Snacking Not Required

upload

You’re a snack-packer!

Let me explain…  I went to my 1st support group meeting tonight after work.  It was informative and very eye-opening!

We all introduced ourselves, what surgery we had and when and how much weight we have lost.  But before we had gotten started, I had the opportunity to chat with some of the girls who came in early as I did.  It was nice to talk to them and have them tell me it took them generally until the 4th fill before they really started losing any significant weight.  Some of them, of course, were in the same boat as me…still waiting for the real weight to start coming off.

Until this meeting, I was beginning to think something was really wrong with me because I still feel like I’m dieting and not winning the fight!

Then we each took turns discussing things that we find are obstacles to are weight-loss.  Barbie, our patient advocate, is great but she cuts you no slack!  She will let you know what’s what.  I asked what the expected amount of daily calories should be and the answer was 1200-1500.  I am within that range!  And, I walk 2 miles 4-5 days a week with extra hiking and housework thrown in for good measure.  I explained my typical day of what I eat and when…

  • 8:30 Oatmeal
  • 10:30 Cottage Cheese (4 oz)
  • 1pm lunch – Tuna or Soup (approx 250 calorie meal)
  • 3pm protein bar (I also bring an apple just in case)
  • 6-7pm dinner (this is varied because I have no real routine at night, we eat out about 30% of the time)

then I explained that because I live with others who like to have strawberry cheesecake or popcorn in the evenings when watching TV, I keep sugar-free jello and pudding around so I have something as a backup so I don’t eat what they eat.  This is when she tells me, “you are a snack-packer!!”  You are using snacks to handle your frustration over not being able to control what others are having and you are not.

She explains there is no need for these snacks.  You are not hungry so don’t eat!  Cut out the snacking and increase the protein in each meal.  Also, learn to say out loud, “I don’t need this snack and I’m not going to eat it.”  It is supposed to be therapeutic and empowering to take control over my dependency on food.  I’m skeptical but willing to try…

So, my new goal is, starting tomorrow, I am going to only eat 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks during the entire day.  Also, return to focusing on 100 grams of protein and 64 oz. of water.

Let’s see if I do a better job of listening to my real hunger.  Wish me luck!!