Hi everyone,

I need help with mindless snacking. I have a five month old daughter and am busy with her when she is awake but when she is sleeping I get so bored that I turn to food. I can usually do okay during her morning nap but cave in during her afternoon nap (2-4 has always been my weak time). I use to think that I just needed more stuff to do but I'm running out of things. My house is always clean, I make all of Hannah's baby food, the Christmas presents are already wrapped, etc. To make matters worse my husband works long hours and is working on a masters degree so I'm alone alot in the evenings (Hannah goes to bed by 7).

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? All tips and suggestions are welcome.

Jenn

PS.... Congrats on having a new baby!!!

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Yesterday and today I concentrated on spending some time on myself. We went to the library and I stocked up on books. I have really enjoyed sitting down with a cup of tea and reading while Hannah naps. I have also tried to plan out a yummy and healthy dinner so that I can look forward to that in the evening.

Thanks again,
Jenn

Another thing -- meditation really helps me feel good when I take the time to do it. You sound like you have lots of time!

Time to LEAN! Start a library of DVD's - little mini workouts and relaxation videos and or DVDs are an excellent way to stay on track, unwind, nurture your spirit and your body. You can do this, Jenn!

I bumped up a thread I remembered on afternoon snacking...

Sounds like more of a snacking issue than a new baby issue...

quote:

Originally posted by TriGirl:
I wonder if you're lonely for some adult interaction.

I used to get out of the house and go to a "baby and me" class.

I wonder if you might benefit from time to relax and get a sense of what you need. When my dd was that young I was not getting my needs met at all. I was a wreck physically, mentally and emotionally.
Can you take some time to talk to someone you trust or write in a journal to see what needs and whats you have so that you can get at them without using food?

quote:

I use to think that I just needed more stuff to do but I'm running out of things.

I think you are on the right track and good for you for having things so well under control at home! I'm sure I'm not alone in being envious!

I agree with Jen...maybe some social interaction. This forum is a great spot for that sort of thing and there are several others out there in cyberland so even if you can't make it happen in person w/friends, etc., maybe you can generate a social group online. It doesn't even have to surround healthy eating alone. There are online communities for virtually anything you can think of. If you need some suggestions of other places to visit, let us know. Many of us visit more than one.

What about doing some stuff just for Jennifer during that time? It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job taking care of baby and family. What sorts of things are you doing for yourself? This could be a hobby like a craft or reading, 'spa' treatments like facials, manicures, pedicures or any number of things that can just about taking care of yourself.

Peg

I wonder if you're lonely for some adult interaction. Your husband is busy and you are alone with a baby all day. You sound like you're running out of things to do at home. Is there a way for you to get together with some friends during the day or when your husband is busy working?

Sometimes for me snacking is a way to keep myself company. When I'm having fun I'm not as hungry.

I try to keep grapes in the fridge. My favorite is white seedless. When I get them home from the store I immediately pop them all off the stems, wash them and put them in a large Country Crock butter tub. That way they are ready to pop in my mouth whenever I feel the urge to snack (like while reading or watching tv).

Use that time to work out - rent some videos from the library or do some stuff on your own.

Alternatively, plan for the snacking calories. Have a bit less at meal time and do healthy snacks. WW tortillas w/hummus and sprouts; 1/2 pbj on ww bread; air popped popcorn (that's a good one as it lasts a long time as it's high volume), etc...

Hey Jenn. Well, first let me give you a BIG welcome. I think you are going to find this board quite helpful and insighful.

I wanted to give you maybe a few tips for mindless snacking. What about making a nice cup of hot tea? It is not only soothing, but can really be a nice self get away.

Could you move away from the kitchen area and maybe pick up a book or magazine? Would that be a good time to call a friend to catch up?

You seem organized so you may want to consider pre-planning your meals, which means putting together a detailed grocery list and including snacks like the tea or grapes (which are both snacks I often have).

Let's see what others have to say...