melba toast and saltines...???

NanaLiz, I try not to think of food as boring or exciting or having any kind of emotional connection. To me that is what got me into this mess to begin with. Try and look at what you are eating as food for your body and that you are looking for the very best.

I am a very all or nothing person when it comes to food and maybe sometime down the road I can eat things that I know I can't eat now and have that sense of eating enjoyment but I can't do that now. When people are talking about missing that crispy texture, nope I don't even have that sensation anymore. I can't afford to want different things like that. When I look at what I am eating I think first of all have I had enough protein today and What are the nurtrients associated with this food (protein, carbs, fat, fiber)? Will this meet my daily requirements of protein, carbs, fats and fiber? Will I enjoy this is not a question that I really think of anymore. Maybe some day but I feel I have to keep a tight rein on all of this for right now.

There are some really great replies here, but what I'll add is that you, like so many others could have your taste buds change. I never used to eat crackers, and melba toast, forget. Now I really enjoy my little bit of crunch. My weakness was chocolate, and at Xmas I decided to have a square. I didn't like it, couldn't believe it.
So while you want to make all of your decisions now, sometimes it is made for you, but how it tastes afterwards.
good luck

Forget the margarine. Try it with tuna, egg. Dont forget that we all need carbs for our brain, Moderation is the key. 1-2 satisfied me and loved the crunch.

It's actually a myth that we need carbs for our brain, but even if we did, there are much, much better sources for carbs than refined grains (or any grains) such as those found in dairy and vegetables.

The brain runs on glucose (sugar, made from any carb the body takes in) when it is available, but when it is not, it runs on ketones, which is a substitute fuel the liver can create out of fat stores. There is no difference to how the brain works when using either fuel, and ketosis is a unique state of fat burning and it stops if you take in too many carbs (usually more than 50ish a day).

Personally - I would do my best to completely avoid all crackers including melba toast until you are almost at goal....

I didnt eat any bread products until 9 months post op and I had my goal in sight....and then it was very sparingly

Do what you want....but trust me this is good advice...find something else to soak up that egg or give you some crunch

Barb

 I completely agree that you should avoid them as long as you can and fill up with protein instead.  I'm always surprised to see them on eating plans.  I, like Barb, avoided white carbs until I got to goal and wish I had never added them back.

I have no doubt that you will be very successful with your way of interpreting your plan!