So since my breakfast post, I have come to the realization that I am not hungry first thing in the morning. News to me! But every morning since that day I have waited for hunger to arrive - usually 90 minutes or so after waking. I may have some hot tea before that but, otherwise, I wait for my hunger to show before feeding my body. Since I am a SAHM during the week, I have the luxury to wait to eat since we are still home at that time.
Throughout the day, I have been doing pretty decent waiting for hunger before eating. And better at stopping when full/satisfied. I often like something sweet after lunch and dinner. Even if it is something small. However, I can’t say I am physically hungry for it after already being satisfied by my meal. But - the craving is there. So what to do? I believe I remember in Overcome Overeating that they advised to have something sweet post-meal to satisfy that mouth hunger. Does that ring a bell with anyone else?
Right now, I am doing that. It doesn’t quite sit well with me, though. I feel the guilt trying to squeeze into my head. I am so sick of feeling guilty over food and eating. I am doing my best to strike back.
And I look forward to this path becoming easier.
I haven’t read that one yet, but from what I’ve learned about this process, I don’t think you are ever meant to eat only when you are stomach hungry. At least to me, the idea seems to be, that if it makes you happy to have a cookie or couple pieces of candy, etc. after a meal, than you should do it.
I think the problem would lie if you were constantly giving in to mouth hunger in a binge-like way; then I would say that something is definitely bothering you, and you should probably explore that.
Don’t worry though; I’m going through the same thing. I find that the answer to, “Can I wait to eat this?” is often yes, even when I’m stomach hungry, because it’s just what I’m used to.
Hang in there!