Day 40 and the Munchies

[holly262]

So I obviously did well on the Whole 30 since I have decided to continue with it. I'm generally happy with the way I've been eating. I did really well sticking to 3 meals a day, plus mini-meals when needed with workouts, for the 30 days. Lately, however, I'm getting back into the munching, particularly mid-afternoon.

 

It's just a mindless/habit thing -- I KNOW I'm eating well at meals and am eating enough, I'm not HUNGRY. Just bored or who knows what.

 

What do you do to stop yourself when you get like that? I don't want to have to ban macadamia nuts from the house!

[sheba-kitty]

Switch it up, do something you would not ordinarily do in that time and place. Drink some water to make sure you aren't really thrirsty. then Move, go for a walk, meditate, call a friend... I find if I distract myself for even 10 mins the craving will go away.

[Physibeth]

Might also do you some good to do some journaling or just contemplative thought on why you want to munch. Figuring out the root issue and finding a way to change your response with it (or just deal with it) will be best in the long run.

[Jenn B]

Leave the kitchen! I hate when I travel down the munchies/food without breaks path because i just finish the open using the logic "well, it's gone now so I cannot eat any more."

 

Otherwise, I suggest (from experience) if you find you are munching look at the earlier meals, is there enough protein and fat. Without realizing it, sometimes I don't put enough protein or fat in my meal and that impacts the late afternoon. The residue oil from sauteed veggies is not enough fat and I forget to add olives or avocado, I inadvertently pack less protein because I am simply not paying attention...

 

My snacking meltdowns tend to be either hormonal or stress.  But i am like you, I don't want to ban things from house. I would rather understand and manage the eating.