Binge Impulses

Yep - I think you're right. It's something we have to be conscious of and work to avoid every waking moment. It's a struggle, but we can do it if we want it bad enough.
I like the idea of drinking a lot of water - when I drink a full glass, especially with my vitamins, I actually do feel pretty full.

Boy, did I feel like that this weekend. I must have snuck in too many refined carbs in the previous couple of days, because I felt like I was on the prowl in the kitchen, and nothing seemed to satisfy. I finally made a 100-calorie pack of popcorn, (first time since surgery) and by the end of it, I was surprised to find that my jaws/mouth were actually tired from being used so much. lol - they aren't used to the "exercise"!

But anyway, not long after, I was on the prowl again... That's what the refined carbs do to me. And the worst part is, that I hadn't been logging the bites or snitches I had been taking, so I don't even know the exact number of carbs that sent me over that threshold of "too many". Looking back to my regains prior to surgery, I'd bet that that slow increase in refined carbs is what did me in every time.

I have to remember a lesson from my favorite W*ight W*tchers leader: B.L.T.'s COUNT. (bites, licks and tastes) Log them somehow, or don't BLT them!

That's why SkinnyScientist's idea appealed to me.  I plan on using it!

I read your posting a few hours ago and even looked up nutritional information on Quest bar you mentioned.  I've been thinking about whether you are truely hungry and your body needs fuel or if you just have "head hunger?"  Ask yourself how long until your next snack or meal?, or How long has it been since I last ate.  I have come to think of food as fuel (this took a few years!).  If my body needs fuel then 2 boiled eggs or 2 cheese sticks will provide 160 calories and 16 grams of protein and provide the protein and fuel that my RNY body needs.  If  nutritious "fuel" doesn't appeal to me, but it must be chocolate protein bar then maybe you aren't hungry but justifying your sweet tooth with a protein bar?  I'm not saying protein bars are bad or that we shouldn't eat them - I'm saying to look at your "thought process" surrounding your choice (and it is a choice).

When you said you weren't satisfied - I wondered what that meant?  Did you have 4 ounces of protein with some veggies/fruit at your meal?  If yes - then your body got adequate fuel.  I don't know if this makes sense - I'm sure I'm not making my thoughts clear.  I know ME and how I try to justify my "wants" until I'm putting food into my mouth that may be empty calories or lacking protein or whatever.

I'm not judging, but overanalyzing probably.  Just my thoughts, Penny

Thanks, Penny. This makes total sense to me. I definitely have an issue with head hunger. I am taking all of this advice in and using it to #1) curb how many protein bars I eat, #2) come up with snack substitutes, like hard boiled eggs, jerky, etc., #3) STOP and address the why I think I am hungry or not satisfied. I do journal, but as with everything, it is hard work to break bad habits, and this seems to be one of my worst habits. I really do appreciate how you all shared with me that I am not alone and there are coping mechanisms we can use to help get us over this emotional eating issue.