How do you handle your food craving?

[SimSim]

So I was standing in front of the mirror this morning - I've decided to call today to ask my doctor about that fill.

But you see - I love food. I'm a born cook - but I also depend on food too much in celebration, upset and more.

So I was trying to get my game face on - and a quesiton struck that I wanted to ask everyone who might respond:

What is your mental process when handling your craving with foods?

Do you conquer it and feel proud because a battle is won?

Do you keep it out of your house?

Mind over matter?

What motivates you not to take another bite? Do you get a lot of personal satisfaction from that?

I got a cup of coffee this morning - and I realized, I'm not even supposed to be drinking this! If you were a coffee addict in the past - how did you break it?

Thanks for all the replies.

- Simone

(Will post my stats and fill dates as soon as I head BACK to the doctor!)

[yoyodieter]

I was told coffee was fine, I drink it black so no calories, as far as food cravings, I just don't keep bad things in the house, I have never had a sweet tooth so I am lucky there. I tend to want to eat chips and nuts and not a few but a lot, so I just don't buy them, the one thing that I do have and seem to eat to much of is cheese. I LOVE CHEESE! So I still treat myself once in awhile. That is probably the worst food I eat.

The band makes me stop from over eating, I am so thankful for the band.

Now if I cound just give up my wine

[ZipTied]

I too am lucky not to have a sweet tooth. I am a bread, pasta & potato person.

I deal better with something being in the house knowing I can have it if I have to, but being so proud of myself for not having it. Also I think of the money I spent to have this done!

I keep a skinny picture of myself on my horse on the frig as a reminder why I am doing this.

He thinks he is in retirement but I got news for him, LOL.

Its hard because I eat when I am depressed. Gained all this weight after the sudden death of my husband (12 yrs ago). So if any little thing goes wrong that is the first thing I think to do is eat.

I was only banded a month ago today an am doing really well. I have slipped a few times but got right back on tack the next meal. Had a few bits of what I wanted and that was enough, I was happy. But if I had had not been "zip tied" I would have ate the whole thing. So it is working, I can't possibly eat enough of the kind of foods I like to do much harm.

Kathy

[nicolek]

Hi

My worst time of day is in the evening. I usually go for a walk or read in the bath, anything to get out of the kitchen.

[Smiley]

Celebrations are wonderful, but it could be time to find other ways to celebrate. Pamper youself with things like manicures and pedicures or buy a special outfit as a way to celebrate instead of turning to food. If food is going to be a part of the celebration that you cannot help, get that manicure and look at your pretty nails as a reminder to keep your hands off the food, or buy a new top and remember to make good food choices so that you can wear that new top many times over.

I keep the bad stuff out of the house. My cravings are typcially crackers of some kind, but after 4 saltines I am satisfied. Sometimes I smear peanut butter on them as a snack. If I do ever crave something sweet like ice cream I will wait at least a week before giving in and if/when I give in I will get an ice cream cone from McDonald's as those are about the best you can find health wise. It is okay to have something like this on occassion, but you have to compensate for it and then get right back on track. The goal I have for myself is to eat a normal diet which allows me a treat on occasion.

As for not taking another bite, restriction is key here, which it sounds like you are addressing that issue by getting another fill. The other thing is that I have put a bunch of money into this band and by golly I don't want to do anything to defeat its purpose and potentially stretch out my pouch. I am more fearful of stretching my pouch than slipping my band.