About Gastric Girl

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Tomball, TX, United States
My name is Laurie. I'm 34 and I live in a suburb of Houston, TX. My life isn't super exciting or ultra dramatic, but I love it! My blogs are just a peek into my life as I know it. I'm quite random and have an opinion on everything, but I love everyone's aspect on things, even if I disagree. The world would be quite boring if not! :-)

8/12/2010

Thursday 13: Alternatives to Snacking (Plus Giveaway)

Happy Thursday everyone!   If you have a moment, please visit my previous post and enter my giveaway! It's for a set of kettlebells (basically handweights with handles!).. They're a great tool to work out with!  I've been doing Weight Watchers for a little over two weeks now (down 2 lbs!) and I'm becoming more conscious of my snacking/eating.   Below is a list of some of the things I do to avoid snacking!  
  1. Blog - I read blogs and write blogs as a form of motivation and inspiration.   I read others to get inspiration, and I write my own to motivate myself.  The written word is powerful... it's proof that you actually had those thoughts at one point in time, and it's great to look back and see how you were doing when times were easy, tough, etc.
  2. Clean - Since I'm working on "cleansing" my body of these last few pounds, I have been working on clearing my house of some clutter as well.   It's a great feeling.
  3. Work on those Pearly Whites - Have you ever snacked while you have bleaching trays on?  If so, you're quite talented... and strange! LOL   I have 2 weeks worth of teeth whitening in the evening..  I just put them on a little earlier than I'm supposed to so I can prevent myself from snacking! 
  4. Exercise - If you're not really hungry and are just in the mood to snack, turn that energy into something positive.. Walk around the block, do some sit-ups, get out the kettle bells, etc!  If you're still feeling the need to snack afterwards, treat yourself to a small snack.
  5. Give yourself a mani/pedi - The more things you do to beautify yourself, the more you'll think twice about grabbing that cookie!
  6. Turn off the TV - do you get the munchies when you're watching the TV? Turn it off!
  7. Take a bath - It's another way to relax from a long day, and it doesn't add calories!
  8. Do some Laundry! - Yeah, yeah, not fun.. but there is never a lack of it, and you can save yourself some time later on to do something more fun!
  9. Create/Change your workout play list - I don't know about you, but my workouts get dull when my music has been the same for too long.  Change it up and get moving!
  10. Read a book or magazine - a little distraction can go a long way.  
  11. Go to bed!   If you've had a long, stressful day and want to eat everything in your home, why don't you just call it a night early?   You'll feel better and more refreshed in the AM.
  12. Write a list - Yes, chronic list writer here...  Make a list of awards you will get for reaching your goal, a To Do List, or any other kind of list you can dream up! 
  13. Play a Game - Whether you're into those Facebook games, want to shoot and kill something in a video game, or just like something like Pac-Man or Frogger (yes, I'm a child of the 80s), keeping your hands busy will keep them from transporting food to your mouth!
There you have it... What are some of the things you do to distract yourself from eating?

Join us in the fun!

13 comments:

Pamela said...

Great list, Laurie! Anything that keeps your hands busy keeps food out of them. Knit, crochet, cross stitch, and digital scrapbooking (including sorting your digital photos) are a few I have tried.

Jennifer said...

I like the list, Laurie. Are you also blogging on the WW site? I'll search you out and follow you there as well. Thanks for the post!

Rachel said...

Great list! I'm actually getting a mani/pedi tonight in honor of my vacation tomorrow!! :)

I noticed that looking through scrapbooks or old photo albums keeps me from snacking (I don't want to get food on them!!)

Have a great day!

:)
Rachel

Unknown said...

I will add- get crafty! I can not snack and make jewelry at the same time. I've tried...it didnt go too well! lol :) Great list with lots of good tips! Thanks :)

Janet said...

those are some great ideas, thanks!

Anonymous said...

Good ideas, Laurie!

Forgetfulone said...

I do all these things, and I don't snack a lot, but I'm not active enough. I'd like to drop some weight. I like to scrapbook, also, and tend not to snack while I'm doing that. I should do it more often! Your weight loss is amazing. Congratulations!

Emma said...

Great list! I'll add drink something! I forget the figures but I heard that a high percentage of the times when we think we're hungry we're actually dehydrated.

jillconyers said...

Great suggestions. A few of my most often used alternatives are teeth whitening, run, and read.

Lil Ms Snarky said...

definitely good ideas!!!!

Heather said...

I love your lists (and your posts). You offer such great suggestions!

Laura said...

Loved the tip : "go to bed early" ... its my #1!! If I am tried and exhausted from work I make sure I eat a good dinner with lots of lean protiens and head to bed shortly there after. That way I know I ate well and am not trying to "eat for energy" when that may not be the true problem...

Yay for being down 2lbs! keep up the good work!

Laura @ http://skinnypantsdreams.blogspot.com/ (formerly win lose or blog)

Unknown said...

good one again