To snack or not to snack???

As I've begun to read through the daily food threads (I'm trying to get better ideas for my eating) I've noticed that a lot of people have snacks throughout the day. Even though I'm not affiliated with any local program because I had my surgery in Mexico, I tend to know most about PNC because I go to their support group. I could be wrong, but I thought PNC says no snacking except for milk. However, I also know that "they" (the proverbial they - whoever that is) say small meals throughout the day (call some of them snacks) helps to keep metabolism going and it also prevents binging when you get to a meal.

So, share your thoughts, I'm truly at a loss of whether I should or shouldn't snack. Right now I do and it's on all the wrong things, so I'm trying to solve this in my attempt to get back on track.  Your thoughts are appreciated!

Take care and MAKE it a GREAT day!
 

Ya  know what, I eat when I'm hungry, call it a snack, call it an extra meal I'm not sure, but I'd rather have something healthy, some things I snack on:

light choc soy milk

popcorn

fruit

weigh****cher ice cream things

peanuts, roasted in the shell

protein bars, I guess those are things I would not consider "meals"

uuuuuuuummm I love ice cream things!!!  HI BUFFY...!!

Buffy,

I'm curious, when you say "I eat when I'm hungry" tell me what defines hunger for you? I was told  that after WLS we really shouldn't feel the kind of "stomach" hunger that we used to; however, since about three months out I felt actual stomach hunger, not just shakiness or low blood sugar. Do you feel actual stomach hunger or the other signs that you should eat?

I'm trying to figure out if I really feel stomach hunger of if my head is telling me that it's stomach hunger...oh yeah...the head stuff again...

I think this is a good question to explore. Before surgery I never really snacked because I mostly just ate huge meals especially for dinner.  Now I find my self "having" to have a snack and its not with the best food choices. When I notice I'm snacking more I usually try to figure out why.  Mostly its because I'm bored and anxious about something and my way to distract myself is through food.  I think if that is the reasoning to snack it isn't a good thing. I add so many unneccessary calories and no good nutrients doing that.   But if you find yourself actually hungry and wanting a snack I think if you make the right choice it would be ok (in moderation). 

Great discussion topic, I cant wait to read what others think...

I think that most programs frown on snacking because it can lead to grazing.  I know I have been guilty of this (especially today because it is pot luck day at work and I feel like I have been eating all morning and not the greatest choices!!)
anywhoo...  I have been participating in the daily food threads because I think it helps keep me on track for the most part and as long as I choose a healthy high protein snack.  It helps me feel satisfied and not binge.
I know others will disagree but this is working for me right now and helping me get through the day and making better choices.  Hopefully the scale will start to show that and begin moving in the right direction.  If not, i will definately TRY to avoid snacks altogether, but like I said, I think as long as you are making good choices having a snack to get through a longer stretch between meals is an option and as long as it doesnt get way out of hand.

Ok well, I'll try and define what Hunger is for me, although nothing is in absolutes.  I think of hunger as being statisfied after eating, in other words if I eat something and then am satisfied to make it to the next "legitimate" meal time, I  feel that was hunger.  Grazing for me  is when you get a visual clue, like oh gee,  that either looks or smells good or generates some type of memory and then you decide to go for it, usally for me it's in haste and eaten fast, follwed by guilt, I don't feel that was if I've eaten something regardless of  it was a meal or a "snack" if I have satisifed a "hunger".  I do think I know when my body needs FUEL , it's a physical feeling not a mental one, if that makes sense. 

Listen babe, like many other's, I've been around this block once or twice, having lost and gained many times, my goal this time is to use the tool I have been given, make the choices that work for me, listen to my body and recognize that the "bad neighboorhood"  still lives in my head, hang on to my good friends,drop the "just" associates, live without drama, and hang on for dear life

Thanks for explaining your experience. I tell ya, you'd think that after almost two years, I would have this whole WLS thing figured out, but quite frankly it's way bigger than I ever thought it was or knew anything could be.  It's so good to have a place like this to check my "reality" against. So incredibly helpful!

Thanks sweets!  Are you feeling any better?

Tracy,

Good thread.......My NUT said NO snacking.......

Well, I do.......I used to make BAD choices like Red Licorice......Now I try to have somekind of protein like yogurt, If I have a sweet craving I have a granola bar. Or if I feel the need for something crunchy, I have an apple.

IMHO, I feel it's better to have a good snack, rather than to end up grazing on the bad stuff.

I try not to have a snack......But usually at 2-3 pm. I'm hungry.......Or I feel hungry.....Sometimes it's head hunger and sometimes my tummy is growling........

It seems if I have alot of protein in the morning for breakfast, I don't snack all day...

Kelly

I eat when I'm hungry but try to eat a protein or fruit.  My Abott group does not count that as a snack.  I find I need something about every 3-4 hours.  I do have my 100 calorie icecream cone thing every night and that I consider a snack.  I believe everyone is different but I find if I do not control my carbs I'm in trouble so I never let them get to far out of control.  This is the thing I struggle with in maintenance, I need to get the extra carbs in to maintain but haven't found the right mix yet.  GRRRRRR!

Bonnie