How to break the TV equals snacking connection?

[CrimsonMama]

I failed my diet again! I did great all day until TV time when I have my evening snacks. But when I finished my snacks - but wanted to watch more TV - I gave in to more snacks!

And they felt good! Eating in front of the TV feels like the only thing that makes me feel relaxed and happy. Until about 30 mins later when I regret all the extra calories yet again!

I want to enjoy my TV but not associate it with snacking. I've been known to refuse to watch TV with my daughter when she's asked simply because I have already eaten and "have nothing to eat" if I watch it with her.

I am a comfort eater I am sure. I turn to food when I'm stressed or bored and I use food as a reward when relaxing or celebrating.

I think its time I need to do something about it! I've conditioned myself to associate TV and food as a combined activity. I'm not sure how to uncondition myself? I am thinking I will - as hard as it will be - have to eat without TV (just the thought makes my food seem less appealing already)... And then sit through TV without food. I read a good tip about doing something that will keep my hands busy? (Not unlike smokers quitting I guess!). I've enjoyed sewing before (made a patchwork blanket) but don't have any materials to use? I have wool but no knitting needles and don't really know how to knit... Maybe do some coloring? I don't know!!!

[cheritorrox]

Hey at least you're not having to jump up and down to keep warm - is heating fixed?

I don't watch telly but understand the urge - I'm fine til I start but then need real willpower to not keep at it. This may sound daft but I open a yoghurt and put it on kitchen counter, eat one teaspoonful at a time and have to physically get up to go for more. OK it still takes the willpower not to eat it all at once but works for me!

[CrimsonMama in reply to cheritorrox]

I brought a heater at wilko so figured with that issue resolved I would be back on track today! But noooo... I still gave in to this desire I have to just slump and relax at the end of the day! And only stuffing my face with chocolate seems to make me feel content! Triggered by watching TV!

[cheritorrox in reply to CrimsonMama]

I know you don't want to undo all the hard work at weight loss but honestly at the mo you deserve whatever helps you to relax! Maybe at least try for eg strawberries instead of choc or crisps?

[Tiggerr]

Glad to hear your situation is warmer now CrimsonMama.

I'm not a fan of doing many things radical and even less of a fan of proponing radical changes to others. However, all the behaviours you mention are a description of me over the last N years. I never understood why I didn't have the ability to break that behaviour, especially as I see myself as mostly having high self control and being quite dogged, but now that I've minimised my carbs I no longer have those urges. Yes, there are times when I do get hungry outside of my main meals and so I eat additional 'non-carb' foods but it doesn't take much to feel full and I don't then have an urge to eat more.

I really am trying to just say the facts as I see them, as I am aware it can come across as overly evangelical but what am I supposed to say... it works for me!

[Lynne64]

Hiya. You know what to do, as you've already described it as 'conditioning' so, it's the same process, but in reverse. I knit, sew and do a wee bit colouring. They all help, but it just takes practice and effort. Some times I manage and sometimes I dont. Last night I had 2 slices of toast when watching tv. Tonight, I'm aiming on just having an apple! 😁practice practice and more practice. All the best

[Greycote]

Please don't give in to a bar of chocolate this has been my down fall all my life once you start you will never stop. Take care stay safe

[WestieMaltese]

HI CM, I totally get what you are saying, I am the same. I give up choc from NYDay to Easter Sunday - have done it for 22 years now, but am almost dreading the revival again after next week, as I will certainly eat the bar that has been in the fridge since New Year...and the rest.

When I did LCHF last year with the help of the fine people on this forum, I decided I would do a form of IF (fasting) by only having one 'snack' in the day, and that was 'teatime', one carby treat. No TV snacks - I took up vaping! And I lost 8lbs from July to September. Look into vaping something tasty - I have 'banoffee pie' flavour - and you can get your sweet fix and give your hands something to do. It has worked for my sister too.

good luck, and don't be too hard on yourself at this very difficult time - just substitute a healthier option - I like all the ideas shared here - and 'fail better' tomorrow! All the best xx

[TheAwfulToad Visitor]

The foolproof answer is: throw the TV away. I haven't had one for 20 years and I don't miss it in the slightest. On the rare occasion I watch it at someone else's house, I'm just baffled by it. Who are these people? Why are they talking drivel? Is this supposed to be entertainment? Why do they keep trying to sell me shampoo?

If you feel the need for the occasional dose of TV, there's always YouTube (and similar).

I probably sound like a right old crusty (mainly cos I am) but I can strongly recommend you just give it a go. It will enrich your life immeasurably.