Holiday Head Hungers

Since the holidays are fast approaching I am seeing all those food items that pop up around this time of the year. I hate going shopping for that reason...especially groceries! I know alot of it is just head hungers and my brain recalling the 'yummy' stuff that I can no longer have. So far I have been good about 'no sugar' items or a small quantity of sugar. But with the holidays the head hunger and urge to want that item that comes out a few times a year is getting strong. Any ideas on how to fight that stronger urge?? Michelle 311/232/145

Michelle, I know a lot of people here will disagree with me, but this is my humble approach to head hunger: One example is peppermint ice cream. I love when it hits the stores, because it means Christmas is here! Well, I knew better than to buy a whole gallon, I don't trust myself....instead I got those little ice cream Dibs in mint flavor. I know they are there, and when I see the peppermint in the store and really want it, I know that there is a little taste at home in the freezer for me. Another example is pumpkin pie, cheesecake, bread, roll, etc. I love it. I had to substitute this year, I buy pumpkin low fat cream cheese and have a little on a graham cracker, and that satisfies the craving. I am not advocating turning back to old habits where food is what you use to comfort yourself....but if you can be smart and make good choices, there are ways to have a treat that is WLS friendly. I truly believe that the reason I got to be so big in the first place is I put so much importance on food. It felt good to overindulge and have things I thought I shouldn't. I started to watch my siblings, who are all skinny folk...and they don't deny themselves, just do things in moderation. That's what I've learned to do. Good Luck this holiday season...it's going to be a learning process for many of us!! Brenda

Brenda, Have you tried the sugar free pumpkin pie that Meijers has? They usually have a metal stand that is about 4 shelves tall. I can't remember the 'name' on the label but there is a lot of sugar free stuff on those shelves. Pumpkin pie is one. We bought it to try and love it. Even my husband ate it and finished it off! I can only eat a small piece though, which means the tool is working. The most evil of the 'holiday' foods I keep passing by is the fudge covered mint oreos. But I keep passing it by! Thanks for the ideas. Michelle

I had my surgery in September 2005 and I know exactly what you are going thru.. One of the things that has helped me (and still does) is sugar free candy. I personally recommend the Sugar Free Lifesavers (pep-o-mint or wintergreen) or the Sugar Free Werthers. My parents have tried both and they cannot tell the difference! Mom likes to keep the mints in her purse, and you might do the same when you go shopping. Also, when you go shopping, make sure that you have had your water and make a list - and stick to it!! I go thru the sales papers first, then get any coupons. I like it when I get to shop alone - I power shop, meaning I go in the store and go exactly where the items are. I don't dilly-dally, make sure I have all my coupons ready and depending on how many items I have, use the self-serve line. I know about head hunger....I miss my diet Dr. Pepper...but I think of what I have gone thru and what the ultimate goal is....try to focus on that instead. The best of luck to you!

Rhonda, I have found that I like the York Peppermint Patties that are sugar free. And there is a toffee that I buy at Walmart. I keep them in my desk at work for when I want a quick fix! I will try putting a few in my purse and see if that works! Thanks for the ideas! Michelle

I like York Peppermint Patties but they don't always like me!! I'm either running to the bathroom or tooting my head off!! I also like the Sugar Free Nips - coffee or toffee flavored.....

Hi Michelle! You can still have some things. Just go sugar free. Just like when you are on a diet. You crave the things that you can't have so have a small portion in sugar free and that should help you alot! Good Luck!