The dangers of mindless eating.

[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.