What tiny things can I do to treat myself instead of snacking?

[DeweyWilkerson]

I'm getting rather desperate. I've put on so much weight and I can't get out of eating constantly. My DS is 8 months old and I've spent my maternity leave visiting various bakeries and snacking at home, because I can, and no other reason.

I'm not comfortable in my clothes and I need to stop with the constant grazing. I'm trying to embrace self care, and seeing if I can reward myself with ways other than food.

Does anyone have any good ideas of what I can do when I want to reach for the chocolate? I was thinking things like buy a nice hand cream and put that on instead, that sort of thing?

Dancing, going for a walk with pram, making a glass of water with lots of ice, snacking on nuts/fruit, cleaning the kitchen

I have a sugar addiction and doing these things helps distract me when I feel a craving coming on. It gets easier after a few days and the cravings start to disappear.

Getting ideas. Is this what oral fixation is? Maybe I should take up smoking.

Personally, I drink tons and tons of tea and herbal teas. I have a proper tea habit/hobby.

Sugar free jelly is my snacking saviour.

Fill your fridge with pre chopped fruits, especially watery ones like watermelon. Try and find a selection of herbal teas that you like.

Is be wary of chewing gum and anything sugar free or filling yourself with too much caffeine.

Really dark chocolate. Break it into squares and put it in the fridge. It’s not nice enough to binge on but it gives you enough of a lift.

I snack on carrot sticks and celery, which sounds boring but has the crunch factor which I find really satisfying. I also drink water first if I feel like a snack. And if it’s close to a meal time I’ll just prepare the meal early rather than snacking.

I'm working from home and the biscuit drawer is just too available, so I've stopped buying them.
Instead, every 2 hours I reward myself with coffee and a quick game of quoits in the garden. Fresh air and distraction works for me.

Take up crochet or Afghan knitting. Its easier to pick up and put down than knitting, and you'll have something to show for it.

@StarlightLady

Have you got a vibey 😉 ?

🤣🤣

Thank you all so much, some great ideas. I like the sound of nice and interesting drinks, and I can't believe I forgot about the teeth brushing, this really worked for me after the last baby!

I'm trying to wind down the breastfeeding now he's weaning, and I'm hoping this will help as I feel hungry all the time!

Sugar free freeze pops work for me. If I am craving something sweet then handcream or dancing around the house have zero appeal to me, although I know it would be better.

Essential oils diffuser is a really nice thing to put on to mark the evening time if WFH.

Bubble bath with candles instead of dessert...?

@Cinni23

Bubble bath with candles instead of dessert...?

Don't think the wax is very good for your teeth.

Still eating, but I now snack on small cheap ice lollies, like the packs of 8 or 10 for a pound. Mainly just water but occupies you longer than a biscuit and a fraction of the calories and just as quick to grab.

You could make your own ice-lollies too from low fat yoghurt or cordial.

Don't buy the snack foods. They con you into never feeling full. Have fruit, mint tea, water. Exercise as advised above.