Everyday Systems

This may have come up. But my need to snack increases exponentially if I have idle time, sitting in front of the tube (but interestingly, not in front of the computer), or if I don't keep busy. I'm teaching summer school so the need to snack has decreased, but when I'm done and have taht 6 weeks off, aye...

J.

I don't watch TV during the day but a number of years ago, my DH and I had gotten in the habit of snacking at night, while watching TV. When I decided that I didn't want to do that it anymore, it helped to do something (knit, scrapbook, write a letter, surf the web, march in place, lift weights, etc) during that time. It also helped to have a drink (water or herbal tea) on hand. If I found that I still had an urge to snack, I would opt to do another activity instead of TV watching. Over time, snacking while watching TVC or snacking after dinnertime just wasn't something that I did/do.

If I'm keeping a journal, like my check-in here, I like to write/post about my day within a couple of hours of dinner if I'm home. That "seals the deal" for me, my eating for the day is done.

Good luck & hope you have a wonderful break!

Even working with a stress ball that you rotate from hand to hand - or squeezing on Silly Putty...main thing is to keep your hands busy as sophiasapientia also mentioned. I have tried both and found them to be helpful. Since I got a laptop, I keep my hands busy that way since I'm not a big TV fan anyway.

Mimi

I'm pretty sure most of my weight loss is the result of not eating after dinner, while watching TV, or while reading.

My wife bought me a jigsaw puzzle. So I watch baseball in the evening, sip club soda, and do the puzzle. It keeps my mind occupied.

J.

Me too! Eating during TV time or watching a movie was big for me. Instead, I always have a crochet project that I can work on (lots of my friends are having babies here recently, so I have been the baby blanket queen) that keeps my hands busy. There's added incentive to not eat because I can't get the yarn all foody!

Crocheting helps me. Just small projects like dishclothes and stuffed animals. I have a problem with wanting to munch while I read. And I LOVE to read! Been popping a piece of minty gum in my mouth now before I settle down with my books. Or make some herbal tea.