How do you deal with head hunger?

[WoodenHearts 29]

Banded 6.12.15

Hi guys I recently had my second fill, up until that point I didn't really feel much restriction, I was hungry all the time and making really bad choices, but I was determined to try and stay on track and so far it hasn't been too bad. I'm a stay at home mum so usually food is readily available for me to pick at, I went away for the weekend with friends and it had been such a busy day and when it came to dinner all my friends were starving but I noticed that I didn't even feel that hungry, so I tested myself over the next few days and realised that at every meal time there was no hunger pangs, no grumbling tummy that's desperate for food, there was something that wanted me to eat and it was my head, it's like a little voice in my head that constantly tests me, sometimes I feel like it controls me and I make excuses to try and justify my eating, but if I sit and block this voice out I find that I'm not hungry what so ever and that I just need to get my Protein in and that'll do me, but in other occasions I will give in, it's a constant battle, one I've not learned to win yet.

[Paige Dukes 59]

I know this is a huge no-no for the band, but when I am having what I believe is head hunger I chew some heavily flavored mint gum. I mean I really get to smacking on it, lol, which is why I don't do it unless I am at home. The act of chewing it semi-satisfies the hunger craving and the strong mint flavor deters me from eating anything else because I know it will taste bad after the gum. I imagine once I have my first fill I will stop the gum habit to be safe.

If I am sticking strictly to the rules I suck on tic-tacs, which do the same thing as the gum in terms of the mint flavor. It at least helps a little bit.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I'm banded and I chew gum all the time. Just don't accidentally swallow it.

Head hunger. Yep, it's real.

My suggestions. Drink some Water. Ask yourself what feelings are lurking under the surface that are begging for food as a distraction.

If you're not sure if the hunger could be genuine or not, ask yourself if an apple would satisfy. If yes, it's stomach hunger. Eat an apple and stop. If no, figure out what feelings are causing the anxiety. Spend time quietly acknowledging those feelings.

In my experience as a bander, getting out of the snacking habit and sticking to three meals a day helped define head hunger vs stomach hunger for me. When I truly get hungry between planned meals, I have a Protein shake or some almonds that I keep at work. At home I have a piece of fruit. But between meal hunger rarely happens at home.

This should get easier as your band becomes optimally filled (green zone). But emotional eating will always be a danger for me. I've had success this week by really examining the feelings under the surface.

Good luck and keep posting. It helps.

[WoodenHearts 29]

Thanks so much for replying guys, it definitely makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone in this, it's always a constant battle, or as I like to call it 'the hunger games' lol.