. I'm finding that I eat more carbs to fill up. Veggies but also crackers (triscuits and cheezeits). Is this bad? Opinions?????

Hi Courtney, how are you, and Happy New Year! You have turned into a ittle hiker since your summer trip! That's great. I really have different feelings about this Courtney. I know that snacking is not good, but my doctor told me that since our pouch is so little sometimes it's hard to get enough calories to stay full for long, and therefore 'snacking' is sometimes okay. The caviet was that your total calories shouldn't be more - that is 1500 calories divided up however you want. Yes, carbs are our enemy! But it could be that they aren't really your enemy! With all the calories that you're burning it might not be an issue. I know I'm not much help here, and I'm not trying to help you justify, believe me. I just want you to be realistic -- you're young, active, great metaboism, you might not have a problem now. That's not to say it will always be like that - so be forewarned!! But for now, if your weight is staying where you want it, and you're doing protein FiRsT, I'd give you a pass!! much love and hope to see you this year!! donna

Thanks Donna. I think I just need some reassurance. Sometimes I just get scared I'm not doing it right. I'm so scared of gaining the weight back. I can eat so much more that I could a year ago. Yes I have much better habits. I think for me the key is to constantly monitor my weight and if I get outside of that window, cut back. It happened once around thanksgiving. Taking off a pound or two, really is just a matter of cutting back and exercising. But I can't let it get out of hand. I really don't want to go back, but there is a forward progression too. I won't be eating 2 oz of chicken for the rest of my life. Maybe the goal is to eat normally. PS: my calorie intake is way over 1500, but I think for now it's Ok. If I cut back on activity I'll have to cut back on food. Thanks for the support. I'd love to get together sometime. I wounder if we could schedule a local get together of the Sept 2005 folks. My living room is free. Courtney

I agree with Donna. I eat three meals a day with two snacks in between cause I can't eat that much at one sitting. I think we are all different of this issue. My snacks are usually String Cheese so I am getting protein too, but once in a while: pretzles!! Love those pretzles. I think at this point, it is about eating sensibly and being careful not to get into bad habits again. I think Veggies are good( I personally don't get many) and occasionaly crackers are not horrible. I try to avoid anything with lots of sugar or sugar alcohols and try to eat "normal" whatever that is? I work out daily: cardio and just try to make life as normal as possible. Take care. Jacqueline

Yea sometimes I just feel like I need more food. Sometimes its hard to tell if it is an emotional need or a physical need. But so far so good. Thanks for the advice.

Carbs are my downfall If I have crackers in the house ...I eat them...I need to get something better in the house to snack on . I have the 2% cheese but I can only eat so much. Bought myself a new exercise dvd called Dance yourself thin....Prevention magazine. Got it at walmart cheaper than online. Now I have to find the remote for daughters dvd player down the basement to check it out. Last night went down to exercise on my gazelle and ended up cleaning the basement so I could get the thing set up. By then I was too tired to do it.... Hopw you have a good day. Sandy

I hear you. I've never totally suscribed to the carbs are bad philosophy. I don't dump on them other than sugar. I just know eatting them isn't my priority. Protein is. Good luck with the exercise. I think it has been the key for me.