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Attack of the Nibble Monster

Attack of the Nibble Monster

Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

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20 Comments

  1. Emily

    Boo, nibbles! It can be tough, I know. One trick that works for me when I’ve got the nibbles is to suck on a hard candy (while making dinner or cleaning up, or whatever). There’s something in my mouth so I’m not tempted to snack, and I can usually make a hard candy last until I’m done with the food. It’s good because it is low cal (like, 20 calories?) and also helps break the “let me put that in my mouth without thinking!” urge.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I often use chewing gum at work to prevent me from snacking on the candy. That is a good tip.

  2. Marie Walsh

    I’ve had similar issues lately. I’ve always had a problem with grazing and snacking, but lately I’ve been doing it without abandon. I need to find a solution, but I think posting pictures is a great idea!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I might have to do that! Maybe it will work.

  3. Katherine: Unemployed

    I think the snack monster lives in my stomach and brings my fingers to the popcorn bowl and chip bag way too much! I wish I knew how to halt it

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Yeah me too…and it’s always things that are “munchie” like crackers, chips, candy. UGH!

  4. jane Cartelli

    Nibbles are so hard. If I cannot remove myself from the food area I try a piece of gum. I am not going to eat ham if I have spearmint gum in my mouth. I call someone for support – keeping my mouth busy means I cannot stuff it with food while talking. I leave the kitchen until the urge passes. The cleaning and dishes can wait because my commitment to keeping the pounds off has to come first.

    If we keep going back to the food – be it a nibble or a binge, we are giving power over us to that food. We might as well get on our knees and pray to the refrigerator.

    You have come so far – just take a few more steps away from the food and give yourself a chance to bring your mind and your willingness back together again.

    Jane~
    Keepingthepoundsoff.com

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Thank you for the perspective Jane. It sounds like you have a healthy relationship with food. You are right–I could have walked away from the kitchen until the urge passed, or gone and brushed my teeth before I made lunch so I wouldn’t snack. Better choices all together.

  5. Becky

    Where did you get the Goddess dressing? It looks delicious and very versatile!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I use the Trader Joe’s version! Cheaper and tastier than Annie’s in my opinion.

  6. Meredith Piatt

    As spring approaches, even though the weather (in general) might not reflect it – the foliage around us certainly does. For those in tune with the seasons (you are one of those, ya know?) – I have heard “famished” from countless mouths in the last two weeks. Seems we all get super hungry around this time. I am unsure I have any solutions to offer – but I’ve watched your struggle and I feel quite confident you will find a way to incorporate eating less, eating only healthy munchies or working out more. ๐Ÿ™‚ Good luck and strength to you!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Mer, that makes a lot of sense. I never thought that the change of seasons could be the result. I’ve had hunger all week long that isn’t satisfied with the norm.

      Today so far I am doing much better about the snacking. I ate a good, filling breakfast and haven’t had the urge to munch.

      Hope you are doing well!

  7. Leah @ L4L

    Maybe the fact that you aren’t motivated and your workout was lackluster AND the grazing go hand in hand? Maybe it is hormones, maybe you haven’t been eating enough, maybe you haven’t been getting good enough sleep. Sounds like your body is trying to tell you something. I say listen. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Sleeping has been okay lately. Could be hormones. Could be that I need to mix up my workouts. Could be that being really sore most of the week made me unmotivated to do much of anything…

  8. Michelle

    If I knew how to stop the nibble monster…*I* would be 110 pound lighter! I have the grazing, snacking, nibbles happening every single night after I put my daughter to bed. I’m a single mom so there’s nobody else in the house to keep me entertained and/or on the straight path. I know that I should find things to do but honestly, it’s 9pm before I have a chance to sit down … my brain and body are tired!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I bet, Michelle! After a long day at work, immediately followed by the gym and cooking dinner sometimes I just feel fried.

  9. Lori

    I find there are 2 times per month that I get really snacky. Probably TMI here, but oh well. When I ovulate, so about 2 weeks before my period and the day right before my period starts. Voracious nibbles on those days.

    I find that keeping a pack of Altoids around really helps cut down the snacking. I will pop one while fixing dinner or in the evening if I have already had my snack and want more.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Not TMI…good observation. My munchies are usually right before my period but often when I ovulate too. I should check that. Most things end up being hormonal for me anyways.

      I like the Altoid idea.

  10. Carbzilla

    It must be an epidemic. I’ve been FAMISHED this week. I ate out twice last week, and was up 1.2 at WW, the biggest gain I’ve had since I started in Jan, and I’m really certain that even with all my nibbling I didn’t go over my maximum points. But I just know there was food here and there that I under-tracked. My strategy is to add way more water and veggies to stay full in between eating well.

    The Opposite Arm/Leg Supermans are working your back, shoulder, and butt muscles. A trainer can correct me if I’m wrong but that’s my educated guess. The Opp Arm leg Extension also works your core. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a great weekend!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      It must be an epidemic! Or the weather maybe. I’m sorry you had a gain this week but it was small and you’re doing the right things to correct it.

      Too bad you guys aren’t coming to Portland this weekend. It’s sunny and gorgeous!

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