I started my busy day out with a bang: great workout and great oat combo.
I recently switched my alarm clock from a low beep-beep-beepbeep to NPR and love waking up to talk and news. While I think I probably stay in bed just as long (3-4 snoozes, 2 minutes each) compared to 10 minutes or so of radio, waking up has been easier and more energizing. I read recently that getting your brain to crank first thing really helps with waking up (such as drawing a figure 8 on a notepad – but that would require taking my arms out of the covers so I’ll stick to talk radio!). I’ve heard some interesting stories on NPR too.
So anyways, thanks to NPR, getting up was easy today. I was at the gym by 5:45 climbing the stairs. I split my time today between the Stairmaster and the ET, followed by a round of resistance band work.
Today’s combo is one of my favorites!
- 1/3 cup Windy Hills flax oats, 2% milk, water
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 extra large banana
- 1.5 tbsp raisins
- 1/4 cup wheatberries
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 crumbled Trail Mix Country Square
- Spoonful Smuckers Natural PB
Reflections
I put on a pair of winter pants today and they were….tight. Yikes! I mentioned a few weeks ago needing to get a hold of my nibbling and I have to say I haven’t quite snapped out of it (see this weekend’s sugar overload for more details). It’s been a gradual change since I stopped keeping a food journal this past spring. At first I was too “scared” to nibble because I wasn’t logging anymore, but I’ve gradually lost my care and have been having a bite here, a handful of this there, a second spoonful of PB, and what do you know – I can sense a few pounds packing back on! Although I have considered it, I really don’t want to go back to food journaling, mostly because I am totally out of the habit and want to prove to myself that I can maintain by intuitive eating, but I am not intuitive eating! Do you guys have any advice for me? I know I just need to “make the decision” to get back in gear, but something is keeping me from mentally doing that. I think it’s the carb cabinet
OH man look at the timmmmmmmmmmeeeeee!!
No more Internet for me until 30 minutes at lunch, then it’s back to studying for this killer reactions and synthesis test tomorrow 👿
Mariposa says
I don’t know if I can help much, I am in the same boat as you. trying to prevent the winter padding go from 5 pounds to 10 pounds..
I know you said you dont chew gum (I think!!!) that stops me from mindless snacking sometimes.
that and i find if i keep myself busy enough I wont nibble. i tend to nibble more when im sitting in front of the TV and playing on the laptop. so maybe try … more cleaning?! lol i know you are neat and organized so you may not have much to do!!!
coco says
great breakfast as always!
intuitive eating is not easy…. specially when we’re under stress and hurry. But I think whenever we can, we should try it…. listening to your body and mind what you really it. what food will really satisfy your body and appetite. I just learned to do it…I’ve been an impulsive eater forever…. and if I could change, anyone could.
Sarah says
Hey Kath! I have been there too 🙂
I used to be a major food journal-keeper and now the only one I keep is my blog. For me, it was the carb cabinet too, lol. I started keeping less of certain things in the house (cereal, bread, muffins, etc.) not eliminating them, but just cutting back.
Also if I keep busy enough, I won’t get bored and think I need to eat a bite of something. I’ve also gone back to measuring things because a tbsp of peanut butter quickly became 1.5-2 when I tried to “guess”.
Good luck to you! You’ll be fine 🙂
VeggieGirl says
Hang in there, Kath – you WILL get back on track, no worries!!
Hope the rest of your day is bangin’!! 😀
Samantha says
GRRR…I know how you feel! I am in the same boat. Unfortunately, when this happens I have to go back to calorie counting. There is something about the visual number of how much I’m consuming. I don’t like to continue it for too long though. Becoming obsessed with numbers certainly takes some enjoyment out of eating.
Good luck with what you decide to do. And remember, you really are a great inspiration to many people. I think this is especially true because you are honest.
Kailz says
I feel like everyone is having this problem lately. I know I tend to nibble when I don’t have anywhere to be in the evenings and I don’t have a ton of reading/studying to do. I’ve also tried to allow myself to not be as stringent when it comes to snacking. However, there is a time when the munchies turn into too much. I don’t think I have solid advice, but I know that if I tell myself I can have one piece of halloween candy after dinner, or one small mug of cereal, it normally does the trick. But I have to immediately follow the snack with a delicious hot tea (gingerbread right now!) to stop the desire to keep chewing.
I also remind myself that there will be plenty of more-worthy treats in my near future (21st B.day, Thanksgiving, Christmas baking). So now is the time for clean and intuitive eating at it’s best, fo sho!
Beadie says
I agree with coco. Intuitive eating is hard, in some respects, even harder than “dieting” because you have to really pay attention to your own cues rather than the cues of a book or website. Have you ever tried keeping a food mood journal? This journal focuses on the emotions and how your body feels rather than the food itself. It can help you pin point what is actually triggering the eating. Maybe it is boredom, nervousness or anything else.
The way I kept my food mood journal was to write down where I was on the hunger scale, any emotions or thought patterns, a brieff description of what I ate and then where i was on the hunger scale right after eating. You can also pay attention to how you feel a couple of hours later and mentally make note how the food choices made your body and mind feel later.
Megan says
This is almost uncanny, I am going through the same thing right now. I went to the doctor and got on a scale for the first time in a while and I have gained about 7 pounds since the last time I stepped on a scale! I was hoping you would be able to offer me advice! I guess I will go back to being more conscious of what I am eating and then I will see if that has an effect. Its tough though the holidays are coming and I feel helpless!
Jessica says
Hey Kath,
I am a regular reader of your blog, and you are an inspiration. What I find works best to control the nibbling is not to fight it in your mind, because that drives the thought deeper and makes you focus on your deprivation.
Instead, find a different thing to do that has nothing to do with food, and simply shift your focus instead of whipping your mind into submission.
Good luck with your midterms…I know exactly how you are feeling!
Jeannie says
I’m so excited that you’re listening to NPR! I’m not sure which station you’re tuned into but I work for one of the NPR stations in NC. WOOOOO!
caroline F. says
Morning!
Although it’s very “freeing” to let go of your numbers, and go on your own instinct and knowledge- like Sarah said, after awhile, it creeps up slowly if your not aware. Maybe it would be informative to take a week (or whatever you choose) to measure/count or simply stay present while your preparing your meals and snackys and then at the end, go back and review it to see where you can make small changes. Don’t worry, it’s a blessing to have little moments like these when you can learn, it just means your human, and you care about your well being 🙂 Good luck , Kath!
-CF
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
At work I turn to tea. We have a big hot water thing for the students, but I try to have a cup of tea every hour, with different fruity herbal flavors mixed with green tea. It takes a while to sip it down, which helps get my mind off of the vending machine right around the corner…
Lauren says
I would not worry too much about it– it might just be water weight or bloating.
I had a similar problem though; after gaining weight (purposely) to a weight I was happy with, I tried intuitive eating to maintain. But I was still gaining!
I don’t know if you know of the diabetic exchanges or not, but their really helpful. I just analyzed an average day worth of eats to see what I was eating too much of or not enough. I turned out it was too many starches– so I simply cut back on that and replaced it with a fruit or vegetable. It seems to be working for now!
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00077
Good luck!
Alison says
I don’t think there’s any reason not to go back to calorie counting for a few weeks – as long as you don’t get obsessive about it and allow yourself days off. That’s what I do, and I’ve maintained a 15-lb. weight loss for 3 years (I’m 5’1″ and 115 lbs, so very similar to your size).
I know that for me, when I hit my late 20s, my metabolism slowed down a bit and I had to re-program myself to eat the right amount of calories. Using Sparkpeople really helped with that. Also, cutting down on the cardio and adding more strength training — although it sounds counterproductive — was another key to maintaining a lower weight.
Megan says
Love the oats. I have felt the same thing with bringing the winter clothes out! Unfortunately, I don’t have any good advice
KatieF says
A lot of people have given you the same advice I have, but here’s what I find works:
-Food journal just for a couple days–I find that it helps me refocus on how much I really should be eating. I recently completed a marathon (on your birthday!) and am trying to cut back my food intake since I don’t need as many calories. I journaled for about 4 days and I have found it to be very helpful.
-Tea, tea, tea. Decaf or herbal, a little milk if you need it, but I prefer mine straight. Fun flavors make me forget that I’m not really eating anything.
-Gum sometimes helps with that need to chew feeling.
-Allow yourself one small treat a day…I find I don’t nibble so much if I know I get to have a little ice cream in the evening.
Best of luck!
Kinder says
My eating has been out of control these past few weeks. I think for me it is stress. And the time of year, with three kids in the house there is too much halloween candy! I am going to start a food journal, just to be aware of how many calories I am eating…..
Andrea (Off Her Cork) says
You’re already doing what helped me, which is taking pictures of what I eat. If you think it’s a serious issue and not a phase, like others have said, maybe just journaling for a week just to see where you’re actually at calorie-wise, and then go from there. 🙂
caitlin says
have a wonderful day, kath! 🙂
Ryan says
I tend to food Journal 5 days out of 7, but some days I just don’t have time, and thats where I stick to my intuition.
Sometime during the day, usually at lunch and on the way home from work, I think back to everything I’ve eaten and make a plan from there. I make sure to look at each meal as an opportunity to encorporate protein, veggies, and carbs and then try to get in two low calorie snacks…I think this helps alot with me!
kate says
Thanks, Kath, for being so honest. As others have said, your blog is an inspiration to so many people. In fact, I hope that you do give yourself credit for the ways in which you really are maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I think snacking can be intuitive, not in the “I’m hungry” sense but in the “I’m feeling like eating right now” sense. I think that’s normal, and I know it’s not worth punishing ourselves.
Also, I know that I, at least, always gain a few pounds in the winter. I think it, too, has to do with a different kind of intuitive eating. Who wants cold salads in the dead of winter? No, we want melty cheesy warm and creamy goodness to keep us warm and satisfied. (With a salad on the side, of course.)
Finally, remember, too, that you just had a birthday and are now in the middle of midterms. The fact that you aren’t eating a jar of peanut butter every night and are continuing to exercise on a regular basis is AMAZING. Don’t let one weird pants day allow you to forget to celebrate what you’re doing in every part of your life, which is a lot.
Cat says
I think there’s great truth to the piece of advice you have given to us about sticking to 3 meals a day so you only have to stop eating three times. (From “Fit From Within”)
Maybe you could even just flip through “Fit From Within” again and reread the parts that you open to. That book always helps me get centered again and focus on the reasons I’m eating. It’s a great book, for sure.
I’d also say there’s nothing wrong with calorie counting for a few weeks, just as a way to get back on track, not as a lifetime habit.
Fancy says
Don’t worry about this, Kath! You will get through this!
The one thing that really works for me is not to have tempting foods in my home so I can’t nibble on them from time to time. If they are not there, I can’t eat them…If my boyfriend leaves some “yummy yet unhealthy” food behind, he knows I will just throw it away as soon as I find it to prevent myself from eating it. However, living with The Husband might make this harder for you to do because you can’t just throw out all his food! Maybe just some of the really tempting things?!?
Jess. says
i am in the same stituation as many of you. i lost about 35lbs at the beginning of the year and then got off track andi am having a terrible time getting back on. i still eat relatively healthy and i exercise regularly but it is all the nibbling that has caused me to gain back 5 lbs, when i really want to lost another 50 :(.it’s a hard habit to break once you start, but we have obviously done so before and can do it agian…. for me lately i have been trying the approach of “i can have it later”- it helps me remember i am not depriving myself of anything- i can always have it later when i am really hungry and really need to eat something. it works about 50% of the time right now but it’s getting better
Runnershigh says
I find food journaling gets me in the obsessive mindset. Although mindless nibbling can be problematic, I find the anxiety of food journaling creates even more issues.
Instead, perhaps you can omit an exchange from one of your meals each day to allow for your study nibbling? You have a busy schedule, you eat healthily, and always exercise—a few extra pounds will naturally come and go. I wouldn’t worry too much!
V says
Hi Kath,
Thanks, as always, for your honesty here! It’s really inspiring.
I attend weight watchers meetings, and a leader once told us to remember the acronym “F-ASS” (it’s hard to forget because it sounds obscene…). Anyway, it stands for Food Assimilation Sitting Still. Now when I find myself standing in front of the cabinet munching a handful of granola as I’m making my breakfast, I remember that I should really measure out a serving and sit down…
Definitely “common sense” advice but “F-ASS” is pretty hard to forget.
Good luck!
V
Barbara says
Ah the up’s and down’s of eating and living. This is the HARDEST time of the year for most of us and you are so very social too. I find that Fitday.com is my favorite FREE online food log…
When things get snug I start to calculate online and watch every morsel. Weighing stuff is a pain but then you know how much you really are consuming because nibbles add up to lots of calories. I’m a nibbler too and addicted to SF ice pops. BAD!
Good luck girl and I know that you will be back on track very soon.
Babs
Lisa says
Kath I think its one of those things where we are always going to have to work on maintaining our weight. It really sucks but some people naturally can and others have to work at it. I definitely ALWAYS have to work on it. But the key is don’t stress about it just try to cut back a bit before the holidays start and you should be good to go and wont feel guilty once Thanksgiving rolls around. I don’t think you need to start journaling just don’t stress over it or you’ll start picking on things here and there even more.
Heather McD says
Hey Kath,
When I do nibble, I try to nosh on low calorie snacks. I used to keep a container full of nuts in the cabinet, but a few cashews and several almonds later, I noticed my pants were a little too snug for my liking. So, I limited my calorically dense snacks or measured them rather than grabbing by the handful. My heaping tsp of nut butter was probably more like a Tbsp. Oops : )
I am usually pretty hungry when I get home and start making dinner. Sometimes, I’ll grab some leftover steamed veggies from the fridge or a bag of baby carrots for a snack. Carbonation helps fill me up as well, and I might have some carbonated water with a squeeze of fruit juice to tide me over. Tonight we’re trying a new recipe from I found on KERF: Mexican Chopped Salad. My husband is allergic to corn, and so I’m going to use beets instead. Can’t wait!
Meghann says
I know you’re wanting to try intuitive eating, but I find eating on a schedule workd wonders and I don’t find myself mindless eating that way. I have designated snack times that I enjoy throughout the day. Maybe you should try having set ‘snacks’ ?
Rose says
I hear you, Kath!
What if you journal all the small bites and not your larger meals? It seems like that may be where you’re having trouble and maybe if you knew the exact amount of calories, etc. it would prevent you from doing it as much?
WendyF says
Since I have the opportunity of working from home when I am not traveling, I have a tendency to nibble as well. Cheddar goldfish crackers are my weakness and I can mow through a bag in one day, handfull by handful. I found hot tea works for me.
Laura says
This is my first time commenting, but I have been an avid reader of you blog. I wanted to first say that you are “A.mazing.” You have an ability to inspire healthy living (far beyond weightloss) in others that you should be incredibly proud of.
Regarding the nibbling – I am also finding myself in the same situation. For awhile I was too restrictive with my eating – absolutely no TLB (tastes, licks, bites) but in time that slowly gave way. Now I’m worried that I will not know when to stop.
I think that it’s all about finding a balance – i.e. tasting and nibbling can be OK, say for example you are cooking (or The Husbands amazing breads), but if you find that it’s mindless or out of boredom, maybe try to replace it with hot tea or to read (something to engage the mind)?
Anyways, thanks for all your hard work & honesty!
Tracy says
i too put on a pair of winter pants and they were freakin’ tight. i don’t know if this is because i’ve gained a TON of weight- i’m so scared, because i am a recovered anorexic, so maybe i need this weight back on. but good luck on the intuitive eating- i need to focus on that too!
jenner says
hey Kath, have you actually read the book, Intuitive Eating (by Evelyn Tribole)??
Kirsten Cederberg says
Although, I do believe that intuitive eating is very important, I also believe that happiness is important. Life isn’t about what size of jeans you wear or how much you eat, but the enjoyment you get out of it. If you like to have a nibble hear and there, I do not think you should beat yourself up over it. =)
Kim says
I don’t know if you watch Grey’s Anatomy but I was laughing when they found all her mother’s journals, because that is how I am with my food journals. I keep them all so far 5 years of journals (no clue why I do) but journaling is not that time consuming and I feel complete with it. Is there a reason you don’t want to jounal?
Teddy says
No internet for that long? I’m weak, I couldnt do it haha
Teddy
B_Hlthy says
I think this is a great topic for discussion and so helpful to hear other readers comments on! So kudos to you Kath for asking suggestions that can help “all of us”…
My suggestion aside from what others already posted, DRINK WATER!
Drink a glass of water before eating to prep your digestion system. Then whenever you go to “nibble” …. think
“What am I really hungry for ?” – such a powerful question but really, do you NEED whatever it is you nibble on, Why do you WANT it ?
IF you REALLY want it, drink a glass of water. Then have it if you still want it. The refreshing water will probably help more than immediately satisfaction of the Nibble.
Other questions you could ask yourself:
Did you not enough at your last meal? You might need to look at your meals vs. snack and up both, decrease meal and increase nibble size to a “snack”… ?
Are you nervous about something/avoiding something ?
* This is my problem, sometimes I find myself wanting to reach for nibbles of food to make me “feel” better about whatever it is I am nervous/avoiding/procrastinating…
hope this helps! And I am going to post it on my blog too because I think its a great topic for discussion!
Alicia says
I feel for you. You have devoted so much time and energy in pursuit of the goal of a svelte and healthy body that even the perception (probably incorrect!) of a little weight gain must be heartwrenching and scary.
I know that the focus of this blog is inspiring people to achieving and maintaining weight loss, so perhaps this is not an appropriate comment, but have you considered that maybe your intuitive eating is bang on, and it is your goals that are faulty?
You have described 120 as your ‘happy weight’, but it seems that you must exert an above and beyond level of effort to remain there. The idea of happy weights and intutive eating is to eat and move in ways that make your body feel good, and to let your weight fall where it will naturally. Is it not entirely possible that you are snacking because the amount of food you ate while you were journaling was not enough to support the weight your body ‘intuitively’ wants to be at?
After all, you religiously document and photograph everything you eat, consider a quarter of a cookie and indulgence, wake up at 5 am to excercise for at least an hour every day, additionally study while walking and work with a running club, are pursuing a masters in nutitrion and spend a good deal of time writing, thinking and dealing with weight and food issues.
If this is not sufficient to maintain your present weight, I think it might be time to measure the amount of happiness that number on the scale gives you against the amount of your life which is devoted to the cause.
jess says
Good, busy(!) morning. I tried waking up to the news once instead of my alarm but it turns out I needed a repetitive, obnoxious beep just to wake me up 🙁
Hmm, not sure about the intuitive eating thing. I know that Rhodey Girl started journalling again and, while I know your against it (and don’t we all wish to be able to just eat intuitively!) it may be an interesting experience to go back to it for 1 day a week and/or 1 week straight just as an experimental visual for yourself. You could think of it as part of a class assignment! Haha. Best of luck with your studying!
Alison says
Tons of great replies, and some of the things that people have already mentioned are what I do too…. like making myself a cup of tea before I snack on one more thing. I tell myself that if I still want it after a cup of tea, I can have it…. and I was find that after some tea the desire for anything else has passed. The key is making myself STOP and have tea and then see how I feel.
I’ve also found that reading about healthy eating is always inspirational to me…. books, magazines, blogs, etc.
Lastly, I’ve come to realize that weighing myself everyday keeps me on track, I’ve been maintaining my 35 lb weight loss for 4 months now and I tried to only weigh myself once a week and it just gets me into trouble!
I use “Google 15” to watch my average weight so that I don’t obsess too much about daily fluctuations, but it also helps me make changes sooner rather than later if I notice that my curve is headed in the wrong direction. I have my “highest high” (132) and my lowest low (128) and if I get outside that range, it’s all the motivation I need to get back on track.
But as they say, using how your clothes fit (vs. the scale) is a great guide, and it sounds like you’ve already made your first step to finding your way to getting back on track.
bobbi says
I understand completely. I know that you will find your happy medium, being happy is the most important thing not wether you pants are too tight 🙂
AshleyH says
haha I think everyone can agree from what I have read. Of course I am going through the same thing and like many people above me I was hoping you would have advice for me. I noticed last time I went to the doctor that I had put on over 5 lbs. I’ll let you know if I find something that works.
Jen says
This has always been a problem for me, which is why I try to stick to a ‘meals and real snacks only plan’. I am only allowed to put food in my mouth when I’m sitting down to eat a meal, or my one snack per day. NOT when I’m walking, or in the kitchen, etc. It helps to curb the mindless eating that I’m so good at!
jen says
wow. maybe they shrunk, maybe it is water weight, that TOM, “food baby,” etc. i seriously doubt you are “packing the pounds on.”
i eat way more than you, am much smaller, work out less, but only started seriously gaining after a few months of serious binge eating out of depression (3 days clean, i know it small but everyone starts somewhere).
i think you should put it in perspective, what’s a few pounds if you are truly happy. i couldn’t go into nutrition as a profession because i was anorexic then binge eating disordered. revolving my life around food (for all i loved learning about it, health, and fitness) was not a happy, healthy mental environment for me.
we are not all designed to be stick skinny just as we are not all designed to be overweight. at my thinnest and even after gaining apporpriate body fat for an “athletic” female, i was still had ammeonhorrea because the estrogen and testosterone levels were not high enough to reglauate the correct reproductive processes in my body. ladies, you have a certain amount of neded bf for a reason. that is it. to maintain your reproductive integrity. and so many things will start to go wrong otherwise once that is compromised. i was not menstruating regularly until i had more fat that i was happy with, but i guess that is the price i have to pay to be healthy otherwise. my body simply has to have this much to function correctly, as galling as it is.
so chill out, and put things in perspective, you are happy, healthy, wildly successful at such a young age.
as a very erudite punk rocker once said, “forget the corsets, let the ladies curve as they will.”
Jennifer says
Alicia- couldn’t agree more
I also find chewing gum sometimes sates the need to chew SOMETHING. Tea just doesn’t cut it for me.
Also remember that we are BIOLOGICALLY meant to put on some pounds for the winter…. it’s nature’s way of prepping for survival. (Unfortunately, evolution has not yet come up to the modern age). What I’m saying is, don’t sweat the few pounds… when I find something has gotten tighter, I tell myself, “Eh, it’ll come off in a few months.” Enjoy the cold months to snuggle up to The Husband, watch movies and chill more than you would during nicer weather. (Hell, that’s my reasoning).
zestycook says
Great looking breakfast Kath… glad you had a great workout… no worries on the clothes. The dryer may have shrunk them… you will be fine
zesty
Oh She Glows says
Hey Kath,
Do you find the colder seasons have anything to do with extra nibbling? I find for myself, I have a harder time with it during the fall and winter momths!
Also, did you read the trick about drawing figure 8’s in a magazine…I think I read that in Shape or Self recently but I can’t remember where I read it from!
Justy2003 says
I just read that thing about drawing figure 8’s this morning in Self while I was on the elliptical! However for some reason just getting UP and putting my contacts in usually wakes me up enough 🙂
Good luck with cutting back on the nibbling! I wouldn’t worry too much about the “tight” pants…I’m sure after just a couple short days you’ll lose the extra water weight or whatever it is! Or, like others said, they may just be shrunk a little from the dryer. I know my pants are always a little more snug when I first put them on out of the dryer!
Lisa says
Kath, I understand your frustration but I think that Alicia may be correct in her wise advice. It seems to me that you have to work TOO hard to maintain your weight which goes against intuitive eating. If your body is below its real set point, it will fight to get to where it wants to be. I have been reading your journal as a lurker for well over a year and it has always seemed to me that your calorie intakes are not nearly enough to fuel your workouts and lifestyle. (I have worked with nutritionists while recovering from an ED). I know that I am so much happier now, having gained some weight and put on some body fat than before when I thought I was healthy, but fighting to maintain a weight that was too low for my body, similar to Jen’s story. I hope you will at least consider Alicia and Jen’s advice.
Simply Nutrition says
Intuitive Eating is a process…. a long learning process. Majority of my clients use to keep a food journal and count every calorie put in their mouth… but it can get tiresome… and remember… It’s human nature to “slack” a little. The “mantra” of intuitive eating is to “eat when you’re hungry, and stop when your satisfied”. When you do that, your body will naturally fall to it’s heathly weight, whatever that is. If you “consistantly” eat for reasons other than hunger, then yes, your body will put on some weight…. but the key word here is “consistantly”. It’s a little impractical to “never” eat when your not hungry. Most intuitive eaters don’t weigh themselves, and prefer to use their clothes as a measure. If their clothes are fitting them tight, then intead of stressing, it’s important to reassesss what they’ve been doing over the past several months. If they think back and can say “yes, I have “consistantly” snacked and had dessert every night when I’m not truly physically hungry”, then their is your answer. It’s also important to know that while being an intuitive eater means following your natural hunger and fullness cues, it also means making the educted decision to eat that extra spoonful of peanut butter, and being okay with it. Just remember, it’s the “consistancy” that matters the most. Hope this helps…. 🙂
www. simply4younutrition.com
Simply Nutrition says
Sorry for the lack of spell check… whoops
Jenna says
Kath, i know exactly what you mean.
I lost all this weight, then once i did, i was like, well this is nice, but what now? i mean i like to run and still continue to do that, but now that the winters here, its just hard to keep the weight off. i had to gain a little weight, and i did. i just enjoy food and its like, whats the point of being so skinny if im not happy?
i dont know. its just weird.
so i get what your going through. food is good!
and over halloween, omg the chocolate<3.
seelee live (for the love of peanut butter) says
Marieposa- i agree with her! i have been food journaling since march-and i am too afraid to start. i think you should be proud of how far you have come-and a few extras here or there really should not impact your weight. also, i see how your realize this is NOT the end of the world-you are still setting a positive example. i think as long as you are listening to your body, eating when hungry and stopping when full-and continue to see food as a good thing & have respect and a positive relationship with it-you are not doing anything wrong. your body will be where it wants to be when it wants to be-forcing it is not healthy! so follow your body, not your mind.
Amanda says
Kath,
I think you can see how many people are dealing with similar things that you are – just look at all of the responses! I feel the same way – and for me, the moajority of my eating is at night. I pack lunch/snacks for work so I am in control. After work I may work out and then make a healthy dinner, but then I tend to settle in for the night and seem to snack until bedtime. The snacks are healthy, but I know that they are unneeded calories and I seem to be doing it out of boredom! (I think the early darkness and colder weather isn’t going to help!)
As someone recovered/recovering from an eating disorder, I never want to tell myself that I can’t have something, but I think that I will need to PLAN out my nighttime snack better. Decide what will satisfy me, measure it out, step away from the kitchen and fully enjoy it!!! Then it’s on to tea or water.
Please keep us posted on your concerns and thought processes … for example, if you measure out your morning PB or something. It will really help all of us in this process to stop mindless eating 🙂
Ally says
Well, first I wanted to say the old muscle weighs more than fat, you could have just gained muscle – you do work out a lot thing so it’s not necessarily bad. I don’t know if you weigh yourself, but biking and running can bulk up the thigh/calve muscles I think.
Okay, I know this might seem crazy…but it seems like no matter what you’ve been eating, you always have about the same size breakfast/lunch/dinner and that you really eat these meals out of habit. So maybe just cut back on them a little, like I know you like bulky lunches cause it seems like you get to eat a lot but if you are going to be nibbling maybe you don’t need to eat as much?
It seems like maybe, if you indulge one day, don’t add any peanut butter to your oatmeal the next day, or don’t add nuts or trailmix to your oatmeal or yogurt. Then if you do have some pb your extra spoonful, or extra handful of trailmix becomes your ONLY spoonful or handful. Just my two-cents. I really wouldnt’ worry about it. I know its easy to obsess but you still look fine!! It’s really not noticeable.
Amy says
Hey Kath!
I agree w/ the commenters that suggested you might want to go back to calorie counting & tracking for a little bit. You have said yourself that you didn’t mind counting & tracking.
I think everyone goes through periods where they gain a few lbs during their “maintenance” life but for *some* of us, the only way to get back on track & shed those unwanted lbs is to track & count. I know some people can just not worry about it & they will naturally lose it. But that’s not me & it might not be you either.
I don’t think there’s any shame in going back to counting so you can shed a couple lbs that have creeped on. That is normal. Like was said, most people gain weight during this time of year.
I have to disagree w/ the commenters who said that your goal is too low & you’re fighting to stay there. Some of us have to work a little harder than others – that’s just the facts. I view you as very healthy & conscious. You are active, exercise regularly & eat healthy. You are not obsessed – you are organized. You just simply have gained a few lbs (who hasn’t had that happen?!) so I would go back to what worked for you before.
I feel like there is a negative view against counting/tracking sometimes. People just automatically assume its “obsessive”. Eating intuitively is wonderful & wouldn’t we all like to eat that way?! But sometimes, those of us who want to get back to our goal – granted, it might be a “vaniety” goal (meaning its not all about health – you’re healthy now but want to shed a couple vaniety lbs) & thats OK! You are entitled to have a goal. You are entitled to want your winter pants to fit as comfortably as they did last year. In order to accomplish those goals, you might have to count/track. So you ask are those goals worth the effort?
I know you will make a balanced healthy decision! 😉
Hil says
Kath, the same things happened to me when I started shifting away from food journaling (which I did for almost a year.) It’s hard. I think that when you’ve maintained for awhile, everything feels so natural that it’s easy to stop being mindful. For me, the key was to force myself to think about what I’m eating. I sometimes went back to my food journal for a few days, just writing down portions rather than calories. It helped to me to detect any obvious patterns (double pb spoonfuls, too many crackers, whatever) without getting obsessive. But I get the sense that you already know what your problem areas are. And if you know, that’s the first step to dealing with it. We know you can do it.
While I don’t completely agree with Alicia, I think she’s right that it’s always helpful to take a step back and ask yourself whether your old goal weight is still what works best for your body. If you can honestly say that you don’t feel good at your current weight, that will only motivate you to make the changes that you need to. If you are happy and enjoying your life and your food, then maybe a couple pounds are worth the freedom and plesure that comes with them.
Christy says
Hi Kath, this is such a great topic of discussion because every woman of every size can relate. I also lost a lot of weight and then lost my period for 6 years. I have been trying to eat intuitively since I became numb to those cues from my body. Now I have regained about 30 lbs which has killed my spirit, but has renewed my ovulation (still not regular but at least it’s happening!) My husband and I want to have a baby so this has to be my priority over the weight I regained.
Sorry for the digression, and I do have a suggestion. Why don’t you try journaling for a week or two? Once the bad habit of nibbling is gone and you are back on track, then you can stop and go back to listening to your body. Journaling for a short time can help break those little bad habits and get you back on track.
Good luck Kath! You know you have all the support you need out here! 🙂
jenniejo says
Removed
Melissa P. says
Kath- I was dealing with the same issue as you and have found a solution! I decided that I was simply eating out of boardom. I was not hungry, just wanted to snack.
I decided to pick up some new hobbies. Trust me, I am EXTREMELY busy like you but I have found that I am happiest when I am multitasking (you and I are very similar in that we like to go,go,go). My grazing occured at night during “TV time”. I have taken up sewing to counteract this (my brother is expecting a new baby so sewing a x-mas stocking for it is the first project), after I finish that I plan to knit a baby blanket. If my hands are busy, I cannot and have no urge to eat! It is also relaxing and satisfying because I am doing something nice for someone else.
Since I started this two weeks ago, I have taken off the two pounds that I had gained!
Good luck!
jen says
wow, jenniejo, i hope you’re someone who knows her, making that comment an inside joke, cause that’s so not cool.
christy, i hear ya on the no ovulating. that scared the f outta me when i stopped getting my period and put me back on the eating track. i was afraid of conception problems down the line.
being said, yep, i totally weigh and measure and count…and long for the days i didn’t even think about the existance of calories and was just a skinny, nerdy gal who didn’t like sports (anti-jocks, man!) and food was a normal part of life that, like breathing, didn’t require thought. eating just happened.
Biz says
Luckily (can’t believe I am actually saying that!) but since I have to take insulin when I eat, I mentally say “is that insulin worthy?” before I pop it in my mouth. And if I am walking through Sam’s club and there are TONS of samples, I don’t feel comfortable taking a shot of insulin just to try a piece of pizza!
Hang in there – even you said it yourself that you have been conscious of the extra nibbles! Better to get than in check now before the holidays are in full swing!
KatieTX says
I think it is from the Great Harvest Bread goodies! Those would make me pack on a couple pounds. I think also maybe that you are not doing AS much bike riding. So I always suggest doing just little extra bits of exercise. So you can still nibble, and you will just burn it off! That is my 2 cents.
Melissa Goldner says
+1 to Jen #46.
Kath- I read your blog on occasion. I am an RD going back to school for my masters in couseling to work with people with Eating Disorders.
Anyways, yes, from what I have seen you eat extremely healthy 90% of the time, exercise pretty much every day. Perhaps you need to listen to your body and realize that 120# is perhaps too thin for you? I know that is hard to hear, but if it takes so much work to maintain 120#, when you can easily without much thought maintain 125#, then why fret? I always think about when I am on my death bed (morbid I know!) if I will appreciate all the time and energy I spent thinking and stressing about my weight, or will I think it was a waste of time and it could have been better spent
just relaxing, enjoying life, spending time with loved ones, etc. The important thing is to be HAPPY with yourself and love your body for what it can do for you, not if you can fit into a certain pair of pants. If that doesn’t work, try thinking its the pants that need fixing, not your body! Have a fabulous day! 🙂
Kath says
Thank you all for your insightful and useful comments! First let me say that I am definitely NOT stressing out our beating myself up – I just brought this topic up for the sake of being honest (and human) with you all. I know it’s in my power to make a decision and get back on track, so this is nothing I am stressing over. Just an observation and admission.
While I hear your points, Alicia, I don’t think I am trying to maintain an unreasonable goal. I maintained there easily for well over a year – and then I stopped counting and gradually and consistently (in fact, I can tie this to my Boston trip and the start of the semester), the extra portions and bites started adding up. I think what I am going through at the moment is very normal and hasn’t interfered with my happiness at all.
Simply Nutrition – your comment was extremely helpful. I think you wrote exactly what I am thinking, feeling and experiencing:
If you “consistently” eat for reasons other than hunger, then yes, your body will put on some weight…. but the key word here is “consistently”.
All the consistent nibbling I’ve been doing has not been because i was hungry!
AndIf their clothes are fitting them tight, then instead of stressing, it’s important to reassess what they’ve been doing over the past several months. If they think back and can say “yes, I have “consistently” snacked and had dessert every night when I’m not truly physically hungry”, then their is your answer. <---- Great advice! As Ally pointed out:You always have about the same size breakfast, lunch, dinner and that you really eat these meals out of habit. So maybe just cut back on them a little= Excellent advice! My resolution? Rather than take a photo of each small bite, I'll make a point to LIST them all here on KERF - a food journal of sorts - and that will hopefully keep me accountable for anything beyond my meals and official snacks. And yes Jenner, I have read (and own) Intuitive Eating. Perhaps I should re-read it. Along with my favorite Fit From Within<. Thanks to you all for your comments! Kath
Jennifer says
Melissa- agreed. I know I can lose 5 pounds if I cut out the amount of PB I eat, or the sweets I enjoy once on a while. But recovering from an ED, I have learned (although still struggle with the idea) that I enjoy eating WAY too much. So at 5’4″ and about 130-131, I eat what I eat and go to the gym to offset and maintain.
Santa Barbara Dreaming says
I agree with Jessica, who mentioned not to fight nibbling in your head. I find that focusing on nibbling makes me want to nibble more. Try a lollipop! This lasts a long time, and is very mentally satisfying.
I know this is a SUPER hard thing to come to terms with, because I’ve struggled with it too, but a few pounds here and there are going to happen, and in the long run, mean pretty much nothing. They will come and go. You eat so healthy and exercise a lot, so I’m sure those extra pounds will come right off!
What I find works for me, is INTERVAL training. I burn TONS more calories that way to offset the extra calories I eat by nibbling. You can try interval running next time you go for a jog. This REALLy works for me!
I’ve never counted calories, or kept a journal, and don’t eat nearly as healthy as you, but working out has thankfully kept me in decent shape.
Another thing that helps is actually INDULGING. If I have a small piece of cake or some GOOD ice cream, I don’t get the urge to nibble because I’m so satisfied. Nibbling causes more nibbling, so instead, I just go ahead and eat the thing I’m craving.
woah…. that was long. Good luck Kath, keep on doin what you’re doing!
Megan says
Thank you for this post. I often read your blog and feel a little jealous of your eating habits. I always envy those people that can eat a few extra bites here and there and not have it effect them. I now see that I am wrong and it effects not only me but everyone. This post really puts things in perspective and makes me realize it is not then end of the world and that others out there are in the same boat I am in.
I have complete faith that you can get back to where you once were and it is not the end of the world. The key thing is you are catching it before it balloons into something else. I agree too that it is hard to go back to food journaling. Once you stop it is so hard to go back. It is time consuming and it feels like you are being deprived. At any rate, I am sure you will find something that works for you and get back to a healthy, stable weight.
Thank you to the blogging community also. You have made me realize I am not the only one out there that is suffering from gaining from the extra nibbles here and there.
Kath says
Sorry for the formatting – don’t have time to find the problem!
Christin S says
Hey Kath! I know I am chiming in late on this discussion, but I recently struggled with the tight pants issue too! My strategy is (because I really don’t have time to keep a steady food journal) every time I am about to reach for a snack, I grab a water (or better yet, a seltzer water) instead, and then if I am still hungry after that then I’ll grab something, but usually I am full after that!
I personally find that when it gets colder, I stop drinking as much fluids, but without realizing it, so my body starts to look for ways to fill up, and if I keep my fluids up I am less prone to snack. Maybe this will work for you, maybe not, but thought i’d share.
Hope you have a great day! 🙂
Jess says
I’m jealous of you guys! I have a sever digestive disorder and I am in the middle of my PhD and STRESSSSSSED (makes it worse)!!! I can hardly eat anything even w/ all my meds right now! Just be thankful you have healthy working bodies that are responding to your nourishment!! Love your bodies!
Just want to give ya’ll a little perspective 😀 (As I pop my Pepto Bismol….:-P)
Christin S says
SB Dreaming;
Just read your reply post from yesterday…hooray for Santa Barbarians! 🙂 I visit TJ’s about once a week so I’ll keep an eye on those pom seeds for ya, and post if I see some good ones…too bad the WF on State was just a rumor 🙁
Have a great day!
Ellen says
i have found that my weight sometimes naturally swings up and my body holds onto it, even if i only overeat one day. i don’t usually let that bother me, but when the extra pound sticks around, it starts to add up. i find the best way to kick start my metabolism without really eating less is to mix up my work outs. i really think that working out 3-4 times a week at a higher intensity, and then taking rest days, is the best way to keep my weight in check. i am a student also, and quite busy, so i don’t try to stress over getting to the gym everyday and instead really make it count and push myself when i am there.
ps- the cover of november vogue with reese witherspoon reminds me of you! :]
Ellen says
Andrea says
I’m not much of a snacker, so this is easy for me to say. Why don’t you just not nibble? Just cut it out completely. I admire how you eat because you make every meal count – nice presentation, nice setting, etc., etc. It’s all very thought out, but nibbling is basically just shoving food in your mouth for no reason. If you think nibbling is the cause of the extra pound or two, it seems like common sense (not intuition) to just cut it out and see if that’s really it!
halie says
You’ve got such a great attitude! It’s so much better to be honest with yourself than to think “They probably just shrunk in the wash!” or something. You are still a great role model and an inspiration!
Cat says
Wow everyone gave such great comments! I think it would definitely be helpful to just go back and read your old posts to keep you aware of what your daily eating schedule really looks like. I know this was sorta mentioned before, but just reiterating…
haya says
the more i think about snacking, the more i snack!
my best bet is to not bring a lot of snacky things with me to work. if they aren’t there, i can’t eat them. home is a different story though!
CourtneyS says
Kath, you’ve already gotten some great advice so my two suggestions are pretty basic. I agree with Andrea’s idea about cutting out the nibbles. I’m not much of a snacker, either, and I find that I enjoy my meals so much more when I’m pretty hungry when I sit down to eat. You could make a deal with yourself – if I’m going to eat it, I will put it on a plate and sit down at the table! I used to nibble a lot while cooking, but then I realized all those tastes were ruining the meal I’d worked hard to make. Unless I’m starving, I avoid snacking because it screws up my hunger cues.
The second idea is to log a couple of meals on Calorie King, just to check in. I stopped using CK awhile ago, but every once in awhile I log in a meal or two, just to gauge the calories. Then I delete the meal and forget about it!
One thing that I’ve worked on is defining the kind of eater I am. If you tell yourself that I am THIS kind of eater, it’s easier to stay on track. I cook a lot, so I’m the kind of eater who has three meals a day, with dinner being the highlight – always with a glass of wine! It sure sounds good so it encourages me to continue to eat that way. As adults, we know what we like and what makes our bodies feel best.
Talia says
I definatly agree with halie, because too many people lie to themselves that its the clothes that shrink and the problems get bigger and harder to tackle… Is there a way you can precut veggies to snack on instead of candy? Can the husband keeps the candy out of your sight, or not even tell you where it is, so it isnt an option?
Joanne says
A truly great morning alarm is the kind where the light gradually gets brighter. Mine is an older one so there is no radio option just a gentle beep, beep. But typically the soft light wakes you up before the beeping starts. With the holidays coming, … eh hum… Christmas present idea for you?
Brittney says
Thanks for taking the time to discuss your insight on the little weight gain you’ve experienced recently. It’s nice to see the tips people have offered. I was able to lose about 10-15 pounds over the summer by eating healthier and am looking to lose about 15-20 more. I’m finding, though, that I am slowly turning back to the unhealthy foods that I used to eat on a regular basis. I’m glad that you addressed this because it’s now given me inspiration to say no to these foods. It’s hard because I moved back home to go to grad school and there are always goodies in the house, but I’m optimistic that I will get back on track
Good luck to you 🙂
rhodeygirl says
Kath-
thank you so much for posting about this and having everyone weigh in. i loved reading everyone’s advice and will try to implement some of these ideas in my own life.
I was complaining to my fiance last night that my new pants were a little tight in my thighs and his advice to me? Don’t eat anything between your planned meals. No nibbles here and there bc that is what seems to make the difference. So I am trying to just eat my planned breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks IF I am hungry and to leave it at that.
CathyH says
hey Kath,
maybe nibbling isn’t your problem, maybe you haven’t even gained fat? Could be just water fluff! it’s pretty normal for weight to fluctuate; maybe your sodium intake is higher than you realize? That could make you feel bigger than you actually are!
I noticed on your FAQ that you said you maintain on 1700-1800kCal a day average; do you really? I don’t mean to sound harsh, but just eyeballing your meals and snacks I would say they add up to far more than 1800 kCal a day! Maybe more like 2200kCal. Then your weekends and other events probably bring that average even higher.
I wonder if you ever used a food scale at all? once I started using one my eyes were WIDE open to what serving sizes are! Goodness, I found I was eating 500-800kCal more a day than I had THOUGHT. That wasn’t even including my weekends or holidays!
i noticed also that you get a lot of your calories from wine and other alcoholic beverages. That too makes me wonder if you’re really maintaining on just 1800kCal? Wine sure adds up fast! especially when you’re just estimating the serving size.
try out HIIT and more weight lifting. 1700-1800kCal seems low for someone so active!
Good luck to you and don’t let one pair of pants drive you nutso!!
Cathy H.
Tamar Erlich says
Hi Kath,
First of all, let me say that you are a great inspiration for me to keep healthy eating habits. I have been following your blog for a while and have gotten great ideas from it. I have also noticed lately that your snacks and nibbles have been gradually increasing and have wondered when will you catch on, I’m glad you did!
Having lost 115lb. myself (from 222lb.) and having kept it off for about three years now, I find that I have to keep a constant tight watch over my calorie intake and food journal constantly. I do allow myself eating more on weekends when we usually eat out but then I compensate by having a lower calorie day next. I have found some low calorie “meal volumizers” that allow me to feel fuller:
1. Kelp noodles are a great crunchy chewy addition to my morning oatmeal bowl, they have no flavor but cut to small pieces they add crunch, volume and chew and allow me to skip adding lots of nuts or granola (I mix them in after cooking).
2. Shirataki noodles allow me to extend my pasta meals since I mix them half and half with my regular noodles. I cannot stand the tofu shirataki that are too slippery to my taste but plain shirataki from the asian store are much firmer and chewier (my favorite texture). They come in all pasta shapes and sizes and can be ordered online (www.konjacfoods.com).
3. I extend my cereal bowl by mixing kashi whole grain puff cereal with a more nutrient dense cereal or granola and that gives me more volume.
4. When I want to have a nut or seed butter, I find lower calorie “bases” to spread them on like apple or jicama slices or low calorie crispbreads like kavli, ak-mak or ryvita.
If I just have the munchies without really being hungry,I try to distract myself by finding something to do, I will have a large cup of tea (mainly herbal and I vary the flavors for interest). I will chew gum especially late at night or go brush my teeth. I do allow myself one carby snack a day after dinner but I keep a tight check on portion and calorie. I keep a lot of my carby snacks in the freezer so I can enjoy them in moderation before they go bad.
And the most important thing, I never stop exercising!
I know you will continue your healthy lifestyle and you will be able to lose those extra pounds. It really is a life long journey.
Keep being an inspiration to us all,
Tamar.
Kath says
CathyH + Tamar,
You noticed but didn’t say anything!?!
Thanks for more tips!
Kath
Katerina says
Good for you for noticing and trying to make a corrective change.
I also think this should be a point for course correction and not stress. A few minor changes (watching your snacking, and avoiding having a certain portion cause it seems right) and you will be back to your ideal I am sure.
I am currently still on a downward trend and have been looking forward to maintenance for a few months now, but maintenance is work too!
Eliza says
Kath,
Hah. Umm, ignore anyone that says you are trying to be skinnier than your body wants you to be. I’ve always thought that argument was rather weak (and made by jealous? people).
Aside from extreeeemely low body fat, being more slim is healthier/makes it easier to exercise/gives you more energy. At least that’s my take on it.
Cassidy says
I sorta went thru a similar thing. I was trying to gain weight but healthfully. Once I achieved that goal. I didnt stop. Plus I was at my mom’s with lots of sweets. I did a similar thing in October. I used halloween as an excuse to eat junk the whole month.
It may be from studying. Thats when I nibble. I chew gum or drink water or keep my hands busy some way.
sarah says
hey chica! i too think your honest and non-stressed-out attitude is great. i want to reiterate what some have said about about how a restrictive mindset (ie, X, Y, or Z food is ‘bad’) can actually be your enemy in this situation. knowing that you always CAN eat a dessert if you really want it can be helpful in avoiding little random bites which do add up and in some ways are probably less satisfying.
i also think it might help to get an objective number, too — ie checking the scale. this is definitely controversial, but i think in some ways it adds a finite, objective element and takes away some of the panic to realize it’s only a few pounds (or, you never know — maybe the pants DID shrink!).
Tamar Erlich says
Hi Kath,
I usually don’t post much because I am a slow typer, that is why I did not say anything. I somehow thought you are sure to have it under control since you excercise so much and are a nutrition student but I guess we all have a continued struggle with our weight and our healthy habits. The most important thing is that YOU caught on and are doing something about it.
Thank you for your blog, Tamar.
Rebecca says
So bizarre–this realization happened for me today as well. I ran a marathon 2 weeks ago, and since then I’ve been gradually chipping away at my usually vigilant approach to maintenance. I’ve found myself eating because I “should be allowed to” or “deserve it,” rather than because I’m hungry. And the more I thought about what I really should be doing, the more I engaged in self-sabotage. It is such a weird frame of mind.
Until today, I’ve refused to make my gain a reality by weighing myself. Finally, I realized that if it didn’t become “real,” I would have no concrete incentive to reevaluate and revamp my efforts. So, I did it–up 6 pounds.
I agree with all of the suggestions (although I swear that when I’m hungry, no amount of water does a damn thing). And just to pick up on something a few others said–one thing I’m going to do is cut back in places where I probably won’t miss the calories. For example, your oatmeal breakfast. There are elements of it that are pure indulgence, and could probably be scaled back. I have been eating a bowl of oatmeal with yogurt and fruit mixed in. Will I really notice if it’s half a cup of yogurt? Probably not, so I’m going to make that cut for a while. This is not to say that I’m not aware of where these 6 pounds came from. It’s not from an extra half cup of yogurt a day–it’s from chocolate cake, total abandon at buffets, snacking when my husband does, etc, etc. But part of getting back on track will include being more mindful, and for me that means trimming extras where I know they’re not needed.
Long and rambling, but I’m still recovering from my sleepless night celebrating our country’s choice of president.
Good luck. I’m in it with you!
Christine says
I don’t journal anymore and have maintained a 30+ weight loss for over 8 years. I actually keep a running tally of Weight Watchers points in my head. Since the numbers are small, I can count them easily in my head. I stay at 21 or under during the week and Saturdays I allow myself some extra points to enjoy a meal. I know how many points my yogurt, oatmeal, tablespoon of PB, etc are, which allows me to keep a quick tally so I know whether a nibble here and here will impact my daily total. It’s also a big motivation for exercise since it affords me extra points for those snacks.
Deb says
Hi Kath, long time no read! I have been away from the blogging world and funny enough have had my own struggles with too much nibbling and a 5 pound weight gain. Is there something in the air or the stars?
Anyway, knowing what I know about you, this is temporary. You are strong and you will get a handle on it. I personally do not think that your meals are large, so if you decide to par them back I’ll be curious to see if you are satisfied- hope so.
I do think that stress and anxiety make us behave in ways we ordinarily would not- and studying is stressful AND boring…good recipe for nibbling. Not to mention that the holidays are approaching, with ALL that entails.
Also, whether you are or are not trying to achieve a weight that is lower than your body wants is neither here nor there. I know that I am trying to weigh about 30-40 pounds less than my body would weigh if left to its own devious ways. So the fact is that you are happy at 120, and that will not change. And you will undoubtedly do what needs to be done to get there- good luck and hang in there sister!
HangryPants says
Kath, I will try to give you my advice because you always give everyone your advice. For me, breaking the habit of a handful of crackers, a little more pasta, an extra bit of cereal is the worst part, but IT IS A HABIT. I think if you just give yourself a mental push of the restart button, you’ll get back on track.
Ok, question for you. I accidentally put my ground flax in the cupboard and not in the fridge because I am spacey at times. I did this Tuesday and found it today. I have to throw it out, don’t I?
heather
Dinah Soar says
Just off hand, the thing I’ve noticed that has changed for you is #1–the bread husband brings home #2–the amount of alcohol you’ve been consuming….liquid calories. Also, husband has a job change with a new sleeping schedule–perhaps you’re not getting as much sleep?–which can lead to weight gain. Hope this helps…sometimes it’s easier for someone outside looking in to see what the culprit might be.
Kath says
HangryPants ,
No worries! Flax doesn’t have to be refrigerated- it just delays the oxidation over a long period of time.
kath
Jana says
Given the amount of exercise you get per week, you shouldn’t worry too much about a nibble here and there. It doesn’t ever seem like you are eating proportionally too much or anything “unhealthy” on a regular basis.
Still… I would react the same way. And have.
I gained almost 20 lbs within the last year, and just last week I had a routine check-up and the blood test showed that my thyroid is all out of whack, causing my metabolism to slow down. They put me a on a higher dosage of my medication and now I’m not longer tired and grumpy either. Go me! Haha.
This just on the side… it’s always worth considering … I just kinda felt the urge so share with anyone out there who might have that problem:-)
Kelsey says
Hi, I just stumbled upon your site. I like it a lot.
Your idea of waking up with a radio alarm, especially NPR, is a great one that for some reason I hadn’t considered before. I hate getting up in the morning and frequently snooze for over an hour. I think I will look forward to mornings a little more and wake up better with Chicago Public Radio on my alarm clock now! 🙂
-Kelsey
PS. I’m taking organic chemistry too, and it is definitely not easy! Solidarity, sister.
Chelsie says
Hey Kath! I love your attitude and honesty about your pants situation. I am having the same situation myself. I have a similar body (5’1, 111 lbs but much less muscular so I’m curvier than you!). Anyway, I gained literally only 5 or 6 lbs at most gradually over the past couple years (got married, took a desk job) and even though it’s not much weight, I fret about it a lot because it really shows on my small frame. At least you know what works for you! I started a gym habit and after a year my weight is exactly the same, which is really frustrating. Also, I’m visiting Thailand right now with my husband (he’s from there) and it’s a country of skinny people that eat fattening foods, and constantly! Not to mention that here, it’s a kind of greeting to comment on people’s weight, so I keep hearing “You’re fatter than last time I saw you!” Can you imagine?? And then they force you to eat more! 🙂 I would just say to go back to what worked for you before. At least you know what works, and remember that you have a supportive environment, family and friends – trust me, that’s a blessing!
Oops, sorry that turned out so long. 😛
Have a great day and good luck!!