"munching"

**babetteq** · 09-14-2005, 10:35 AM

alright, now that I've quit smoking I'm going through a zillion cups of popcorn a day and everytime I turn around I'm putting something else in my mouth - toast, bits of leftoevers, chips, crackers...you name it. Even when I'm full!! I'm trying to lose weight! This isn't helping!

I try to tell myself "better fat and not smoking than skinny and smoking". but it's making me pout a lot! I feel like I've got very little control over it. What's the deal????

babs

**homesteadmamma** · 09-14-2005, 12:00 PM

Munching can become a real problem if were munching on the wrong things. I use to munch on all the wrong foods. Now I don't have those "wrong" foods in my home. Much healthier for me, however healthy for my family as well.

How about munching on:

carrots
apple or fruit of some sort
fat free yogurt
pickle
celery
slices of cucumber
slices of tomato

Also drink lots of water. When I'm drinking water, I'm not wanting food. Its amazing how having a bottle of water beside you all the time cuts out the eating.

Also when you get the urge to "munch", do something else. Walk around the outside of your home, do a quick excersise, grab a good book and read a chapter, work on a craft, call a friend. It makes a huge difference.

better fat and not smoking than skinny and smoking

I'm not sure I agree with this. Being overweight causes heart problems (more woman die of heart problems than any other disease), diabetis, high blood pressure and aggravates or causes arthritis. I think they are both pretty close to being equal when it comes to doing damage to our bodies.

**babetteq** · 09-14-2005, 12:38 PM

I dont' know why I didn't think of simply putting lots of healthy, fat free, healthy foods around to munch on.... Thanks for posting that. I'm kicking myself for not.

I've got tons of stuff in the garden I can have in little bowls to crunch on! Alright... enough of this unhealthy stuff!!1

I'm off to practice health-seeking behaviours.

Thanks homesteadmama!

**MandiDawn** · 09-14-2005, 01:11 PM

When I quit smoking, I just let myself go for the first month. Eat what you are craving when you are craving it. After 4-5 weeks, you will have better control, adn then you can start thinking about weight control.
What really helped me was those red and white after dinner mints. I must of went thru 100's of them!!!
Oh yeah, and I only gained 5 lbs thru it all. You feel bloated and fat for the first few days, but it goes away after a couple weeks.
Good luck!!!!

**pip** · 09-15-2005, 04:43 PM

My latest thing is to chew gum when I get itchy to snack or when I'm in the kitchen making lunches, etc. So far, it really seems to help.

**Mamaw** · 09-16-2005, 12:27 PM

I understand. I also quit and gained 50 pounds. So you are doing the right thing in taking control now! On to carrots, celery and cucumbers! You can do it! Now, if someone would just tell me how to stop munching when I am not even remotely hungry.....LOL

**Michelle** · 09-16-2005, 01:31 PM

It's an oral fixation. I agree with putting healthy snacks all around and drinking water.

Good for you for quitting smoking and being concerned about your weight

Don't give up on either one. You can do it!

**babetteq** · 09-16-2005, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the support all!! I've taken your advice and stocked the fridge with crunchy vegies and fruits.

I gotta say though, I have absolutley DEMOLISHED my garden

. I went through ALL the peas and ALL the beans in one day. i'm having to BUY vegetables!!!!

all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health all in the name of health

babs