Poor Eating Choices

Thanks for the support, from the on start I was doing everything by the book. Every now and then, meaning  ever month or other month I would have a bite of a cookie or a 100 colorie back something on that line. It is not a hunger but a craving for sweets and snack foods that I can't shake. It is all in the mind. I was eating 6 very small meals aday equally around 1100 calories. Thank you for the tips and plan to use them to get back on track I still want to loose 20 pounds in the next 4 months that is five pounds a month.

It's great that you walk 8 miles a day, congratulations.   You really need to add weight training to your program for various reasons.  First and foremost it helps build calcium in your bones, lean muscle mass and ramps up your metabolism (burn more calories throughout the day) which will compensate SOME for extra calorie intake.  Lastly it is a good balance and more than likely will tone and kick start a consistent weight loss. 

I guess I'm different. I don't see any problem with grazing as long as as your overall calories in a day are within reason. The problem is that you are grazing on the wrong foods. Sugary foods don't fill you up. They just lead to cravings for more sugary foods. Dr. Phil has an adage that I agree with -- you don't eliminate a habit, you replace it with a new habit. So stop eating candy and cookies and keep a supply of cheese, yogurt, jerky, high protein foods, fruits and veggies on hand. When the urge hits, give yourself permission to eat something healthy instead. If your head tells you you don't want a healthy snack then obviously you aren't really hungry. It's just a craving. Give yourself a half an hour. The craving will probably go away. Its difficult to do, I know. But when you fall down and give into the evil candy, blame it on the devil, forgive yourself and re-commit to your plan.

Congratulations on your success.  You've done amazingly well.

I think grazing is the worst habit to go back to.  Grazing triggers a lot of negative habits.  We don't graze on healthy food choices.  Also, the hand to mouth action leads to more and more grazing.  It is a habit that you can ditch and incorporate something else in its place.  I think it is commendable that you're aware that you're doing it before weight regain results.  Cows graze, post-ops don't!!

I agree with the others on this thread, eat lean, dense proteins.  They will keep you satiated longer and cut down on your cravings. 

Another strategy to consider is when you want to graze, check in with yourself.  What is going on?  Are you bored, angry, tired, or upset at a situation?  Many times grazing or emotional eating is to numb or take the edges off an emotion.  Something to consider.......

Again, congratulations on your success.  You go!!

Cathy