to snack, or not to snack?

[Muted_Tummy 29]

and how long does it take to be "ok" with cup of food is it? I still have pre op brain and eyes and tummy. When do you get "used to" such small portions?

[Christinamo7 4,042]

and how long does it take to be "ok" with cup of food is it? I still have pre op brain and eyes and tummy. When do you get "used to" such small portions?

For me it has helped to use smaller plates, bowls, etc to serve myself in. helps my brain to feel I am having a full amount.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

@@Muted_Tummy

The first time you starting soft then solid foods you adjust. You learn very quickly how little fills you up.

Large amounts of food make me uncomfortable. I don't use small plates or utensils, never have.

I want to be very conscious that I am eating small amounts of food. It keeps me mindful about my food.

Being full after the sleeve is really uncomfortable I have no idea why people are always dying to be full, when it fells damn terrible. My goal is to never be full.

[JamieLogical 8,713]

and how long does it take to be "ok" with cup of food is it? I still have pre op brain and eyes and tummy. When do you get "used to" such small portions?

You really don't have a log of choice. Your sleeve will let you know that any more than that is a BAD idea. I still get a little self concious about it eating out, but I usually just ask for a box at the beginning and transfer the food I know I can't eat to it at the start of the meal.

[tish67 11]

It depends, but I tent not to eat healthy Snacks between meals unless you are in hungry mode then you will be able to eat some healthy Snacks like such as berries, hot oatmeal, cottage cheese with low fat shredded cheese, etc then you will be OK.

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[Xena7158 26]

Essentially, I eat 2-4 ounces of food at a time, 5 or 6 times a day. Depending on your definition, I guess those could be considered meals or snacks! I measure and track everything right now, while I'm learning what nutrient values and portions look like. This is the only way I can get in enough Protein, Water and nutrients (and calories) in each day. It is pretty scheduled, else I forget to eat or drink Water and I don't get everything in! For example, I do much better during the week since my days are scheduled due to work anyway - whereas on the weekends I sometimes fall short of my daily goals in terms of Protein and/or water.

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

@@GSleeve822,

Good question!

There’s no right answer that works for everyone. It depends on your preferences, your surgeon’s recommendation, what you’re eating, and what your sleeve can handle. Some people can get in all their Protein and calories in three meals, and some need to add Snacks because they can’t eat enough at meals.

If you do snack, just be sure they’re planned Snacks with healthy foods. Serve yourself, sit down, and eat. If you start mindlessly grazing throughout the day, you’re probably not going to lose as much weight.

I think the key is to be honest with yourself. Log your food and make sure your calories and Protein add up right each day. Make sure you’re eating when hungry, and not eating when not hungry.

[katmcd1968 1]

I eat three 300 calorie meals and three 50-100 calorie high Protein Snacks or fruits/vegs a day. Most of the time it's 2 Snacks, but I need to eat about every 3 hours due to the calories I put out in my workouts, and to get my required Protein in. I am 4 years and 5 months out, and this has been working for me. I have set times to eat so I don't graze.

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[JamieLogical 8,713]

I eat three 300 calorie meals and three 50-100 calorie high Protein Snacks or fruits/vegs a day. Most of the time it's 2 snacks, but I need to eat about every 3 hours due to the calories I put out in my workouts, and to get my required protein in. I am 4 years and 5 months out, and this has been working for me. I have set times to eat so I don't graze.

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So you are only eating 1100-1200 calories a day in maintenance while working out? That seems low to me. Do you gain if you increase your calories?

[gingeryank 37]

Simply put, I do what works, and I don't count meals/snacks. I just feed my body when it feels like it's running out of steam, I put quality food in it, and I try to track calories. I admit that this is more of an intuitive process for me. I'm 5+ weeks post op, and I don't track every day (yet). I'm just finding my way, and I try to give myself a little grace. Stress doesn't help.

I also take a lot of medications throughout the day due to a genetic, progressive autoimmune condition, so when/how often I eat also depends on when I need to take meds.

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[katmcd1968 1]

I generally eat 1200 calories a day, it might be a few more than that, but yes I do gain if I eat much more than that even with a workout. I've been maintaining my weight now for a while. I do track all of my food. I have to say that food continues to be my obsession if I let it be, so I track everything. This is just what works for me.

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[JamieLogical 8,713]

I generally eat 1200 calories a day, it might be a few more than that, but yes I do gain if I eat much more than that even with a workout. I've been maintaining my weight now for a while. I do track all of my food. I have to say that food continues to be my obsession if I let it be, so I track everything. This is just what works for me.

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I wonder why you need to eat so few calories in maintenace. Maybe a slow metabolism is how you got big to begin with? At least you've figured out what works for you.

[Barry W 336]

I have heard several things about snacking.. for sleevers, is it a good or bad thing to snack? I've heard people stick with 3 meals per day but then I also have heard people regularly mention snacking being a vital part of their lives... What's a normal food regimen for everyone?

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So long as you are eating low calorie Snacks, like whole fruit, baby carrots, diet Jello, etc, I think that's fine. If you are thinking to snack on more substantial stuff, I'd suggest keeping a food diary and counting calories to monitor what's going on.