Question:
Two Questions: 6th week Plateau and Snacks...

Please Help...I did pretty well in the first 5 weeks, loosing a pound a day on average. With the real food beginning at week six, I have stalled totally. I drink plenty of liquids, have two protein shakes a day, mixed with low-fat milk and a Carnation instant breakfast or two. I am following the plan very closely, with the exception of walking. Sooo, started a 3/4 mile course on Monday and will commit to this each day. Hope this helps break the plateau. I know everyone looses differently, but I am shocked that it would stand still for this long of time. Starting out from 410 lbs. ALSO---is there a good snack choice for a person who sits infront of a computer all day? I tried UNSALTED/FAT FREE pretzels, but was told by the nutritionalist that this is still a bad choice because of the carbs. ANY SUGGESTIONS???    — Lynn P. (posted on July 9, 2003)

July 9, 2003
HI there, I am still preop, surgery Friday the 11th but I am concerned with the same thing. I used to munch on sunflower seeds and they worked great. I am wondering if we could do these post op too. Maybe someone will let us know if it is a no no or not. It seems to me that they would offer a bit of protein to us.
   — WendieS

July 9, 2003
Don't worry about the plateau; it will pass. Moving to regular food is another adjustment for your body, so give it time. Keep getting in your protein, water and exercise, and it will take care of itself. Regarding snacks, concentrate on protein. Cheese sticks, nuts, peanut butter, beef jerky (if you can chew it well enough), protein drinks, rolled-up deli lunchmeat, and diced up ham or turkey (cut it into small bite-sized pieces) are all good choices that you can manage just as easily as pretzels. Remember, always think protein first, and you'll be fine.
   — Vespa R.

July 9, 2003
I'd recommend staying off the scale for awhile, as losing every day (or even every week) can't be expected for long, and it's much more fun to get on the scale after staying off of it for a few weeks and see a big drop. Also, learn to like protein snacks (your nutritionist is right -- it would be bad to turn to empty carbs for snacks). I like turkey pepperoni, cheese, turkey jerky, & mozarrella cheese with tomatos. Good luck with the walking -- putting protein first, and exercising, really are the keys!
   — Suzy C.

July 9, 2003
If it doesn't significantly change your protein intake, consider making your protein drink with water instead of milk and see if that affects the scale.
   — antiques55

July 9, 2003
Hi there. As for Snacks, I was told not to. Have 3 meals a day and that was it. However, I have on occasion had soy nuts with my meals. They are crunchy and salty, have more protein than may other nuts. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of Carbs and 10 grams of protein. But a serving is 1/3 of a cup and I could never eat that much. Hope that helps some! Missy~~ Lap RYN 3/31/03 309.5/238/156
   — Missy W.

July 9, 2003
I've found that my favorite snack is "Soy Crisps". They are really quite tasty especially the Barbeque. They are 60 calories, 0 fat, and 5 grams of protein per serving (25 chips). Give em a try!!
   — Cindi S.

July 9, 2003
I am in front of a computer about 18 hours/day ;) But don't find myself snacking much at all... even though I am in an office by myself. I think it is because I always have at least two beverages at hand. Iced latte sometimes, but usually Propel, SF Tang, Crystal light, SF lemonade, water, coffee, etc. You get the idea. So I don't get into the "snacky" mode. In the event I do get "snacky", I have a tupperware container in the office fridge with a homemade "lunchable"-type thing - lunchmeat, cheeses, pickles, etc... NO CRAKCERS, NO PRETZELS! I usually make this up on Sunday night, and it lasts all week. Also the little SF jello containers work great (make these yourself - the pre-made are a rip-off). Hope this helps!
   — kultgirl

July 10, 2003
It's tough to think beyond having those snacks around-- nine months out and I still struggle with those urges especially on long drives (which I take frequently). First, you might want to evaluate the number of times a week you are having the Carnation Instant Breakfast as it is pretty high in carbs. Secondly, I drink a lot of coffee to help curb those snacking urges (especially b/c I realize that they mostly come from habit and not from hunger). Thirdly, I will put some peanuts in a ziplock bag at the start of the day and those are my nuts for that day (this is the easiest way I've found to control the temptation to just keep grazing). Lastly, I have tried to nibble on cheese and pork rinds when the snacking urge gets strongest as they are both very low in carbs (pork rinds, in particular, tend to have no carbs). Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi