My danger times

I have really been able to pay attention to when I tend to want to graze and snack and eat off plan.  Between 3 and 5 while at work, and from 9-12 at night after the kids are in bed.  Other than those times, I really have no trouble staying on course.  Of course, that is 5 hours per day and a lot of damage can be done!

Prior to surgery, I believe this is when I did the majority of my mindless eating.  From 3-5 at work it gets really quiet, and I can usually get a lot of work done at my desk.  I used to have my snacks with me then to keep me company when I worked so hard!  I have no company now but just try to practice mindfulness and really recognize what I'm feeling and why.  Just by acknowledging the feeling, I can usually avoid giving in and just let myself have the feeling.  It's very hard at night, but I plan for a snack during that time and then shut down the kitchen.  Sometimes I have to hang out in my bedroom to avoid the kitchen.  Pathetic I know, but it's better than cheating!  I hope this gets a little easier over time, but I've heard that this type of vigilance has to last a lifetime.

I also think it's "old habits are hard to break".  It's a mindset (like I HAVE to have my coffee in the morning).  I was just discussing this with my daughter today about why we do things at certain times of the day (eating, drinking, etc).

Nothing really wrong with a snack - if it's the right one and you are feeling hunger.  Some folks do better with 3 meals with snacks inbetween, some without snacks.

If it's not negatively affecting your weight, allow yourself a bite of cheese, a ham rollup, a protein drink, etc.  I'm thinking you would be satisfied with a small morsel and not a big meal.  How about keeping something back from your meal for a snack if that would make you feel better?  Check Roz's Menus and Miles - see what others are snacking on...

This is a lifestyle and all about moderation.  When we attempt to completely cut something out it seems we want it even more. 

at night I do eat a planned snack so that's all good. I still want chips and cookies after. Of course I don't do it and honestly I would be sick if I did. The afternoons are tougher because I really shouldn't have a snack since we generally eat soon after I get home from work. If I snack then I'm not hungry for dinner. And again all I really want is junk. It's definitely not real hunger. Just boredom grazing. 

Yea I did that last night - prowled the kitchen for awhile.  I'm not a sweet eater - but a salty/crunchy eater.  I ended up with cheese.  Figured I wasn't hungry but just wanted to taste something.  A Babybel cheese and I was good! 

I dumped HORRIBLY in my early days (first 2 years actually).  I was glad I did.  Now I've developed Reactive Hypoglycemia which also keeps me in check.  Simple carbs and sugars can make that rear it's ugly head and that's not fun either (blood sugar drops).  I can control that with diet and know what makes it happen (most of the time). 

You can do it! 

Yes im a big dumper. Do you know if dumpers are more likely to have issues with RH down the road?

You know - that's an excellent question.  I haven't put the 2 together.  I haven't seen any articles or opinions on it, but you never know! 

Thank you for posting this. I have the same danger times. The 3-5 at work coupled with an increase in stress at work & the Snickers bar in the vending machine starts chanting my name. I also know the 9-12 is boredom and I just need to distract myself. I'm deathly afraid of dumping so I prepared to give up the sugar and simple carbs. I know my triggers I just need to find better ways to deal with them. 

The struggle is real!  Nice to know we aren't alone.

I used to have a protein drink mid afternoon, snack late afternoon dinner and a protein shake around 9.  I have been trying for the last year to stop that late afternoon snack, sometimes I can, sometimes not.  Usually I have some pistashios or a cheese stick cut in slices and nuked.  I'm 4 yrs out. 

And I know the go to bed to keep from getting into the kitchen routine.  Very well. 

Thanks for sharing.  It's good to know I'm not alone, but nice to see you have found a way to manage it long-term.