Craving crunchy

**MTMiller** · 09-25-2017 07:33 PM

I am 7 weeks post op and have been cheating with pretzels in the afternoon. Just a few but I am mad at myself for giving in to temptation. Just SO tired of soft food. I am feeling very stressed right now for several reasons. That combined with TV watching is doing me in. I have to remove myself from the after dinner TV routine. That is when I would just eat mindlessly. I think I will join a gym to get out after dinner. It is getting dark earlier and soon it will be cold here in PA. Thanks for the Support! All the best to each of you.

**Christie13** · 09-25-2017 07:45 PM

Hey Mary!! Hang in there!! You can do this. I like to munch when I watch TV as well. I would have sugar free popsicles. That would usually do it for me. Are you still on soft foods at 7 weeks? I was full foods by 4 weeks. Now that I am at goal (under actually) and in maintenance I eat air popped popcorn when I crave the crunchy of junk food. It is not many calories so it works and it fills me up.

Try not to derail yourself. A few pretzels can easily escalate into much worse. I also use my TV time to come on here and answer posts. Busy hands are hard to eat with!!

**RehabNurse** · 09-25-2017 10:56 PM

Instead of the TV-after-dinner routine, you can create a different after-dinner ritual such as taking a 30-minute walk after eating. It will help your food digest more quickly and minimize the snacky cravings.

Also, the gym membership is a good idea.

**Lisa73me** · 09-26-2017 04:59 AM

Hello,
If you have the munchies, ice chips are good. Remember you got into the habit of watching tv and munching, you can break the habit too. It's mind over matter. Try doing something different with your hands to keep them busy. Like Christy said, busy hands are hard to eat with and Rehabnurse's idea of changing up your routine with a walk is also an excellent idea. Remember, you can retrain yourself to have new health habits and get rid of the detrimental ones. Just take things one day at a time. Just say I'm not snacking today and before you know it, you won't want it anymore. Besides, once you reach your goal or below you can indulge a little. I included a link for you... Hang in there! You got this!

http://metro.co.uk/2016/12/30/how-lo...habit-6351291/

**mandyjdc** · 09-29-2017 04:04 PM

MTMiller, I love crunchy foods and am dreading all this soft food stuff! I haven't had my surgery yet, but I know not eating crunchy food for a long time is going to be a real struggle.

Going to the gym after dinner sounds like a good idea. Maybe it will help take your mind off things.
Good luck!