Question:
How do you stop from grazing?

I know that I am not physically hungry, but I continue to graze. Any helpful hints? I have been losing, but it has slowed down and I am only 2 1/2 months post op. I know that this may be one of the reasons for this. I am eating well during meals and drinking all my water plus. Please help, I want to stop this behavior before it turns into a problem. Thanks in advance for your help. I have asked alot of questions lately and need the support.    — tulagirl (posted on October 14, 2002)

October 14, 2002
Everytime you feel the need to chew something drink some water. I know - lousy solution, but it will help take the craving away. Sugar-free mints are a good solution for me too. Love the chocolate Velamints. Another thing that worked for me was to graze on something that I knew would make me dump on very little (in my case better cheddar crackers - 2 would make me dump). I got so sick of the dumping I lost interest in the food. YMMV!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 14, 2002
Are you eating 3 meals a day (and maybe a snack or two) or 5-6 small meals a day. My nutritionist has me on 5-6 small meals a day (just like diabetics should eat). I have found that it cuts down on grazing because your last meal was only 2-3 hours prior. I stress protein first for my meals and only measure out the amount of food that I am supposed to eat (and eat only what I measure out). <p> Not that it has to do with grazing, but I was at my support group meeting when a person (who had their surgery about the same time I did) talked about eating a 7 oz steak after cutting into those pencil-eraser size bits. I said later on during the meeting that if it was me, those 7 oz of steak wouldn't have been on my plate to begin with. I would have measured out the 2 oz. of steak and ate that - and only that. If I wanted something else, I would have had something very low in calories like a couple slices of tomatoes... <p> I have found, as many have here, that eating the carbs stimulates appetite. If I have cereal for breakfast - even if it has some protein in it - it is mainly carbs and makes me want to eat sooner than I really want to (most of the times I can resist the urge). It could be that you are eating too many carbs and this is causing you to want to graze. <p> You may want to keep a diary on Fitday.com or in a book with what you are eating and when you are eating. Also put down the circumstances surrounding your eating - what's your emotional state, are you alone or with friends/coworkers/family, are you doing something else while you are eating, etc. After doing this for awhile, you may see a pattern begin to emerge that may be the reason for your grazing...JR (open RNY 07/17 -96 pounds)
   — John Rushton

October 14, 2002
I have the same problem, I am almost 10 months out and have always snacked but lately im snacking to much so i threw all my snackies away, except for my beef jerky, and have been trying to stay away from snacking all together, what helps is seeing the scale go up and not down, i have been fluctuating between 167 - 169 and its fusterating me so I know i need to change my habits in order to change those numbers. i notice i snack because everyone around me is snacking or im bord, but i need to take responsibilty for my own actions and control my urges to snack and graze and i intend to do that! good luck.
   — Deanna Wise

October 14, 2002
Tammi, your experiencing your addiction. As corny as this sounds you need to stop and ask yourself WHY are you eating????? Its worth the time. Now, for some practical solutions while you work through the reason your eating.....i take carrots and celery and nuts to work and cheese and when i want to snack i eat those items. Im ten months out. Had the rny/distal and weighed 289 to start and im now at 169. While im not at goal, i do see it in sight. Do not feel defeated and beat yourself up. You've been given a blessed opportunity to turn your life around. Dont ruin it by allowing old habits to control you. I also pray when i feel like eating. Hey, this probably isnt the greatest idea but i LOVE HOT DECAF COFFEE on those days when i need to feel full. Fat Free creamer and sweetner and im good to go. I hope i've been helpful. God Bless, Darlene N.
   — darlene N.