Learn the difference between snacking and grazing.

Learn the difference between snacking and grazing.  
Snacking and grazing are not the same thing. Snacking has a healthy purpose. You snack because you need a short supply of energy for your body. A snack is planned, including the quality of the food you eat, the quantity, and the time of day. Grazing has no purpose other than to manage emotions or soothe your boredom.  

An honest self-assessment should help you determine whether you are snacking or grazing, but if you're not sure ask your nutritionist. Most WLS patients struggle with the urge to graze from time to time, or even most of the time. You can learn strategies to curb grazing, including determining what, if any, planned snack you may need to include in your eating plan. If you are struggling, don't keep it a secret. Ask someone you trust to help you develop the strategies that will work for you. 

Action for the day: Start a food diary today and keep it for three days. Write down what you ate, the time and quantity, and what you were feeling when you ate. Bring this with you the next time you see your nutritionist, and start to explore solutions to your grazing problem. 

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