Dinner preparations are my downfall

SparkPoints: (2,581)
Fitness Minutes: (1,594)
Posts: 102
1/7/13 3:29 P

I have a healthy snack planned for late afternoon, right before I leave work - a yogurt and fruit usually, then pop in a piece of sugar free gum as I start cooking dinner. It's hard to nibble on cheese when you have a piece of minty gum in your mouth already.

current weight: 236.4

260 231.25 202.5 173.75

145

SparkPoints: (2,516)
Fitness Minutes: (1,950)
Posts: 78
1/7/13 3:21 P

I don't cook dinner. I cook food in large batches when I'm not hungry and then assemble a meal from what I've cooked in advance and microwave a plate when I get home. I'm too tired and hungry to cook anyway. The most I ever cook at dinner time is some frozen broccoli, and who would want to nibble on that?

Posts: 10,847
1/7/13 3:16 P

instead of letting yourself eat dinner, have a snack out to munch on. get some popcorn or celery sticks or what have you, portion out some and leave them in a snack zone of the counter. that way, you've already measured out what you're eating and you can snack as you cook.

SparkPoints: (12,861)
Fitness Minutes: (120)
Posts: 2,054
1/7/13 2:49 P

Carrie's advice is good, especially about having a good snack beforehand. Another thing I do is measure everything out ahead of time and set it all out on the counter. So, if I munch too much on the ingredients (I'm REALLY bad with cheese), the meal won't be complete. I have multiple sets of measuring cups in order to do this (you can buy cheapo ones at the dollar store). Also makes the cooking process go faster!

current weight: 139.0

188 175.75 163.5 151.25

139

Posts: 808
1/7/13 1:26 P

This is a tough one. I've found I do this when I'm VERY hungry. Having one controlled, real snack in the afternoon, before you start making dinner, may help. It's hard to work with food when you're extremely hungry and not put things in your mouth.

Other than that, the only thing that's worked for me is becoming more conscious of eating. Before you put anything in your mouth, ask yourself, "Do you really want those calories right now? Really?" What is the answer to that question? If it's yes, go ahead. If it's no, tell yourself untracked snacking isn't allowed and don't do it.

Sure, one little bite won't hurt, but one little bite times six or seven a night, times five or six or seven nights a week.... it adds up.

current weight: 175.5

283 252.25 221.5 190.75

160

SparkPoints: (3)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
1/7/13 12:48 P

I manage just fine sticking to a well-balanced, healthy, tasty meal plan for much of the day--until I start making dinner. As I chop, stir and saute, I sample the sauce, snack on the cheese, chomp on the veggies, taste the bread dough, etc. By the time we sit down to dinner, I feel I've already eaten. How do I break this bad habit of snacking as I cook?

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Claudia