So almost 2 years out, weight loss has been very slow and I've been very frustrated and depressed about it and have allowed bad habits to start to creep back in. I need to get back on track and in going through my food logs I'm starting to notice that I have a snacking problem. I can easily stay on track during the day and keep between 200-300 for breakfast/lunch but once I get home it's like all bets are off. I can easily put away 500-600 just grazing on everything from string cheese, nuts, crackers, popcorn. I need to reel it in and get back on track as I'm still 85 pounds from goal. Tips? Advice?

When you are home, engage in activities that keep you away from the kitchen. Make a list if you need to. Paint your nails, read a book, go out for a short walk, plan meals, play on the computer, call a friend! One snack at home before or after dinner is ok - maybe make it count? Incorporate a lot of textures and flavors into the snack, to satisfy your palette. Maybe like peanut butter between two thick apple slices with a couple of chocolate chips. Crunchy, juicy, salty, and a little sweet. Maybe it'll hold you over good luck.

Snack on high protein low fat foods if you must. They'll make you feel fuller longer. I plan to keep a supply of jerky around.

One thing that I do is paint my nails.

It's hard to rummage through the kitchen and eat when your nails are drying. The other benefit to that is my nails almost always look perfect and I change the color constantly. Everyone always compliments my nails. I also use the bath trick. I light candles, make myself a cup of herbal tea and soak. Now that its summer I also swim in the pool after dinner.

It is hard not to snack and graze. I have days where I eat poorly. I just make sure that I get right back on track the next day. Good luck-

You got this!!

Maybe try what worked at the beginning? Have a protein shake on the way home. What worked for you when you were doing your pre op diet? Put a pre op pic on the fridge or inside the snack cabinet. Just don't give up and don't go back!

Get the calorie-dense foods like nuts, cheese, crackers, and popcorn out of the house. You can't eat them if they aren't there. Keep little tubs of chopped up grilled chicken breast and green veggies and allow yourself to eat as much of those as you want. You may find you aren't actually as hungry as you think you are.