After Lunch Blues

[Dia Minha]

I have been able to identify a problem that contributes to my emotional eating and wanted to know if anyone had a solution or at least something I could try to see if it would help. The emotion is tiredness and I feel it most in the afternoon. Usually from lunch until dinner.

I find that I am pretty busy in the morning and I just don't have much time to think about food. Then lunch time will come. I will set down to eat and then all of the sudden its like I pull a Jekyll and Hyde and I can't get enough to eat. I then will eat continually until dinner. Then I will feed my family, but not eat anything myself, because I'm not hungry. Which really wouldn’t be a problem except I usually get most of my veggies at dinner and I find myself not getting my five a day.

The conversation in my head is, “I am tired. I need energy. I get energy through food. I need to eat so that I won’t be tired.” So I guess what I need is some suggestions to get through the afternoon blues. I can't always take a nap so that is not really an option. Does anyone have anything they can suggest that works for them?

I feel really dumb posting this, because as I write the ideas are starting to flow. I still want to see what ideas you all can come up with and maybe this will help somebody else as well.

Thanks Dia

[sunrisegirl]

It's kind of funny I was just having a conversation with a sister-in-law last weekend about the same thing. I feel like I have a ton to do in the morning and don't realize how much I've done until I sit down to relax and have lunch and then it's hard to get back up again and I usually end up snacking bad around that time. I don't know if I"ll be much help but some ideas are having an activity that will take your mind of food that is relaxing though. It could be your time to read a good book or another relxing hobby where you can put your feet up and relax for a minute or two. And maybe have a planned snack that is healthy and you know you like so you don't get to tempted else where. I don't know, those are just some ideas. I'd love to hear what anyone else has for ideas.

[Imahoot]

It sounds like this is a common problem facing a lot of us. I was having this conversation with two other moms at the beach today. Strange isn't it?

Taking a walk maybe or doing something active to get your mind off of the need and to boost your energy some. I am not sure but that is what comes to mind and it works for me when I actually do it. I am looking forward to others suggestions as well. Good topic!

[5ft Diva]

You had this conversation w/ someone at the beach? Oh what I wouldn't give to say that today! I'll throw this one to my sister (who just graduated from the Y in diatetics) and see what she has to say about it.

[Dia Minha]

Diva that was my thought too. I want to have a conversation at the beach. I'll be there soon. 13 more days. I'll have to remember some of my conversations so I can come back and say, "I had a conversation with my sister/husband/brother-in-law/son/daughter at the beach the other day".

Dia

[Imahoot]

Oh sorry...I didn't mean it that way. I hope you enjoy your beach trip Dia.

Two moms and I went to the beach yesterday and we have all joined the same gym over the past year, each one of us had a child in the same Kindergarden class last year, and we get together for playdates usually once every two weeks or so. It was so nice to have the kiddos busy and for us moms to get a chance to talk for once without interruptions. It was a positive visit and of course we were talking about our lack of results from summer. We are all at a standstill where losing occurs because of our lack of time to work out. So therefore the conversation. Now we are not able to accomplish any other conversation outside of the beach because of the interruptions. It was nice to have that time to talk.

Now back to your post....(sorry)

[5ft Diva]

I'm excited that you were able to go to the beach to have this conversation, Ima, I just wish I was there w/ you!

[Imahoot]

I wish you were there too. It would have been nice to finally talk in person. Last time it was a little crazy with us working the race, racing, watching the children, and the fact that I broke my arm. Besides that I would have been all over the opportunity to chat with you. I enjoy this time however even if we are not in person.

[5ft Diva]

Me too!

[smed]

You know I always felt like just before I started my diet program. This might not help any of you but it has done wonders for me. It's all on how I eat. I dont' eat a big huge lunch. Just enough to fill me up for a 2-3 hrs then I have a little snack in between lunch and dinner, like a bowl of fruit or the "Fiber One" Granola bars. These are so delicious and very filling.

[sunrisegirl]

I"ve seen those granola bars but wasn't sure if they were any good. Now I'll try em'! Good idea!

[runamyrun]

Hey, Sunrisegirl, if you would like to try one, you can try one of mine. I love Fiber One bars.

[smed]

RAR- arn't these bars yummy? I swear there the best granola bar I've ever tasted!

[sunrisegirl]

I would LOVE to try one RAR! Thanks!