oh my- i never expected this sort of response- thank you all so much for your support! its good to feel im not alone. i dont really think its the nuts that are the problem because if i eliminated them, i would just eat celery sticks and cream cheese or something else instead. its definately not a slip- this is an everyday, all day thing. i probably do need a hands-on hobby, but have yet to find one that interests me- i tried reading, but its just as easy to snack and read as it is to snack and watch tv. and i STILL do what you're describing john- ie- i can't wait to go to subway and get a turkey & provolone salad on saturday i drink a buttload of water, plus i smoke, so, its like the hands and mouth are constantly going and if they stop for any short period of time, i have to occupy them or i can't function... and since i can't smoke at my desk at work- i snack. i snack in between cigarettes at home. i dont know what im going to do with myself.... straight jacket maybe?