Question:
Honestly, how often do you have a bad snack.... i.e. a small handful of potato chips?

I was very bad this weekend. I bought one of those "big grab" bags of baked doritos, and over the course of 3 days, (3 different snack times, not grazing) I finished it. I've only done sweets twice, both times bad news. Is there something salty and/or crunchy that's good for us, besides nuts? I eat dinner at 6:00 pm, and find myself hungry around 9:30. I'm also wondering if it's a habit from the past. When you're sittin' in front of the tv winding down. Today is my 3 month anniversary, down 91 lbs as of 2 weeks ago, and I'm afraid I'm messing up. I felt so guilty eating them, but they were so tasty. Could I get some constructive advice?    — Michelle J. (posted on January 14, 2004)


January 13, 2004
The holidays were very difficult for me. I have been snacking a lot also. I am 9 months old. The eye openner for me was to step on the scale and see an additional 3lbs over a 2 week span. I have about 20-30 lbs to lose yet. I try to keep my bad snacking to a minimum and have gotten back into a protein drink or bar for breakfast and kicked in more exercise. I also got a lot of Dr Phil's book. If it isn't in the house you can't eat it. So my house MUST be kept free of junk foods. Also don't beat yourself up. No one is perfect. In the past when I made mistakes I took it so hard, I am a failure and the whole accomplishment was thrown out the window and all the weight came back. Now I see it as a reawakening of my intentions. That was yesterday it is over and done with and today I am going to be healthy.
   — Gail O.

January 13, 2004
Honestly, I've been a very bad girl the past few weeks. Just last night I was into the leftover Christmas hershey kisses. After eating about 6 of them, I thought "what the he** am I doing"? I immediately went through the house and threw everything away - no more candy, no more cookie, no more doritos/chips (except the low fat pringles I get for my daughters lunch). That's the only way I'll stay out of them. I have absolutely no self control and i know it. Luckily, DH went on Atkins so we need to be eating the same foods these days. So, it's back to sugar free jello as a treat for me and pork rinds when I need something crunchy or salty.
   — Carolyn M.

January 13, 2004
Honestly- been doing that myself too- but with potato chips (my vice!) I've found taht the only thing I can do is not buy them. Then I can't eat them. I simply don;t hav ethe willpower to have them in my house andnot eat them up. Sorry, but that's the only solution I've been able to come up with.
   — LMCLILLY

January 13, 2004
I almost posted a question just like this yesterday! I had a horrible eating day - package of cookies, one WHOLE Otis Spunkmeyer Muffin (650 calories), sour cream and onion potato chips, Ritz Bitz crackers with cheese.......for some reason I went hog wild yesterday. I'm back on track today, but I was like, "What the hell am I doing?" I realize I still have a big problem with binging. I have lost 155 pounds in 11 months, and I can't screw up now. I have just made a decision to get back on track and stay there.
   — raye

January 13, 2004
I'm like the others--I have to keep it out of the house or I will eat it. I have bought the small 1/2 ounce bags of chips (but only one at a time) to have as a planned snack, but I can't be trusted with more. I, too, think a lot of it is habit. I always was an evening habit eater. I try to keep busy in the evenings so that I break those old patterns. I'm taking a night class, teaching another night class, and do homework or prep work in the evenings to disrupt my old patterns. It does help. Before the semester began, I tried a few other things to just make it different in the evenings. For example, I sit on a couch in another part of the living room rather than the chair I used to sit on and eat in. I can still watch TV, but it's different enough that I don't feel like I have to eat. I also try to keep my hands busy so that it's inconvenient to eat (nail polish, computer work, folding laundry, whatever). I have found that most of the time, I'm not really hungry in the evening, it is simply a habit. Also, try drinking when you think you want something to eat. A cup of decaf coffee or tea often does the trick for me. Try a flavored coffee or herbal tea for a harmless treat. Best wishes.
   — Vespa R.

January 14, 2004

   — keva M.

January 14, 2004
Stay away from the junk!!! I made the mistake of trying a handful of cheez-its, then moved on to chips and inched my way to sweets. Now I can eat almost a whole .99 cent bag of chips and I eat almost all sweets. I have just recently gained 12# and I am so upset. I was doing fine without the junk and I just keep wondering why I felt I had to keep testing and pushing myself to go back. I now struggle everyday with the OLD junk food issues and it's so hard and im so depressed. Good luck to you!
   — Sandy M.

January 14, 2004
Since I have reactive hypoglycemia (sp?), I have to eat something every 3 hours or so or my blood sugar drops very low and I get ill. Sometimes I take the quick way and grab crackers, or a PB&J (sugar free of course)or maybe even fruit. Thank goodness that chips make me ill so I stay away from them but I KNOW that if they didnt, I'd go for a handfull or two. No one is perfect and if they say they are, I'd bet my paycheck that they are either a fresh post-op(the famous "I'll NEVER eat that again") or fibbing. As long as you know when you are heading in the wrong direction and do something about it, you will be fine. Now you have the tool to help you get back on track. Just like the others have said, if you dont buy it, it wont be around for you to eat. Please dont be too hard on yourself, you are doing great. Hang in there. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 130+
   — Siddy I.

January 14, 2004
actually if it's a self control issue, then by all means keep it out of the house! However if it's a "salty thing" speak w/ your nutritionalist about it. I craved salt early post-op and even now almost a year out. My nutrionalist said to indulge with nuts or adding salt to foods etc. I do eat ff wheat thins frequently, but even then only about 6 or 7. My labs all came back pretty good so I am happy about that. Judy Lap RNY 02/13/03 218/137/???
   — jpwork00

January 14, 2004
I have really been bad over the holidays - cookies, candy, etc., and I have gained five pounds. My Sunday school teacher is having me a birthday dinner tonight, so starting tomorrow I’m going to eat the way I should. When I eat wrong I feel bad, so why do I do it? Old habits are hard to break. Open RNY Micropouch – 12/12/02 – 213/135/125.
   — Jazzy

January 14, 2004
I have always been a salty snacker, not a sweet snacker. I like to take cheddar cheese, put it on a microwave safe dish, cook for 1 minute or until crunchy and it's like a cheese-it type of snack. Love it.
   — saltybichon

January 14, 2004
Don't feel guilty.... I think we all need to eat "junk" every now and then..... Just think about how much more control you have over "food" and DO NOT beat yourself up.... I may eat a piece of a candy bar or a whole serving of chips... But it really isn't that much.. Its when you eat a whole bag of chips at one sitting or that whole bag chocolate that isn't very good.... I think you are doing great!
   — baybekmbrly

January 14, 2004
baked Pork Rinds is a good snack and has some protein also.
   — Delores S.

January 14, 2004
First of all-- congratulations to Michelle for losing 91 lbs. in 3 mos!!!! Really-- I wish I were in your shoes!!!! I am a snacker as well. I hate to admit it but I am. My parents always tell me that they think that the reason why I am not losing as fast as other people is because I snack more than I should! I had my surgery laproscopically 2/14/03 at Florida Med. Ctr. Pre-op I was 352 lbs. Last checkup this past Nov. I was 276. I AM MAD!!!! Sometimes I crave chocolate-- now my cravings have turned to Ritz Crackers, chips, pretzels. It's like my mind is going back to wanting to eat the way I was pre-op- only I can't eat to the extent that I was able to. Last night we had company to celebrate a friends' birthday. Boy did I pay the price. I ate a piece of white cake with white frosting and strawberries in the middle-- scoop of Neopolitan ice cream, and about 6 cookies-- med. sized from Publix Grocery store. I often question myself as to why in the world, and how in the world am I able to eat so much at once, and other times not? Knock on wood, I have had no complications from this surgery at all; except the common Dumping once in awhile. I am 31- going to be 32 on Feb. 5th. My 1 yr. anniversary is Feb. 14th. Which happens to be Valentine's Day of course. I am thinking realistically and I am not going to be down 100 lbs. by my next apptmt. Or I can be more positive and say I will be down more. I live with my fiancee and since I have lost my weight, he has gained about 25 lbs. It's not funny, but alot of people ask me if I'm feeding him and I'm not. He's 5"10 and now about 220. When we met he was 175-185 lbs. So everyone thinks I gave him the weight I lost! I really don't feed him. He's 35 and capable of feeding himself! LOL! We are getting married on May 15, 2004. We met and became friends in May 2002. We dated till Dec. 2002. Got engaged March 2003. When he first me, I was close to 400 lbs. I had taken off some weight before my surgery- on my own. To this day, I thank my lucky stars that I found a man who loves me for me. I don't love the way I look now, but I look a hell of alot better than I looked before my surgery. Anyway, if I got off track a little bit on this topic in here, I apologize. I am now in need of some support. Good Luck to all! Bonnie in Florida. [email protected]
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
To add to my last post-- and to Michelle's question. It seems like I have a bad snack everyday lately and I am trying so hard to get out of this rut!!!! I am a person who loves to sit and veg out in front of the tv! Why am I doing this I ask myself? I love Ritz crackers. We have recently been buying the 16 oz. box. And I am not kidding-- I can go through a whole box myself in 2 days-- and I confess- I have done that about 3 times already. It makes me sad and I am enjoying the food while I'm eating it, then after I feel depressed and ashamed of myself. I am almost a year post-op. Over the summer I had cut out the carbs almost completely, and it didn't make a difference. I was at a standstill. I was on Clonodine for high blood pressure until this past Sept. I was told that being on it could have slowed my weight loss down. My surgeon, primary, and psychiatrist all agreed. I am told that there are other people out there like me who have had slowed weight loss because of being on medicines. I feel like I am messing up also. I am also going to try on Wedding gowns at David's Bridals this Monday with my mom. An exciting and sad event it will be. The sad part is that in reality I am not going to be a regular size for our May 15, 2004 wedding. I have to think realistically. I can fit comfortably into an 18/20 Just My Size stretch jeans-- but of course still have my huge apron stomach that I want to go away!!!! The good thing about trying on my wedding dresses is that the bridal consultant told me on the phone that I won't have a problem fitting into a gown. They go up to a size 26, but some wedding gowns can be cut small. Anyway I am praying that I will still look like a queen at my wedding. As far as the snacking-- I am snacking too much and need help and need to get back on track. I wish I had just gotten out of surgery, and wish my stomach was still the size of an egg. I remember that it used to take me a week to finish an 8 oz. cup of yogurt! LOL! Why can't it be like this now I ask myself? Why do I have such big junk food cravings? I saw a new therapist-- for the first time since the surgery, which may be a mistake. I should have seen one sooner. I am now going to find a new therapist who can deal more with my issues of overeating after surgery. My advice to you Michelle-- even though I am guilty of snacking too much, I do know of how I can get myself back on track. For example-- if you are able to tolerate a salad; like for dinner, try topping it with a handful of sunflower seeds? Do you like them? I love sunflower seeds, and they are hi in protein. I know they are in the "nuts" family, but they are good. A friend of mine who is a year post op, had reccommended Melba Toast. We went to the grocery store together last week and she was giving me tips as she is at her goal. This is the "Old London" brand Melba Toast and for 3 pieces it's 11 g- Carbs, 0 sugars, and 2 protein. My friend had told me not to even pay attention to the fat. Just to focus on the carbs. It's true. At least where I had my surgery at Florida Medical Center-- I was told to focus on 3 major things-- carbs, proteins, and sugars. For awhile I was journaling my foods--of everything I eat each day-- and even though I hate to admit the cheats-- I am honest and write everything down. This helps me. I have to get back into doing this. I got kind of off focus with the holidays and all. I am sure alot of us have. Another good snack that I like, are the NY Flatbreads, or JJ Flats, which are low-carb as well and have the salty flavor. Like 1-2 pieces have 10g. carbs and no sugars. This is my advice, even though I'm not really a person who should be able to give advice since I'm messing up myself with the problems that I've been having, but anyway-- I hope some of what I have said has helped.
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
I don't believe in bad food anymore. I really don't. Pasta to me is worse than doritoes so I just have to shrug it off. My big problem now is chocolate. I never had a sweet tooth until after surgery!
   — mrsmyranow

January 14, 2004
Myra- I also have a sweet tooth since my surgery last Feb. 14, 2003. Lap RNY. But there are times when my sweet cravings disappear, and then I start to crave the complex carbs like the crackers, and chips, and pasta. I need to get myself back on track. Good luck to you and all!
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
Hey, we're all human here, and we're all going to eat things that we know aren't the best choices. Rather than beat ourselves up about it, why not try the 80/20 or the 90/10 proposition. That means you're "good" 80 or 90% of the time, and the other 10 or 20% you allow yourself something "bad." Remember, we're trying to get to normal eating patterns. That takes some work - and normal IS different for different people. And take a look at the "thin" world. Do you think they eat protein and veggies constantly? Of course not. Most of the folks I know who have been lifelong thin have to diet occasionally too, especially after the holidays. It's a give and take, a constant learning process. We'd all be so much better off if we could just affirm on a daily basis that we CAN DO THIS. We're not going to be perfect, but then no one is, and we'll keep on doing the best we can. Let's all pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get started. Even if we have to do that several times a day. We won't feel guilty, we'll just accept our limitations and learn to work with them. Guilt over dieting is in my past - I hope it's in all of yours too. My surgery is there to remind me of what I've come through, and how much energy and time has been devoted to its success. Yes, of course, I'm going to slip up from time to time - we all will, but let's keep it in perspective.
   — Carlita

January 14, 2004
WELL SAID CARLA! I'm not quite 4 months out yet but I know that if I ever even started to eat the bread products that I ate before, I would crave food constantly so the best thing for me is just to continue to avoid them. I have done that for over a year now including the pre-op diet I was on and so I have hope that I can continue that way. Michelle, I'd say if you can't stop the snacking, go get some counseling to help you understand why. I spent YEARS in self-examination and counseling to help me learn how to deal with food issues and it's really paid off in the last year. There are LOTS of good counselors available and support groups can be invaluable. I've read profiles on this site of people who have stalled in their weight loss then months and even years later, the pouch rules still worked for them if they went back to basics. It's not too late................get thee to a counselor.
   —  SCbabe B.

January 14, 2004
Just a correction to a previous post...pasta, crackers and chips are <b>not</b> complex carbs, they're <u>simple</u> carbs. Complex carbs are things such as whole-grain breads or whole wheat pasta, many kinds of veggies, and so on. They're complex because they take much more time for the body to break down, thus giving the body more energy for longer periods of time.
   — sweetmana

January 14, 2004
Due to a second surgery at one year post op...I lost too much weight. It took me a year to gain 15 lbs, and now I do not look 'sick'. To gain that weight, I had to eat 'bad' things all the time, every day. I am now at the weight I wanted and am having to think about food again. It really hasnt been that difficult, and to get back on the wagon isn't as hard as one really thinks. As far as your example of sitting in front of the tv and snacking....find something else to do with your hands...learn how to crochet. Doesnt matter what you are making...a big blanket will do...keeps your hands busy...no time to stop and put that chip in your mouth. Only other piece of advice I could offer is to eat smaller meals. That way your snack during tv time, is a meal and not a snack, therefor, no reason to feel guilty. Celery and peanut butter...crunchy and salty....Rebecca 10/03/01 265/140
   — RebeccaP

January 14, 2004
To "The Sweet One" :O) -- Thanks so much for your response-and just a little correction for your post in regards to correcting me. I had done some research and here is some information: :O) You said that Pasta, crackers and chips are simple carbs, but according to this website--- the pasta and crackers fall under the "Complex-Carbs" catergory. I had originally stated that the pasta, crackers and chips are in the Complex Carbs category, and I just wanted to check on that because if I was wrong, I would have corrected my mistake in here. But, I am not totally wrong. According to the below information you will see that pasta, and crackers fall under the "Complex Carbs" category. I am still researching about the potato chips. Anyways-- just figured I'd paste this important clarification in here. The below info. is taken from: http://www.womensdeals.com/carbs.html#snc What are some simple and complex carbs? The simplest form of carbohydrate is glucose, or blood sugar. Simple sugars that are found in foods include sucrose (table sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), and lactose (milk sugar). So foods that contain primarily these simpler forms of carbohydrate are known as simple carbs: white sugar, brown sugar, confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses. You should also include fruit juice, milk, yogurt, candy, cookies and pastries in the simple carb listing, because they're made primarily from sugar. Complex carbs typically contain more fiber, and have a more complex chemical structure that takes longer to digest. "Starch" is the common term for complex carbs. Examples are breads, cereals, crackers, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, peas, lima beans and legumes like chickpeas, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and lentils. Good Luck to everyone! :O) Bonnie in Florida :O)
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
Below is a continuation of what I had just posted. It's a very good website-- worth checking out. :O) taken from: http://www.womensdeals.com/carbs.html#snc "Starch" is the common term for complex carbs. Examples are breads, cereals, crackers, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, peas, lima beans and legumes like chickpeas, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and lentils.
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
"A Sweet One" you had said that complex carbs take longer to digest or breakdown, and that is correct, according to the website that I had been researching. You are correct in saying that it takes longer for them to digest. But, again, pasta, and crackers fall under the: "Complex-Carbs" category. Just to correct myself for correcting everything in which you said, because there is some validity in what you had mentioned. I had just re-read about Complex-Carbs, and admit that I don't know everything that there is to know about them. However, I do know that the crackers, and pasta are Complex. I am still learning and, I am the first to admit that I am learning, and need to make some changes--- even as I approach my 1 yr. post-op anniversary, I am still learning. I think we are all still learning-- and that is good. Life is about learning new things. (in my opinion.) I have made alot of mistakes since my surgery-- and eaten foods that I shouldn't be eating (as I see on this website so many of us have done so, and we beat ourselves over the head about it) Anyways, I am very frustrated with myself at this time because I have been on a plateau, and I have cravings for things that I shouldn't be eating (as do many of us) I am in the process of making changes to better myself and learning new things always is good and I appreciate tips to help me out. Anyways, below is some more information from: Below excerpt, once again, taken from: This part below comes from the part that is titled: What are some simple and complex carbs? Complex carbs typically contain more fiber, and have a more complex chemical structure that takes longer to digest
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
I forgot to paste the web link in here from my previous post. I had put it in here a couple of times already, but in the very last post, I had forgotten to post it. http://www.womensdeals.com/carbs.html#snc
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
I just have to say...GOOD LORD, Bonnie! Try to relax a little bit...reading your 17 posts below has made me twitchy! :P Pastas, etc are referred to as complex carbs ONLY if they contain whole grains. Processed white flour transforms almost instantly into sugar (the glucose you refer to below in post #57). Therefore, it is a simple carb. It actually has more to do with the structure of the foods at the cellular level, but that is a little more complicated than we really need here, right? In any case, something I have recently discovered that makes me pretty happy when I feel the need for crunchy/salty but have had too much fat that day for nuts is their healthy cousin, soy nuts. Roasted and lightly salted, I have a 1/2 ounce or so and am good to go. Good fiber as well. I also occasionally indulge in some light kettle korn popcorn w/splenda...salty/crunchy/sweet...YUM! Enjoy!
   — Rachael B.

January 14, 2004
Rachel--- Oh my goodness-- I AM SO SORRY IF I MADE YOU FEEL A BIT "TWITCHY" That was not my purpose. My purpose was to post my "Opinions" and "Thoughts." Today is the first time I had posted on this website in awhile. Today I posted about 10 or 11 times; just to clear that up since you said I had posted 17. :O) Anyway--- glad to hear you eat soy nuts. I am sure they are good- if you like soy. I was never much into soy. It never appealed to me in any way. I do like sunflower seeds. I have tried Kettle Corn a few times and it's good also, but of course I try not to make a habit out of it. BTW- I saw your profile-- and congrats on your success and keep up the terrific work! I am in the process of getting some of my photos posted on here very soon! :O) Good Luck to all! Bonnie in Florida :O)
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
Rachael--- sorry for mispelling your name in my last post. Anyways-- you had mentioned I had posted on here 17 times, so you must be refering to other days besides today. Today is my first time back on here in awhile, and I posted about, by now 11 or 12 times; but who's counting? Is there a need to count how many posts a person makes? I don't think so. I have read several posts from the same people and it doesn't bother me. Again-- I read your profile and saw your pics! You look great! Keep up the great work!!! Again--- SORRY IF I MADE YOU "TWITCHY" ;O)
   — Bonnie R.

January 14, 2004
I eat chips with a meal, like a sandwich OR as a meal. I know, but I like them using cottage cheese as a dip. I don't eat a pile, just, I dunno, 8 or 12? However, I don't add a snack onto my 4 meals. And I don't graze them. Does that make sense?
   — vitalady

January 14, 2004
my advice to you...don't worry too much about it. It took 3 snack times to eat the big grab, and they were BAKED. There is hardly anything too a chip, so i can eat wayyyy too much of them before I am full. I have switched over to BBQ Pork Rinds. Super crunchy and take quite a while to just eat a serving. They are no carbs, and there is some protein there. Don't feel guilty, and as I heard on TV the other day... "Don't dwell on the past, there is no future in it." Good luck to you!
   — thekatinthehat

January 14, 2004
Michelle, I eat 2-4 sugar-free popsicles nearly every night. I also indulge in a bag of Orville Redenbacher's low-fat kettle corn 2-3 evenings a week. I feel that these two things satisfy my sweet-tooth. I don't know if it's slowed my weightloss or not. I'm 8 1/2 months out and down 133 pounds. If you're feeling guilty, kick yourself in the hiney. It's OK to indulge occasionally but not too much. If chips were a trigger for me, I'd get them out of the house. Good luck and blessings to you!
   — fowlerloriann

January 15, 2004
While I do indulge in chips occassionally, I try to satisfy my salt/crunch cravings by instead having snacks that are high in protein...such as, GeniSoy Crisps. While they still are inclusive or carbs like any other chip, I feel I am at least getting some benefit out of my indulgence. However, I definitely try to minimize overly snacking on those as well because I am and always will be a carb-junkie! LOL My advice is that it is OK to allow yourself a handful here and there without feeling guilty...but if you personally feel you are overindulging, then work on replacing those cravings with protein based foods that are more filling. Best of luck, and keep up the good work!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 15, 2004
Michelle - first of all, congratulations on your tremendous weight loss! Don't beat yourself up over a Big Grab consumed over three days in three separate sittings. That's really not so bad. You're only human and "normal" people eat such things too! You seem to have it under control, just try not to make a habit of it. You might want to try GeniSoy products to get some protein in at the same time. I used to find myself snacking on whole wheat crackers and cheese, reasoning that it was protein and fiber, LOL. and more filling than popcorn or chips. And I agree with the others that the best course of action is to avoid having that stuff in the house, but you seem to be in control since you didn't sit there and eat the whole bag like I probably would have! Also, make sure to eat enough meat at your evening meal and I think you'll be less tempted by the carb monster though it's bound to happen from time to time.
   — sandsonik

January 15, 2004
I'm sorry, I hate it when people talk back and forth in the arena of Q & A, but I have to do it. Bonnie, the 17 posts I refer to is what is commonly known as hyperbole - exaggeration of facts in order to make a point. Thanks for your kind words, I can only blame my "twitchiness" on PMS. :)
   — Rachael B.

January 15, 2004
Personally I like discussions with lots of interaction:) lets all be fiendly please. Now on the question, during the loosing phase eating junk isnt a good idea, as it can prevent you from getting to goal. Chips are espically bad as they grind into dust and you will never get filled up:( Once your at goal then anything in moderation is a reasonable compromise. I can and do eat anything. Totally denying ANY food can lead to binging. Its important to avoid addiction though. That occureds to me with Oreo Cookie bars this summer see my profile.
   — bob-haller

January 17, 2004
Yep... I snack and it hasn't hindered my weightloss any.I try to snack on healthier things like nuts or cheese but I do eat things that are not so healthy like regular chips or a couple of sugarfree cookies.I have control over my food choices and of what and how much I put in my mouth. I don't think the problem is snacking...it's when you don't have that control.
   — jennifer A.




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