True confessions: Grazing and Prowling. What are your solutions for the hardest times?

Thanks for clarifying. 

I still think you could make some tasty concoctions using herbals and crop brew with sugar free syrups.  If you've a tjmaxx near to you, check them out. They've usually got several kinds. 

Yes, I think you are right.   I have never used the SF syrups. We do have a TJ Maxx about 30 min away. I can also check Amazon.  Thank you for the ideas. 

How have I NOT heard about red velvet SF syrup yet???  

I know Audrey!  I happened upon it when I was last at TJ Maxx.  It's SOOOOO GOOD.  The brand I got was Jordan's Skinny Syrup Red Velvet Cake.  I love it added to ricotta cheese, unflavored greek yogurt, coffee, almond milk/protein shakes -- Yeah, I just love it.  Even my husband likes it -- although I almost beat his skinny head in with the bottle when I caught him using it.  I mean, he can eat anything!  Stay away from my crack!

Ooooh...I will look for it the next time ( tomorrow, haha ) I'm at TJ Maxx.  Thanks for the info, Kat! 

My kids are the ones I have to watch out for...they steal yogurt! I can't really complain too much since at least they are making a good choice, right? We've got about 20 yogurts in the fridge right now. 

I will be honest I used to find myself snacking when I was cooking. I make myself a 16oz coffee or something else drink while I am cooking. . I will have a snack around 3 and I will have a snack around 8 or 9 if I want one. 

I like to schedule them. So that way they are planned. Using your fitness pal is a great tool if we are honest. I put everything in it in the morning all of my meals and snacks. It does keep me accountable. 

Have your own snacks like yogurts, nuts. Even bags of popcorn. I can't have popcorn in the house it is a trigger food for me. It is good you saw that your old habits creeping up. Try before to always drink something before have a snack also. 

I think the idea of a warm drink while cooking is a great one!  I also think I need to ask my doctor about snacks.  I think with planned snacks, then I would not feel like I am cheating.  I think nibbling partially comes from the feeling of "I can't really have something, and this is practically nothing!"  I do think my nibbling is much much less than before I had my surgery, but it is definitely something I must learn to manage.  I am aware of it now--and like you say, that is good.  Thanks!

My WLS correlated with being an empty-nester; kinda like "it's time to focus on myself."  There's no question strong self-absorption in my new lifestyle has helped. Advice? GET SELFISH.

OK, I love the advice to get selfish.  I will post that all over my house where my family can see!

At my WLS support group last time, the leader said this year should be "the time of extreme self care."  She was applying this to my concern that as I had gotten past the surgery recovery, I found myself sucked back into the very busy commitments, and that I was sometimes having to eat in the car.  Measured portions, but not mindful eating.  She pointed out the importance of cutting out other things so I could focus on developing new habits.  I think that mindset really might be helpful in the pre-dinner prep as well.

Thanks, and btw, I think your comments on the forums are always full of good cheer and humor.  Thanks for them.

Aw, try to find a snack you can enjoy in the family room with your family!  Sf jello, sf Popsicle, strawberries with a spritz of the canned whipped cream. It's suprisingly ok!  I found some delicious freeze dried pea pods with a yummy savory flavoring on them. They were dee-lish!  Sorry I don't remember the name but there are many options out there and we can't really eat much of them. I'd think being with your family is good for you, so try to stay part of the group. You don't want to start feeling like your being cheated out of your life!  It's just food. Find a lil something you enjoy and I think before you know it, you won't really care about the food.