SNACKING

Hey guys, Is anyone else finding themselves snacking? On the weekend when I'm home, I actually forget to eat, and have to remind myself. Sitting at my desk at work all day, I have found myself having some serious snacking head issues. I'm keeping healthy snacks at work, so I don't go out and buy unhealthy ones, but the urges just seem to get stronger and harder to deal with each day. Anyone else going through this? Thanks, Candy 266/200/1? -66

Hey Candy, I know, I know me too! It really sucks. For me, it feels like the more I do it...the more I want to do it! I know what you are saying. My doctor's order's are 3 meals a day. At first I thought he was crazy and was doing 5-6 small meals a day which lead to a lot of grazing for me. For some people this might be good but, for me it doesn't work. It makes my life revolve around food all over again. So, I am trying to keep it to 3 meals a day, one protein shake and one protein choice or occasionally popcorn at night. If you do the math it is still putting something in your mouth 5 or 6 times a day but it is at a defined time. Not just mindless eating anymore. Have you tried just drowning your thoughts of food with good calorie free liquids? Maybe you need more variety in your drinking? Go on a little shopping spree for new stuff to drink, herbal teas, diff flavors crystal light or whatever suits ya. I ordered a shaker cup from bariatric eating dot com and love it. The more I drink the less hungry I am. Also, maybe you could set up a little ritual (I'm very ritualistic with my food lol) Like, everyday at three o'clock or ten or whatever you take out a Power Crunch bar (or whatever your chosen vice is) from your desk and break it into four pieces and see how long it will last and then drink, drink, drink til time to go home. It always helps me to play little games like this. Good luck! game-y, ritualistic, Molly 252/193/135

Thanks Molly! It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I think breaking up the power crunch bar in the sections that I can eat throughout the day is a good one. I drink herbal caffine free tea and bottled water all day. I really try not to snack. I'm going to try I'm allowed one piece of a power crunch bar and not allowed another until I've consumed at least 16 oz of water. I'll let you know how that works. Thanks for the great idea and words of wisdom!! Candy 266/200/1?

A lot of people eat more then three meals a day. I think it's what works for each person. Donna 338/229 -109

Donna, Yep - we're all different. Thanks, Candy

I've found since my surgery I can no longer go on just 3 meals a day- I started getting odd symptoms when I went too long without food. (hypoglycemia) Now I make sure I space out small meals- so I wind up eating maybe 4 or 5 small meals a day- it cuts out alot of the urge to snack. My meals are small though- like a small yogurt with a piece of cheese and two ounces of nuts... simple.

Thanks Katherine, That's what I started out doing. I think maybe I need to be strict about three meals a day because more leads to snacking for me. Makes me focus on food too much. Thanks! Candy 266/200/1?

Find what works for you. My surgeon says only three meals a day but if I feel hungry I eat something, might not be a lot but it's something to edge that hunger so I don't over eat. Donna 338/229 -109

I find myself being called by "snacks" too. I try to stock only healthy foods in my house and at work, so my snacks are healthy ones. But it is hard sometimes, I have to agree. Especially when others around you are able to snack on real junk food. Karen G

Karen, Yeah, I try to only stock the healthy ones too. I think it's more out of boredom that I snack at work. Guess I should be working harder! Candy