The dangers of mindless eating.

[Grits]

After avoiding the scales for six months or so, I finally got the nerve to step on about a month ago and, oh my. I can't say I was completely shocked. Clothes were fitting tighter, and I had been putting off weighing because I was scared of what I was going to see, and with reason as it turns out. I had put on a good ten pounds since last weigh in. I was so hoping my home scales were wrong that I immediately made a special trip to use my gym scales, but sadly found that they both were in agreement

I was blaming my hypothryoid, my broken foot, menopause, but I am afraid I am going to have to face the cold hard truth that I was just overeating, mainly mindless snacking at night. I checked the calories per 1/4 cup serving of a trail mix I like. 1/4 cup is barely even a handful, and I was probably eating 4 or 5 servings. 170 calories per serving I was getting a couple of meal's worth of calories just in snacking. Then there were the Starburst jelly beans that they only make during certain times of the year, so I have to take advantage of them. And my addiction to chai lattes.

So back to the grind. I have been using Myfitnesspal.com to track my food and exercise, and it is coming off slowly but surely. Sure goes on easier than coming off. My mistake was not weighing for so long and ignoring the tight clothes. At least I caught it in time to get most, maybe all, off by summer time.

[emily_in_nc]

This thread could also be entitled "The dangers of avoiding the scale". Usually when you are avoiding it, it's because on some level you know you are not going to like what you see. I know I do this too, after vacation, for example, until I dare step back on. I suspect many Americans avoid the scale for years -- why else would people be shocked when they discover they've gained 30, 40, 50+ lbs.

Be glad you only gained 10 lbs! And good luck in taking it off.

[Susan]

I don't know I think it depends on the person. I am the living proof that you can lose weight without even owning a scale.
You have to be very honest with yourself though. Even without seeing it in numbers, of course you have to watch yourself and not eat crap/too much

And it IS really hard not to eat too much of certain foods... chocholate is my downfall. Some foods - and especially the very very good ones it seems - are just so calorie dense, that there is almost no way of not eating too much.

[Grits]

this thread could also be entitled "the dangers of avoiding the scale".

yes!

[PamNY]

I would suggest reframing the discussion to talk about the benefits of mindful eating.

These benefits are real and plentiful.

[Pax]

I was doing great, being very mindful of what/how/why I was eating, working out regularly... then my mom got sick and it all stopped. Hospital and then nursing home meals, no exercise, poor sleep, etc.

She's doing much better now but I'm finding it REALLY hard to get back into the groove. Like the OP I nibble at night and while it's mostly healthy things, it's not calorie free.

I'm really hoping the vacation to Cancun in two weeks will help me jump start again. Open water swimming is my favorite activity so that should help a lot!!

[ny biker]

I was doing great, being very mindful of what/how/why I was eating, working out regularly... then my mom got sick and it all stopped. Hospital and then nursing home meals, no exercise, poor sleep, etc.

She's doing much better now but I'm finding it REALLY hard to get back into the groove. Like the OP I nibble at night and while it's mostly healthy things, it's not calorie free.

I'm really hoping the vacation to Cancun in two weeks will help me jump start again. Open water swimming is my favorite activity so that should help a lot!!

Glad your mother is better.

Are you nibbling because you're hungry or just for something to do? If you're hungry, try having a slightly larger breakfast and lunch. If you want something to do, try drinking a big glass of water and then taking a walk around the block, or fold some laundry or clean and lube your bike chain or something that will keep your hands busy.

[PamNY]

Pax, I sympathize. I had a similar experience during my mother's long illness.

I hope swimming helps you "reset."

[Pax]

Glad your mother is better.

Are you nibbling because you're hungry or just for something to do? If you're hungry, try having a slightly larger breakfast and lunch. If you want something to do, try drinking a big glass of water and then taking a walk around the block, or fold some laundry or clean and lube your bike chain or something that will keep your hands busy.

Mostly from hunger. Before mom got sick I had my food rally dialed in, and was eating the vast majority of my calories before 4pm. Things are still a bit harried on the mom-duty front so that hasn't been happening, soon though, back on track!!

Pax, I sympathize. I had a similar experience during my mother's long illness.

I hope swimming helps you "reset."

Thanks Pam, the idea of long open water swims at dawn makes me feel all sorts of peaceful.

[Grits]

The good news is that I have lost six pounds, nice and slow, just the way you are supposed to The bad news is that I am still two pounds above my highest acceptable weight limit, but that isn't too bad. I experimented last week by not logging my food and was still on target for weight loss. I would really like to NOT have to log my food, so I am going to be diligent with the weekly weigh ins, and if I am on track then I will continue without logging in everything. I think snacks were my downfall, so if I measure those out and eat them thoughtfully, I think I will be ok.

[carolync]

Same thing happened to me. The batteries went out on my scale in the fall, and when I finally changed them, it wasn't pretty. Up 15 pounds, and I was guessing 10. UGH.

I can't maintain my weight unless I track calories and weigh myself daily, or close to it.

[bluebug32]

My Fitness Pal is a really helpful took and a great community for support. I track my calories from time to time to get back on track I enjoy their cycling challenges too.

[diamondcat]

The good news is that I have lost six pounds, nice and slow, just the way you are supposed to The bad news is that I am still two pounds above my highest acceptable weight limit, but that isn't too bad. I experimented last week by not logging my food and was still on target for weight loss. I would really like to NOT have to log my food, so I am going to be diligent with the weekly weigh ins, and if I am on track then I will continue without logging in everything. I think snacks were my downfall, so if I measure those out and eat them thoughtfully, I think I will be ok.

TWO pounds? are you joking.

[diamondcat]

Same thing happened to me. The batteries went out on my scale in the fall, and when I finally changed them, it wasn't pretty. Up 15 pounds, and I was guessing 10. UGH.

I can't maintain my weight unless I track calories and weigh myself daily, or close to it.

then maybe youre suppose to weight more than you think?
I dunno I tried to keep my weight a minimal for my height and it didnt work, i was irritable, moody, and my stamina was shitty. I'm back to my moreso normal weight and feel worlds better. I can do a bike ride AND still function in the day afterwards and not be a bump on a log.