Question:
I need help with my eating habits....

I am celebrating my 1 yr post op tomorrow and I am struggling with making wise food choices. I do so good up until about 3pm. Then I just want to snack on all the wrong foods. Like today I ate oreo's. I have a daycare and that is their snack time and I just want to eat what they do. I ahven't really lost any weight since about April. I am thrilled with what I have lost so far, which is 90 lbs but for a year out, but I know I should have lost more by now. I struggle with exercising too. I jsut can't get up in the mornings before the kids come and I am exhausted until night comes with my own kids. For example of what I ate today....B- I had 1 egg and 3 slices of micro bacon, then for L- I had 2 ozs of ham and 1 roll. Then for snack I ate several oreo's and then for D- I had 2 chicken legs and 1/4 cup of cauliflower. I get so angry with that "snack time". I do so well up until then. Help me out. Give me some suggestions to kick this snacking in the butt!! Thanks!!    — Robin A. (posted on September 15, 2003)

September 15, 2003
Give yourself a healthy snack first BEFORE getting the Oreos out for the kids. Try some cheese, peanut butter on Ritz or Triscut, fresh veggies, sugar free fudge bar.... I find that if I do this for myself I am much less likely to cave in and have what I plan on giving the kids. It only takes a tiny amount to kick that "I really want it" feeling.
   — Kathy J.

September 16, 2003
Except for the Oreos you seem to be eating very well. I agree with the previous poster who suggested eating a protein based snack that will fill you up before you give the kids their snack. You'll be less tempted to indulge, and even if you do, you won't be able to fit much. Also, can you change the kid's snacks to things that don't appeal to you? If you have a problem with Oreos, then serve some other snack that isn't going to tempt you as much. As long as you're not falling into a habit of grazing throughout the day (or after the 3:00 snack), I don't see a food problem here. There's nothing wrong with having a snack in the afternoon, just choose the food wisely. As for exercise, it doesn't have to be a formal program at the gym. Try to build it in during the day with the kids--involve them in some activities that you can partake in. Can someone else (husband, neighbor, friend?)take care of your kids for 40 minutes while you take a walk in the evening? Can you take your kids with you for a walk?
   — Vespa R.

September 16, 2003
Thanks to all of you with your suggestions!! Oreo's are bad, darn it anyway, why do I like them?? Today I did give the kids crackers that I don't like so I need to do that more often. I never thought about eating some proein before I feed them. I will try that one tomorrow.
   — Robin A.