Grazing?

Paul, I think I follow what you mean by "good" grazing (grazing that fits your plan)........

My surgeon was adamant that you eat 3x a day--no other times.  Well, that was fine the first year, but after that, as my activity level grew I needed more energy.  I switched to eating 6 or 7 times a day--it is mostly healthy stuff AND I account for it in my daily totals (1,500-1,800 calories per day and 120 grams of protein).  I ocassionally eat a "bad" snack but I don't worry about it because I'm so active.  I actually like to "snack" on grilled chicken breast and consume one each day between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. 

I only eat because I'm hungry, and the way I eat now has made the RH a distant memory.

FYI-my surgeon wasn't thrilled that I do this and cautioned me to be careful because "it could lead to weight gain".  Um, no it wont if it is in my plan....I understand that I could gain if I consume more than I burn.

Kim

I am sometimes surprised that some doctors don't support the concept of breaking the same number of calories up into 6 or 7 meals rather than 3!  My RNY surgeon gets it (although I think she still suggests 3 meals for most patients), and now my PCP does, but I had to reassure him a couple of times that it was NOT more calories that way (and is actually fewer calories because it keeps me from grazing during the day!).  Yes, I understand that many patients probably ARE eating more calories when they eat more than 3 times per day, but still...

Lora

To stop snacking infront of the TV or while at home, I picked up a hobby.  I crochet, or at least I try to.  This way my hands are busy, and I can not eat.  There are lots of easy crafts to do to keep ur mind and hands busy enough not to be able to graze. 

I am glad you posted this. I have been dealing with feeling like I was doing something wrong because I have a protien shake in the morning, then have a small snack, lunch, small snack, dinner and another small snack. It has been working for me as I am almost at goal but I was worried that I shouldnt be snacking. But I think I am understanding that if I know what Iam having and have those calories worked into my day then I am ok.

I split my approximately1400 calories (I don't track on a regular basis, never have) into 3 meals and 3 snacks.  Partly because it helps avoid blood sugar drops and partly because it helps me avoid grazing on non-protein items.  I do still struggle with grazing sometimes, though.  I do not graze because I am hungry (never hungry with 6 scheduled eating times a day )... I do it for the same reasons I did before surgery: boredom or just because I want to taste something yummy.  It is particularly hard on the weekends and in the evenings.  I don't keep too much in the house that is especially unhealthy (but there is always some form of chocolate), so my grazing usually just adds extra carbs and calories.  Cheese, nuts, popcorn, fruit, RF Nilla Wafers, and pretzels are typical grazing items for me.

Still a work in progress... but grazing on cheese or even the Nilla Wafers beats grazing on potato chips or "real" cookies!

Lora

I have to admit, I'm a grazer. When I had RNY 5 years ago, I had a hard time eating enough to survive, so I started the habit of eating several times a day. The problem is, after a while, I could eat more at a time and didn't dump on so many things, but I kept eating several times a day because that's what I had grown accustomed to, and I don't need to do that anymore. I can eat enough now that I should eat  3 times a day, with maybe one very small snack in the afternoon. If you can control yourself and keep your total calories down with your snacking, that's good, but I tend to get in too many calories if I do that. And I DO exercise daily and mostly eat the right things. I'm in my 50's and post-menopausal and honeys, it does get harder as you get older, it ain't a myth. I wish I could play a little violin for myself. We're all different in what works best.

I came on today just to ask advice on this exact topic. .. I'm grazing all day now!!! and I'm scared.

I think i put on some weight now (our scale just recently broke so I dont know for sure, but my pants are a little tighter)

I'm mindless eating. I'm not hungry.. I'm sitting at my desk, My job is not stimulating, so I'm constantly munching on anything. I woudl like to say, i think i eat WAY less on weekends, because we are active and doing stuff! Most of the time at work it ends up being carbs though, like graham crackers, tortilla chips, sometimes hard candy, fruit, veggies.. you name it, I'll probably munch on it. It wasnt always this way.. I had a baby 4 months ago, and was doing great, gained a total of 1 lb during pregnancy (lost a lot, then went back up) and am at my lowest so far! But now for some reason, i just dont get that "full" feeling i used to. i just feel.. nothing. I'm no longer breastfeeding, (my caloric intake wouldnt support the production for very long) but i just am really struggling with this.

Any suggestions?? I'm thinking Gum may help. maybe i need to go back to the good 'ol days of nothin but protein and cheese to make me FULL and see if that helps.. or more water/crystal light maybe? i am a diet coke enthusiest, on ice- but that is my caffiene..

oh, I'm over 2 years out & down.. 130lbs about. goal is perhaps reached, or im pretty darm close... but dont want to go backwards. ever. and i feel like i'm starting to...

I sit at a desk too, and I've found myself eating ot of boredom a lot. I would get up every morning and fix my snacks and lunch, something I started right after RNY. I don't need so many snacks anymore, so I've found the solution to keep from mindlessly eating during the day is to not have anything to eat. If it's in my desk drawer, it will end up inside me. If you're ravenous, you may be taking in too many carbs. A lot of my friends eat fruit through the day and they swear it fills them up. (?)  I love to eat it, but 5 minutes later I could eat the north end of a south bound mule. I am jealous of these people. I don't know why the good Lord tacked this enormous back-end on me but whomp, there it is.

Gum has been helping me a lot.  Extra makes these flavors called Dessert Delights and they really taste like desserts.  So far I've tried the key lime pie and mint chocolate chip ice cream flavors and they are wonderful.

Hot drinks also help me for some reason.  Herbal tea is great because I get the flavor but no calories.

I eat small meals during the day. I am 2 1/2 years out and still can't eat that much at any one time.
A meal for me would be 2-3 oz of meat and maybe some fruit or vegetables. I would not make it if I only at 3 meals a day.
I maintain my weight and I mostly manage by reactive hypoglycemia this way.
Deb T.