knowing when to stop

[vbostick]

I don't have a problem eating healthy, however I have a problem eating too much. I'm off for the summer and get bored easily. I am constantly going to the kitchen for a handful of almonds, watermelon, crackers, etc.. Any thoughts on ideas for stopping the snacking. My body frame is small, but my waist and stomach need a lot of work and I've been told it's because I overeat even if it's healthy food. Thanks for the help!

[cab321]

I've heard that grabbing a full glass of water whenever you are tempted to snack can help. If you are still hungry afterwards go ahead and have your snack.

[lisas3575]

Sugarless gum helps me-- gives me something to chew for a while which fools my stomach. Portion control can be key when snacking. Research and weigh out correct portions and stick to them.

Snacking on healthy food is my downfall too. I'm pretty good about staying away from junk food, but you're right-- even healthy food can pack on weight if I'm not careful.

[LakeMartinGal]

Snacking on healthy food is my downfall too. I'm pretty good about staying away from junk food, but you're right-- even healthy food can pack on weight if I'm not careful.
As DD says, "I make the smart choices, just way too many of them!" ;)

[wallycat]

You could have some frozen grapes at the ready.
Also, some sliced/diced up veggies...like crudite style with a healthier salad dressing for a light dip. Whenever the urge to eat gets to you, it would be a veggie.
I do this a lot with red peppers, cukes, zucchini. I try to limit the amount of dressing (otherwise it defeats the calorie cuts) and much on these when I want to snack. If I am still hungry after that, I go for something more filling then.

This lets me get my fruit/veggie count up and keeps me from eating junkier stuff wth more calories.

You could also have a hot tea/iced tea, V-8 /tomato juice to sip on for mouth feel and doing something with your hands.

Finally, popcorn (I pop mine fresh in the microwave so no trans fats), then drizzle lightly with olive oil....healthier oil and something to make you feel fuller plus popcorn gives you crunch and it is slow to eat (usually :D ).

[DmOrtega]

It sounds like you really need a hobby. If you are bored, look into learning something like working with mosaics, gardening, or join a book club. Even if you are "snacking on good food", you will still be eating out of boredom. I do like the idea of drinking a glass of water because it fills up the stomach without the added calories but, look for something else to occupy your time and mind other than food.

[vbostick]

Thanks for the suggestions! I am going to try to drink a glass of water with lemon whenever I feel the urge to eat. Any suggestions on what popcorn is healthiest?

[tyroleancutie]

Any suggestions on what popcorn is healthiest?

I like to put Cinnamon and a little bit of Sugar Subsitute on my popcorn :o

[Valerie226]

I'm big on carbonated water that has a touch of flavor. AKA flavored seltzer. I much prefer it to 'flat' water, seems more satisfying. I keep a bottle with me most of the time & find it reduces snacking for me. my favorite brand is "Talking Rain". I apparently don't like sweet very much and rarely, rarely drink soda or sweetened drinks especially those with artificial sweetener.

[hlao23]

I eat almost constantly but I'm very slim and I think part of the reason is b/c of the WAY I snack. It's a little OCD but it might help. I'm a nibbler...I eat sunflower seeds one at a time. M&Ms one at a time (actually...nuke them...bite into one...let the melted chocolate disolve and then chew up the shell). It probably takes me 5-7 bites to finish a mini candy bar...ditto with a baby carrot. It's kind of a savouring thing for me....I get to enjoy the taste and texture....but maybe I just need therapy ;) :D

I'm not particularly nibbley with meals...just snacks.

[BarbaraL]

I'm finding this a timely thread. I've lost 15 pounds on Weight Watchers, but lately have been having a hard time sticking to the program. I think it's a combination of (1) having lost enough weight that I'm no longer totally disgusted with myself and (2) some frustrations at work that are leading me to medicate with food (eating is one of the few fun things you can do while working!). Also, the heat and the rain have interfered with my (almost) daily 2 mile walk.
I will get back on the program . . .

[Kerri]

I think one thing that cuts down on my snacking is making sure I eat enough at meals. If I am used to eating 500 calories for lunch and I happen to eat soup that only has 200 calories, that really isn't going to cut it. Then I am going to snack, then snack a little more, before you know it, I have eaten way more than I should. I also have found making sure I consume food with some fat really helps to make me feel fuller for longer. Sure this can be a "healthy fat" (peanut butter, cheese), but a cookie or two is good also :) .

[BakerJane]

I have the same problem. Like Valrie said I like drinking flavored selzter water. The bubbles and flavor make me feel like I'm having a treat though I'm not eating any calories.

Also I stop eating after 9pm. This is something I struggle with but I've enlisted DH to help me, he's supposed to remind me of what time it is if I snack after dinner. I can have a cup of sugar free hot cocoa though at night.

[mbrogier]

I think you'd have to eat A LOT of watermelon to gain weight. It is also really good for you. (it has a lot of vitamins and potassium) Try it kinda frosty so you can't just scarf it down in 30 seconds.

The popcorn is just the kernels you buy in a bag or mason jar. I don't think there's a difference in the colors. I do like the kind the boy scouts sells in a plastic tub. (also is a nice storage container) I just get whatever has the most fiber. I have a Microwave popcorn popper (http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/?SC=98032&PD=42809&PID=41&AG=262576500&MT=3&gclid=CLyK2KLK1oUCFRdWSAodGBsIug) just like this one that I bought at my local big box store. I eat mine with just a bit of melted butter and a pinch of popcorn salt. (you can use pickling salt--same stuff but sold cheaper in a larger container) Sometimes I sprinkle the popcorn with powdered cheese from cheap mac and cheese dinners. It's fat free, but it does have sodium.

When I was trying to lose weight, I made sure that I snacked on my fruits and vegetables for the day before I ate crackers and other things. I also made sure the crackers and sweets I had were better for me.

Hot drinks would also be good because it would take longer to drink

[JulieM]

I also have found making sure I consume food with some fat really helps to make me feel fuller for longer.

This approach has really worked for me. I think I read it somewhere a number of years ago. Every time I eat, even if it's just a small snack, I make sure it contains protein, carbs and fat. For me this insures that it's satisfying and lasting. It can just be a few slices of cheese or a little peanut butter on crackers, or a small handful of nuts. Even just 100 calories can last for quite a long time. If I just have carbs, such as crackers or veggies or fruit, then I'm hungry again in 15 minutes.

[cookinator]

Two tricks that work for me are 1-go for a walk! (No food out there!) and 2-sugarless gum. I chew until I can't chew anymore. ;)

[NancyR]

One of the coolest things I ever learned on this board was how to pop popcorn in a microwave in a plain bag. Take a plain brown paper sandwich bag, add 1-2 handful of raw popcorn, turn the edge over once and close with one staple. Yes, you can put a metal staple in the microwave, it is so small that it does no harm. Fluff the bag up as best you can, place on its side (shake to distribute the popcorn a little) and nuke. My microwave is old and takes 3 1/2 minutes on high, you will have to experiment. When popping stops get it out and tear open ASAP or it will burn. I flavor with spray on "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter" and salt. So cool, no added oil except the butter spray and nothing to wash!