topic Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it -- in Wellness

Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 11:06:11 GMT

I seem to be having a problem with eating -- at work!! I have been having a hard time controlling myself and want to snack, graze or whatever you want to call it constantly or all day long! I have been trying to figure out what my problem is and why I have been doing it lately. I really believe it is because of anxiety and nerves.

As many of you know who have read other posts I have written, I have an ongoing ankle problem and am unable to exercise. I used to walk nearly every day at the mall on my lunch hour and this greatly helped me with my anxiety issues. Now that I can no longer do it, I feel I am having a problem with dealing with my nerves and anxiety. So, I have turned to snacking.

What I am asking is, are there any very lo-cal things which I could throughout the day just snack on that would not cause me to gain a bunch of weight?

I cannot eat chocoloate of any kind as it gives me migraines. I find that if I don't bring things with me that are not as fattening that I will attack anything that is in our lunchroom and there are always things in there that I shouldn't be eating. Cookies, candy, chips, etc.

I would appreciate your suggestions and help.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

millieshops — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 11:21:44 GMT

I do best even at home if I have raw veggies clean and cut and ready for snacking. Baby carrots are one of my first choices because they satisfy for sweetness and crunch, but I also add raw cauliflower and celery sticks or pea pods so that I don't overdose on the carrots. When I was working, I almost always took a baggie of something so that I didn't automatically puck up the bagels or cookies or cakes we usually had lying in wait.

Sorry about that ankle - pain and no exercise are not at all fun.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

lolakimono — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:03:19 GMT

@AngelPuppy1

How much water are you drinking a day?

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

CAMOGIRL — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:03:57 GMT

I turn to apples. I am surprised I am not an apple for as many I eat. There are so many varieties to choose from so I went through and picked out my favorite varieties - they are crunchy and sweet - so I guess they satisfy me.

Also - crackers. The PF fishies -the plain ones are my favorite. And, probably the least amount of salt of their varieties. I pour mine into a juice glass for portion control - if not, I will literally eat half the bag! And, Ritz crackers - they make them in the small rolls now for kids lunches, etc. - perfect snack size, I think there's like 12 in the roll.

Salt if if nothing else is where I really watch it. I can retain water at a drop of a hat. I seriously think salt is evil, for me anyhow. The less I have, the better.

Oh, and I am a major M&M lover too - so, those get poured into a juice glass too - because there is seriously no stopping me with those things... I could not survive without my chocolate. Well, yes I could - but, why..,😀.

I do hope any of things could work for you too.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

GSPgirl — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:18:20 GMT

You know what helps me? First of all I made a rule for myself 30 years ago that I wouldn't eat anything in the lunchroom unless I brought it from home. Secondly are you counting points or calories? I find if you do this, you will keep yourself honest and see exactly what you are putting into your body. Are you depressed that you can't exercise? I saw this with my husband. When he was injured he snacked. Also, there are other exercises you can do besides walking. What about a good stretch class or yoga? You don't have to do everything in the class, but it might make you feel better just going to one. I also notice that when I count points I can still treat myself to a piece of chocolate during the day. So when I see my coworkers grazing, I know that my treat is waiting for me at my desk.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

luvdoodles — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:39:30 GMT

What about packing a small bag of nuts from home, as long as you don't have any peanut allergies. Yogurt, cottage cheese and some wheat or whole grain crackers. Just a few additional ideas. You could probably do some upper body exercises without it bothering your ankle.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

qualitygal — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:03:11 GMT

For me, 1 oz. of nuts. Celery cut up but so that I can use a dip of the cow cheese or cheeses. Even a smidge of pnt btr. Cut up green peppers and cucumbers, or things on that line. Take peeled oranges in a zip lock or even a little lock and lock, apple slices, berries that sort of thing. Nuts are protein and should help to stick with you longer. HTH.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

Debzzz — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:27:16 GMT

My go to snack is macadamia nuts. They're healthy, low carb, tasty and very filling.

You can get 10% of your daily fiber from 10-12 nuts. They are high in calories so don't over do but they are so filling you probably won't.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

MomCat — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:08:51 GMT

When I first saw the post title I thought this was a positive post. This is what I call the way I eat. Mostly. Do your research and pick out your favorite foods that are high in fiber and protein. I can't tell you exactly what to eat, because I don't know what you like. For me, I eat one actual meal a day, mostly at lunch. All my other eating are snack sizes. I don't recommend this, but I could live off of fruit/vegetable smoothies, protein drinks, and protein bars. It is easy to get carried away with eating too much if you don't keep junk food out of the mix. That sugar causes cravings, and there is enough sugar in healthy prepared foods already without adding more. What stops me in my tracks when I feel like I'm eating too much is eggs. A boiled egg will stop me from snacking for hours. Good luck.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:29:13 GMT

@lolakimono wrote:
@AngelPuppy1
How much water are you drinking a day?

Yes, I would bring a water bottle to work every day and see if that helps you replace some of the snack grabs with a water grab.

If you are snacking for something to do and not out of hunger, try gum.

I've been bringing baby carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies to work. Almonds are also good.

These 1-cup Lock & Lock containers are great to fill with veggies to snack on:

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

tobes — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 18:23:26 GMT

I agree with all the responders as far as going for healthy treats. I also suggest that you get a blood test to show your glucose levele. Somethimes low or high blood sugar an cause you to want to eat. Also, problems with your foot can be the cause of diabetes.Good luck.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

on the bay — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 19:30:07 GMT

Hi AngelPuppy

This might not sound great but I wash and cut in half iceberg lettuce and just cut off a chunk and crunch! Lettuce is also supposed to be a calming food. Also slices of cucmbers with the skin still on-very crunchy. And roasted almonds-so crunchy and they give you energy and good for a lot of things!

Hope that helps

Oh and also to have them cold and ready and the other things out of sight.

And a trick my grandmother used to do is just to imagine you are eating something, like your favorite candy bar. You know what it tasted like so you don't have to eat it cause you just imagined eating it lol! WEll, sometimes that works..and sometimes it just doesn't!

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

beckyb1012 — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 20:25:26 GMT

I keep a container of mini carrot sticks, a jar of pickle slices, and a container of salsa for dipping in my fridge at work. For something sweet if needed I bring only a certain amount for each week of Chex Sweet n Salty mix. Some days I have it and some I do not.

I still have days where even though the above is all that is in my office I have the knowledge that there are vending machines 10 floors down from in this building calling my name.

I just try to get busy and usually the urge passes.

I also just hate not being hungry at dinner time when the options are so much better than my office.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

ECBG — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 21:57:02 GMT

Although it's mot "healthy snacking", you could keep peppermint. That'll change your need to eat quickly!

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

on the bay — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 21:59:59 GMT

@ECBG wrote:
Although it's mot "healthy snacking", you could keep peppermint. That'll change your need to eat quickly!

You're right! I've noticed that with York Peppermint Pattys

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

HappyDaze — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:02:50 GMT

You might want to see about joining a gym as many gyms have arm only exercise bikes. They even make desktop home versions of them if you don't want to go to a gym. THere are also DVDs with sitting cardio- basically you sit in a chair and they talk you through exercises. All of these things don't require you to use your ankle that way you can get your exercise in to help with anxiety and stay healthy. These days, there are so many exercise options for everyone- no healthy ankle needed!

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:45:08 GMT

@millieshops

I should do that - bag up some carrots and things! Thank you!!!

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:45:49 GMT

@lolakimono

I have been trying to drink more water. I probably drink maybe 3 or 4 glasses during the day.

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:46:55 GMT

@CAMOGIRL

My weakness is sweet. I am not much for salt, which is a good thing, which I, too, bloat up easily! I can't eat chocloate, unfortunately! Thanks for your tips!

Re: Grazing or snacking -- whatever you want to call it --

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:50:34 GMT

@GSPgirl

I wouldn't go in lunchroom but I do like to get coffee, water and tea. And I do like to socialize for a few minutes here or there. it helps to get away from the desk for a few minues. I am depressed because I cannot walk. Walking has always been my thing. Back when I was young I did a lot stuff --- aerobics, yoga, fitness classes, weights, etc. I have a lot of other health issues and have a hard time doing lots of things. Back, shoulder, neck, etc. So, it's hard. I no longer have any desire to take classes or belong to a gym.

Thanks so much for your post.