Can't handle the day? Must have a cookie. Emo/Stress Eating!

[oopsydaisy 40]

I haven't really lost in 3 months (I lost; gained it back, lost it again- and I'm in the same exact place I was 3 months ago.

What's different is that I'm snacking. And I'm not good snacking. I'm craving cakes and Cookies and the bane of my scale- crackers any time anything feels a little overwhelming or stressful. Willpower is a wonderful thing - It's failing me though and I'm giving in often. Even still, I'm not exceeding about 12-1400 calories per day. I can think of no other reason for stall.

I'm 5'4". Starting 270; 265 surgery day, 180 today. I still have about 45 lbs to lose. So- what's your go to method of dealing with head hunger, stress eating, and the cookie monster?

[elcee 3,343]

At the moment it’s not something I’m very good at but here are some suggestions that might help.

Keep busy, if you are engrossed in something such as painting, gardening, sewing etc you tend to forget about food, especially if you are covered in dirt.

Have healthy alternatives that you enjoy available. It s no good having Snacks that you don’t like because then you either won’t eat them or you will eat just for the sake of eating and then still be looking for something you like.

Dont have problem foods in the house. I know if I buy a packet of biscuits(cookies) they will be gone in a couple of days because I will keep eating them.

[OpsMatt 21]

Agreed on getting the bad food out of the house. You won't be tempted to eat it if you keep it on hand. Think back to when you first got back on solid foods, what were your typical Snacks like within the bounds of your new lifestyle? Were there ones you enjoyed that are also healthy? Try to keep those on hand instead.

But also try to find an outlet for your stress that isn't food related. My personal thing is video games. It's how I unwind when I've had a rough day (it's also REALLY helpful in distracting you from head hunger). Get absorbed in a book, watch a movie or a tv show that you like, listen to music and dance like a maniac in the bathroom. Most of us got to where we are because we turned to food to heal our bad feelings and it is very much an addiction just like alcoholism. Breaking that cycle is a huge part of being successful with this surgery.

[Creekimp13 5,841]

I eat a lot of healthy carbs...so I don't crave the really awful ones and fall off the wagon.

[Healthy_life 1,437]

7 hours ago, oopsydaisy said:

I haven't really lost in 3 months (I lost; gained it back, lost it again- and I'm in the same exact place I was 3 months ago.

What's different is that I'm snacking. And I'm not good snacking. I'm craving cakes and Cookies and the bane of my scale- crackers any time anything feels a little overwhelming or stressful. Willpower is a wonderful thing - It's failing me though and I'm giving in often. Even still, I'm not exceeding about 12-1400 calories per day. I can think of no other reason for stall.

I'm 5'4". Starting 270; 265 surgery day, 180 today. I still have about 45 lbs to lose. So- what's your go to method of dealing with head hunger, stress eating, and the cookie monster?

Great advice above. Once you start eating Cookies, cakes, crackers you crave them more. Remove temptations foods from the house and give yourself time to detox off them. You may feel funky for a while but it will help you to find your weight loss mojo again. Find activities that help process life stresses/emotions read, play, Paint a room, landscape, go for a walk, therapy, hang with friends and family, be artistic, watch a comedy and laugh ect. Love the video game idea @OpsMatt

Options to try -

My disclaimer - Ignore any advice that's not on your plan

Night snacking/head hunger - keep a veggie tray in the fridge (option low calorie dip/dressing) - Allow yourself to eat until full. If you try to bargain with yourself for another option then you know its head hunger.

A warm beverage that calms your stomach before bed: Examples - (sugar free sweeteners optional)

• Camomile lavender tea unsweetened cashew milk
• sleepy time tea
• hot cocoa - Hot Water, unsweetened cashew milk, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup

[AggiG 176]

I am at the pre-op stage of my journey. When I feel the hunger I just ignore it. I'm not saying it is easy but that is what I do. I don't drink Water to get rid of it because that (to me) makes me feel hungry (silly I know).

[domi 237]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I am down 90 lbs and have stalled. I think I needed to let my body rest and get used to this weight for a little while. I maintained this weight for over a month and now it seems to be going down again. I am remembering to drink Water and continuing to walk during this maintenance time. Next week I am going to up my workouts again. This helped with my last stall.