Advice about eating in between meals

Hi all.
    I believe my band is right about where it should be, however, I am still eating between my 3 meals. Not because I'm hungry, but just because. I can't seem to get a control on this behavior. Does anyone have any advice?


Jen-

Hi Jen,

Head hunger is the hardest thing to deal with when it comes to losing weight with surgery or without surgery its a ***** .

I fight this for about a week and half right before my TOM and sometimes I give in and sometimes I dont.

Right now I'm in that phase and I'm really really struggling right now . I have a doc's appts on Monday so I need to be good for my weigh in and dealing with the head hunger / cravings.

All I can say is find something to do .  I love to play computer games from Shock wave or Big Fish and I start to play a game and it takes my mind off the  head hunger.

I get wrapped up in my game and the desire is gone .

That is just something the band dont take care of *sigh* lol. I wi**** did though because it sure would make things alot easier .

I find that I chew ice, in crystal light.  I fill a glass with ice, and then pour the CL on it.  It takes longer to finish, and helps with my oral fixation, lol!!  I have always fought head hunger, and gum helps, but I bite my tongue, haha, but that doesn't seem to happen with the ice!
Hope that helps, I know how hard this is, good luck!!
Shannon

In the morning a boiled egg usually puts a stop to snacking, it makes me full and tight.  At night its usually a crunch that I'm looking for so I keep 2 carrots cut up in small sticks.  Usually can't eat them all.  No dressing just plain carrots.  Celery plain works too but be very careful of the strings.  Hope it helps u, it helps me.
Z

I usually chew sugar-free gum.  If you are amenable to gum, check out the Extra brand Dessert flavors.  I really like the Chocolate-Mint & the Orange Cream.

The suggestion for crunchy veggies is a good one.

Another thing that might be helpful is to keep your mind and hand busy.. if I'm on the computer, I'm much less likely to be feeding my face.  Also true for crocheting.  So perhaps find a hobby or an activity that's hard to eat while doing.

I sometimes have to tell myself "it's not feeding time at the Zoo" and go do something.  Mild exercise like walking helps.

Good luck.

 
Hi Jen,

I totally understand your frustration with this behavior. As others have stated the surgery doesn't resolve this issue. There are many reasons that cause us eat when we aren't hungry - you need to figure out what your triggers are. I find that if I'm bored, I tend to snack, even if I'm not hungry. If I'm upset, it's very easy to grab food as a comfort, after all, this is the kind of thing I have done my whole life.  If you have unresolved emotional issues, it might be a good idea to talk to a counselor. Sometimes, just talking to someone (who is not involved with your everyday life issues), they can give suggestions, and help you come up with ways to help you avoid eating, and putting your focus on something else.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.... 

My advice is...... Eat!

Plan in a snack of something which fills you so you can't eat more.

For me that would be half a banana, a piece of meat, a small yogurt, half a apple. All things which fill me. Then I stop wanting to eat. I know you say it isn't hunger but the same principle applies. If you start to obsess about eating, not only is it unpleasant, you are also more likely to graze.

I often have 5 eating times a day. Lots of us do. As long as the overall intake is not too high, we need to find the style with which we can live.

Kate

I totally agree with the above post, it's pretty much what I wanted to say.  I have always been a snacker and I lost weight consistently- 107 in about ten months.  As far as what you eat, here are my suggestions.  Berries (lower in carbs than other fruit, about 1/2 a cup) low fat cheese sticks (2),  nuts (1/4 cup, be carefull not to have to many, they are calorie dense and have a lot of healthy fat), beef jerky.  I eat 4-5 times a day.  I think the idea is to plan them into your daily food intake.  I know some docs say no snacking, I am not really sure why that is.  Good luck and best wishes.

This is such good advice. And realisric.

Yep... I agree with Kate.

EAT!

I eat 3 meals a day, and some days, 3 snacks too.

It's worked for me thus far.   Just make sure you choose the right snacks.

Dont be like me yesterday... peanut mms and a bag of chili cheese fritos... BAD snack day. LOL