Killing off the "Chippie Monster" (aka Carbs)

Hi guys,

How do I kill the "Chippie Monster" inside me?  All I feel like eating and grazing on all day long is Chips/Crisps not sure what you guys call them over there in the USA.  I can't keep the weight under control and I just know it's all from eating way too many carbs.  My weight is still high for my height at 151lbs and I'm only 5'1" tall.  I'm starting to feel quite depressed about it all.  I probably need to up the protein shakes as I'm only having 2 a day and it is the GNC Myocell which only has 23grams protein per serve.  I'm eating chese but that is adding more fat to the diet which is not good either.  I read you guys on menus and miles each day and you seem to eat so little compared to what I have.  What do I do now?? :(

Try increasing the protein and cutting the carbs. If you're low carb, a little oil won't hurt unless you dump on it.

I saw a new recipe for chicken crisps (chip replacement). Shredded rotisserie chicken stir fried in olive oil with garlic and onion salt and a little pepper. Thought I might try it this weekend. I bet it could be baked with a sprinkle of olive oil instead of stir fried.

--gina
 

I agree with upping the protein and lowering the carbs to help lose weight.  I do at least 2 shakes a day, well, one protein in 2 cups of decaf and one shake at night.  Sometimes I add another shake in the afternoon instead of a mini meal.  but all of my meals are protein based.

Instead of chips, have you tried nuked pepperoni?  You just lay it out on a papertowel, cover with another papertowel and nuke for 1 min.  It is the chrispy, salty, spicy that I crave at times.

For real chips, I deal with that by just not having them around.  If they are around, I will eat them.  If they aren't, I don't.  Sounds much more simple than it is but that seems my only choice because of my lack of control with them.

My nut has us doing 4-5 "meals" a day.  1/4c protein, 1/4c veggies.  If I do 20 oz of fluid between each "meal" and a protein coffee in the morning, and one at night, there is no time for snacking.  I am alway either eating or drinking.  I think that has been a great help to me.

If you really need a snack kind of thing, I have found edemame worked great last week when I was traveling.  Since you have to eat them out of the shell, you have to be slow and they can keep you busy for a long time.  They do have some carbs but also good protein and fiber. Kind of like eating popcorn but better stats.

Thanks so much guys for the suggestions,  I really need to get my act together and snap out of this hole I've fallen into.  

I've been under so much stress lately as married daughter has separated from her husband and moved back home so I'm nursing her and her broken heart. I've got loads of stress at work and work very long hours with all men who are totally useless most of the time and I'm constantly picking up the pieces after them.  I like what I do but at the moment with my poor energy levels I'm struggling myself to stay on top of things for everyone else.  :(  

Sorry to vent but I seem to be turning to carbs as they are my weakness.

Karin,

It is okay to vent!  Anytime you vent you are NOT using food to fill the emotional need.  I so hear you about the carbs.....after reading so much on here I really, really try to limit my carbs.   If you can get the majority out of your system for about 5-7 days it will be easier.   I do NOT limit my cheese intake as I LOVE it and I feel as long as my meals and snacks are protein focused and I am NOT over eating, I can have the protein.  I have also tried to add an extra shake in a day and this seems to have helped with my relatively slow weight loss.   I just try to remember that we have a window here and this is also when we are learning new habits that will hopefully help you/e with maintanence,  Get the crisps OUT of the house if you can and have lots of protein choices.......

Also, I have started reading 50 ways to soothe oneself without food and I am finding it very helpful.  Am also reading Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth.......so far this is not as helpful although her other books on compulsive eating have helped me understand my dependence on food.....remember, when you want to eat the carbs, this is an impulse....if you can wait about 20 min....usually the impulse is gone...NOT always, but if this works some of the time, then that is better than none.

Good luck!  I feel for you and KNOW that many of us on here struggle with this same issue.

Blessings to you (and your daughter!)....




~~Jennifer

When I make my protein shake, I put an extra scoop in. So 27 g becomes 41. That also require extra water so 8 oz. becomes 16.

Try reduced fat cheese. I also eat a lot of nuts. I find them filling so I don't need that many to satisfy me. OTOH, they do have a lot of calories so they can be tricky.

I have found that the only way to get rid of the carb monster is to eliminate refined carbs.  It is easier for me not to have them then it is to try to control them.  That is just me.  
I don't avoid all carbs, just the refined ones like sugar and bread.  I also avoid all wheat since I feel I am senstive to it.  Maybe gluten intolerant.  I do eat gluten free.  I will eat fruits, vegetables and dairy with carbs as they are in their natural state.  It seems the ones I have problems with are the ones that have parts refined out that my body seems to need and begins to crave when it doesn't get them.
I do aim for at least 100 grams of protein a day and that helps the cravings, too.  I also aim for at least 100 oz of fluids, which I think keeps me from snacking because I am not hungry and it is also hard to get that much fluid in if I eat more then 4 times a day since I wait nearly an hour after eating before I drink again.

Thanks so much guys, I always know I can count of you for all the goods tips and advice.  It's early Sunday morning over here in Australia and the plan of action today is up the protein to 100grams (Currently only getting in about 40grams) cut the refined carbs and up the water intake.  I have to go to the grocery shopping so I'll stock up on some nuts and low fat cheese as my snack foods.  I might even buy some cold sliced meats too and put together a snack box for when I'm at work.  Fingers crossed this week for a decent loss.

 Hey Karin, you and I are in the same boat. I have been eating way too many carbs. I have to get them out of the house and I'll be able to do better. 

Here's to you and I having a great, low carb week. Take care!

Hi Kelly, so far I've started off ok so I just need to keep it up to kick the carb monster out of the house completely.  It's so difficult but it's a fight that we must win in order to maintain our losses.  You keep me posted how you're doing too.