The dangers of mindless eating.

[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.