The "IT Monster"

I get like that. It's so annoying wonderign round the kitchen opening cupboards, the fridge and freezer over and over trying to find what it it.

I have learnt now that if i'm not 100% what i'm staring at is IT then keep looking, don't eat it.

Definitely been there! My worst habit is "grazing" like this when I get home from work or right before bed. I still struggle with it almost every day. I try to just limit myself to healthy snacks that I've already logged in MFP - a string cheese, an apple, maybe an occasional piece of chocolate. I'd love to hear other's suggestions for ways to beat this!

The IT MONSTER got me good yesterday. Sisters brought baked goods & after that IT was all over me... I am beginning to think the IT MONSTER is insulin spikes...If I stay away from the high carb stuff I seem to be ok.

I've heard cheese helps curb cravings so I try a string cheese and when that doesn't work I stick some minty gum in my mouth and chug water hoping the feeling will go away and the try to distract myself either by playing games with the kiddos or taking a walk or something like that, it doesn't always help and I sometimes I give in but knowing I have to add those calories into MFP (and the weight that comes along with it) usually helps me keep IT away from my mouth... I'm curious to see what others suggest too! This is definately something I struggle with every day!

Oh honey, I'm an IT Monster expert. Here are my suggestions:

-force yourself to drink a big glass of water (at least 8 oz) and wait 20 minutes before eating anything. Very often a craving is actually your body telling you it's dehydrated.

-if after the water and a 20 minute wait you still think you're hungry, do the test to see if your body is needing food, or if you just feel like eating: offer yourself a carrot, celery sticks, or any other fresh veggie of choice. (cause let's be honest, who craves a carrot?!?) If you don't want that, you're probably not really in need of any nutrients. You might be bored or sad or lonely or just in the habit of eating. In this case, do something to combat what you're really dealing with. If you're bored, go do something (preferably something you like to do)! If you're sad or lonely, call a friend and talk about it or write a letter to your grandma or aunt or best friend. If you're just in the habit of eating, remind yourself that habits can be changed, starting NOW!

-finally, sometimes all logic fails us. In this case, choose ONE thing that you're going to eat, and only eat one SERVING of it. That way, in two hours when you're regretting your choice, at least you'll only be regretting a limited amount of one food, rather than a 1000-calorie binge.

Best of luck fighting the monster!