Is there a healthy snack that we can munch on?

Hey guys, I'm sure everyone has been thru this.  I'm doing fine on losing so far, dealing with the pureed smoothy soup yogurt protein shake diet...   but I have one issue. I know it's an old habit... and I can probably deal with it... but.. I had/have the habit of munching on something while watching TV.  Now, obviously I don't want to eat something bad, or something that will stretch out the pouch... I don't like pain.. LOL.  I was just trying to think of something good for after I"m allowed regular food. Carrot sticks? Popcorn?  Thanks in advance, Dale

Hey Dale....when you get at the stage where you can "munch" on something for a snack. I much on a handfull of lightly salted nuts and lightly salted dry roasted soy beans. There have alot of protein. Dave

Dale, For now, keep some SF Popsicles on hand. They help you keep getting in extra water And they give you something to bite on. Most docs recommend 'holding off' on "Crispy Veggies" and Popcorn till the last stage of 'pouch healing.' Something to do with the possible irritation to the healing sutures. Do what you can to break from old habits. Soy nuts are ok, but not if they reinforce the same old "Eating without thinking about it." Strive for "Mindful Eating." Food is Fuel. Not Comfort, Not to ease Boredom, Not as a "Treat," It is there to provide nutrition so you can LIVE, LIVE, LIVE! Sure, it should and does taste great, But pick a path- "Eating to Live?" Or – "Living to Eat?" Do what you can to get as far down which ever path you chose During these first several months, And the rest of the "Journey" is a Breeze! Best Wishes- Dx

DX wrote: Strive for "Mindful Eating." Food is Fuel. Not Comfort, Not to ease Boredom, Not as a "Treat," It is there to provide nutrition so you can LIVE, LIVE, LIVE! Sure, it should and does taste great, But pick a path- "Eating to Live?" Or – "Living to Eat?" DX... wow.. you make a good point.  After all, those habits are what got me here.  I've been doing pretty good with cravings, etc.. I can always find some way to get the 'taste my mouth wants'.  So far I don't have what I would call hunger.  I know when it's time to eat (drink) a meal.. as I get to feeling a little weak.. and I just know I need something.  I've remembered the sip sip sip advice too, LOL.. that's helped a lot.   I guess it's just the habit of having something when I watch TV.  My usual think was low fat chips, or walnuts, or something similar.  I would get 'in the shell' nuts so it slowed me down... having to crack each one to eat it.  I've been chewing some sugar free gum (yeah, I know.).but still have that urge.  Everything else I'm doing good with. Tho.. I really could go for a Diet Pepsi.. LOL... doc said wait at least 6 mo, and then only a little. Thanks, Dale

Wow it sounds like some people have very lax doctor suggestions and some more strict.  I think mine must be dictatorial. snacking, not allowed. 3 meals a day that's it. Popcorn never again. Things with skins or very stringy, cellery, grapes etc. soda never again unless you let it go flat first. no soft calories ones I have progressed past that stage. I know some of it will be hard, I deffinately spent many hours mindlessly eating in front of the computer or the tv.  I'd be afraid to see how many extra calories a day I ate.  Well I guess I actually see it every day when I look in the mirror. Scott

Hey Dale, I'm glad you're doing ok. Best thing I've heard over and over at support group meetings is use this first 6 months to a year to get your head on straight.  Trust me. Now...while you're not hungry is the time to break those old habits, like snacking in front of the TV. The hunger comes back eventually. Some people don't dump so you don't have that to keep you away from sugar and fat. Some people dump and don't care. I'm a grazer and if I didn't workout so much I would have gained all my weight back by now I'm sure. Use this first year to lose as much as you can and change any bad habits you have. Believe it or not I think after that, you end up being just like everyone else and playing the diet yo yo or failing the surgery. I can't even tell you how many people just in my office, had the surgery and gained all their weight back. I see them every day, drinking pop and eating KFC with a bag of chips on their desk. Don't be that person. Earl

Great advice Earl pan head

Hey Dale, Try getting lost in good book to take your mind off snacking. Like the guys are saying, now is the time change those destructive ways. Think new hobbies. Food was a hobby for us guys. Now its time to fill that space with something else. Good luck Doug

Personally, i like beef jerky. It is pure protein, very low fat and takes a long time to eat a small amount. The only draw back is that it has alot of salt. I am only 4 months out and actually eat my meals while watching tv as a way to slow down how fast I eat. Eating too fast has been a big problem for me.  I try to eat a little during commercial and let it sit during the show. This also has seemed to help my food discipline a bit. I wouldn't sweat what to eat at this point. I know my taste in food have completely changed since the surgery. I can't stand pizza now where I used to could eat an extra large with bread sticks and a 2 liter of soda no sweat. Now the food I want the most is salad or soup oddly enough. Hope this helps, Stalwart