Can't lose weight because I can't control cravings?
kbjfish57
Posts: 1
Hi, my name is Kelli. I am 21 years old. I had a baby back 2 years ago by c- section. I was never able to lose weight. I weighed around 200 before I had my son. Now i weigh 240. 
I have just started back at the gym a couple months ago but just started going regularly last week. I am finally to a point in my life that I would like to have a decent body for my own happiness. I have a very hard time controling my craving. I have n self control when it comes to food. :(I would like to get down to 135 eventually. I just need some support and would like some stories on how others have been losing weight. Also, I have a problem with knowing what to eat and when to eat it. I am hoping this site will help me 
So if anyone could tell me how they are doing it would be great thanks!
I have just started back at the gym a couple months ago but just started going regularly last week. I am finally to a point in my life that I would like to have a decent body for my own happiness. I have a very hard time controling my craving. I have n self control when it comes to food. :(I would like to get down to 135 eventually. I just need some support and would like some stories on how others have been losing weight. Also, I have a problem with knowing what to eat and when to eat it. I am hoping this site will help me So if anyone could tell me how they are doing it would be great thanks! 0
Replies
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drink cofee, tea etc0
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I have a similar problem. I had my son 2 years ago and its really hard to lose weight and control my cravings. I treat myself with foods I crave once in a while. I also drink a lot of water which keeps me full and chewing gum also helps with curbing the cravings. Yogurt, cheese sticks, any kind of fruit is a healthy snack. Good luck!!0
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You will have cravings. Just learn to substitute for the lesser of 2 evils. I love chocolate. When I started I kept a bag of Hershey kisses in the freezer and would eat 3 when I was having a chocolate craving. It fit into my calorie counts and allowing them to melt in my mouth made them last through the craving. Portion control and substitution will be your friends! Good luck!0
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I try to eat more meats, fruits and veggies, and if I want anything else I'll have it but 'budget' it into your calorie goal. Essentially, you could eat anything as long as it meets your calorie goal, but healthier items would be more beneficial in other ways than just weight loss.0
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Whenever I have a craving and I'm not actually hungry, I stall. I drink water, tea, coffee, even diet soda if I'm having a sweet craving (scandalous I know but it works for me). Then I think about how hard I'm working to be healthy, and how fleeting the pleasure of eating anything really is. It's gotten easier to ignore the cravings, plus as time goes on I find that I having fewer cravings in general. If I have a really stubborn craving for something that I would rather not eat, I eat something similar that fits into my plan. Salty - air popped popcorn or nuts; sweet - fruit, So Delicious no sugar "ice cream," or (gasp) diet A&W; fatty/creamy - avocado.0
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What are you craving? There's a substitute for almost anything, and you can even have your cravings in small amounts!0
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Agree with all those above me!!!
Do you drink soda? I know for me when i do it spikes my sugar cravings and gives me a headache! :sad: Granted I do still drink one every now and then, I can tell my cravings are not as strong on days i only drink water! you can Definately endulge once in a while if you are keeping a good exercise routine!! It really is about portion control!0 -
I try to eat more meats, fruits and veggies, and if I want anything else I'll have it but 'budget' it into your calorie goal. Essentially, you could eat anything as long as it meets your calorie goal, but healthier items would be more beneficial in other ways than just weight loss.
This.0 -
Honestly, it comes down to how bad you want to lose the weight... If you truly want to lose it, you wont eat the junk.
Everyone gets cravings for things they cannot have. Most people who start off overweight are in some way a "comfort-eater"... The only way to control these cravings is to REALLY want to lose weight; the craving's still there, but you want a trim body more than you want your m&ms. It's the same as quitting smoking; If you don't really want to do it, you'll give in a have another puff.0 -
Keep those trigger foods out of the house if you must, and definitely find a healthy substitute for it. I don't have a sweet tooth, but I love salty foods like chips. I make kale chips. And on the rare occasion where I might want something sweet, I have Cookies N Creme protein powder that I mix in with Greek yogurt for a delicious, sweet snack.
Have healthy options within reach so you don't reach for the unhealthy things first.
Allow yourself one serving if you can't help it. But stop at that one serving.
Drink lots of water/tea to fill yourself up. Sometimes it's just a habit and you're not truly hungry.
But don't beat yourself up if you can't control your cravings completely. Old habits can be hard to break. Just hope for a better day the next day and make better choices. Good luck!0 -
Baby steps. And taking control of you rmind. You can do it, start saying no to junk. Replace processed foods with lots of fruits and vegi's. Also, join a group for exercise, if it is at the gym, do classes. It really helps to do this in a group and have the support of others. Anddrink lots and lots of water.0
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Sometimes you crave because your body is lacking certain vitamins or minerals. Try to eat a well rounded diet. You may find the cravings go away. I am noticing I feel way better and crave less when I cut the carbs. That may not be the case for all people, but it has helped me. I still eat them, I just try to make sure they are healthier carbs. Keep a clear journal of all things you put in your mouth to try to track your cravings. Good luck, you can do this!!0
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For me, it really helped to tell myself "I don't eat that".
Not "I can't eat that" - but that I don't.
It's all about the mindset. I chose not to eat certain foods - I could if I wanted, but i'm the one who decided - and that was very empowering.
That being said, I totally agree with the others that you really can have anything - just in small amounts that fit within your daily calorie/nutritional goals. I lost my weight while enjoying a glass of red wine most days - just counted in the calories :drinker:0 -
I was worried about cravings. I have been on many diets, seen nutritionists and everything else in between, but when I began the Paleo Lifestyle, I didn't have the cravings. When your body gets used to having grains and refined sugars and processed meals all the time, they are like a habit and your body will crave them. When I started, I cut out grain products completely for the first couple of weeks or so and made other things such as muffins and cookies with coconut flour or almond flour, honey or pure maple syrup, or other substitues that are better for you. There are literally thousands of recipes out there. As a result, I did not experience the cravings. I ate when I was hungry and was satisfied just by eating plenty of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
After the first few weeks, I did occasionally allow some things containing grains, but I limited them as a treat. I've lost more than 50 lbs since I began Paleo back in January. My Dr. was very impressed, and has been very encouraging. He asked what I was doing and is behind me 100%. Even some of my friends are making the change!
You can find more info about paleo at paleodietlifestyle dot com if you're interested.0 -
Definitely don't keep crap food that you know you crave available. It's much easier to have self-control at the grocery than at home. Substitution is a great idea, too. If you LOVE ice cream, for instance, try low-fat frozen yogurt instead. If a substitution won't do, indulge in a reasonable way. If you absolutely MUST eat potato chips, for instance, measure out a single serving and stick to just that.
It helps a lot to pay attention to when you're craving something. If you're having a craving because you're stressed, or sad, or happy, or lonely, or angry, have a big glass of water and go for a walk instead, and see if you're still having your food craving afterwards. I had to overcome emotional eating. It's rough. However, if you're seriously craving red meat, or a baked potato, or some other non-junk food, my opinion is that there's something there your body needs, and you should get it. In a reasonable quantity, of course.
There is nothing wrong about having a little indulgence now and again. A couple of times a month I want a candy bar, so I fit it into my daily allowance and I have it, and I enjoy the hell out of it.0 -
For me, it really helped to tell myself "I don't eat that".
Not "I can't eat that" - but that I don't.
It's all about the mindset. I chose not to eat certain foods - I could if I wanted, but i'm the one who decided - and that was very empowering.
That being said, I totally agree with the others that you really can have anything - just in small amounts that fit within your daily calorie/nutritional goals. I lost my weight while enjoying a glass of red wine most days - just counted in the calories :drinker:
YES, this!0 -
I do the same thing! I really thought I was the only one. :drinker:For me, it really helped to tell myself "I don't eat that".
Not "I can't eat that" - but that I don't.
It's all about the mindset. I chose not to eat certain foods - I could if I wanted, but i'm the one who decided - and that was very empowering.0 -
Sorry for double posting, but I had to say that I completely agree with this! I know it isn't true for everyone, but if you have out of control cravings I think it's worth exploring a lowish-carb diet and cutting back on things made with flour as well as things like potatoes, rice, etc. It might not work for you, but for me and many others, after your body adjusts to lower carbs, food cravings decrease drastically.I am noticing I feel way better and crave less when I cut the carbs. That may not be the case for all people, but it has helped me. I still eat them, I just try to make sure they are healthier carbs.0 -
I will tell myself:
"I don't really need that right now, but I really want it, so I will make room in my day for a small piece/serving/etc tomorrow"
Make a cup of tea then come here and pre-log tomorrow's foods/exercise to allow room for a small treat.
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also- are you really getting enough calories and protein?
1200 cals and 30 grams of protein is too low for most and you will be hungry for everything all the time.
check your calorie and fat/protein goals.0 -
Honestly, it comes down to how bad you want to lose the weight... If you truly want to lose it, you wont eat the junk.
Everyone gets cravings for things they cannot have. Most people who start off overweight are in some way a "comfort-eater"... The only way to control these cravings is to REALLY want to lose weight; the craving's still there, but you want a trim body more than you want your m&ms. It's the same as quitting smoking; If you don't really want to do it, you'll give in a have another puff.
Sorry but have to disagree a little bit here. Binge eating can be a form of compulsive behavior and is classified as an eating disorder if it is bad enough. In some people it is triggered by other mood disorders (anxiety, OCD, depression). If this is the case simply "wanting" to lose weight will never be enough. That is like saying someone with depression can get over it by "wanting" to be happy.
To the OP, and anyone else with binge eating they have tried to control over and over but can not, consider that there may be an emotional component to it. Try a support group like OA or even seeing a therapist. There is no shame is talking to someone about your feelings and finding out why you do the things you do.
I suffer from OCD and depression but never thought my binge eating was related to that. When I finally realized it might be and found a therapist who agreed I started on the road to change.
For some people it is a will power thing but not for everyone.0 -
someone once told me a sugar craving is really the body craving protein. I notice if i eat sugar it starts the process of craving. If I can go 3 days without sugar, they're gone. Zero cravings. so for me its like any other habits Ive kicked~a period of abstinence will make saying no so much easier. Sugar free gum can help. I recently stopped eating sugar free products because of all the aspartame-cancer propaganda. I dont know if its true and I dont want to find out. and BOY HAVE MY CRAVINGS COME BACK. even from just the regular sugar in my morning coffee now I want sugar all the time. So what do I do?? I want to lose weight. but ABOVE all I want to live craving free. So heres my attitude TODAY, subject to change but for now, Im trying moderation. Im trying to see if I can have just a little sugar or not. Thus far, a little sugar has not worked out so well in the area of cravings, but I continue to lose weight otherwise. Its possible that all the healthy foods i eat and all the exercise will pay off and I will be able to have my cake and eat it to. TBD. As for your diet. GO SIMPLE. Breakfast: eggs and turkey sausage for breakfast. add cheese, salsa and avocado for a treat! add a pc of rye toast and a banana. (its about 500 cals) you will be stuffed out of your gourd! make breakfast big and go smaller as the day goes on. Lunch: open faced sandwiches! Tuna, Turkey, Roast beef? doesnt matter just get rid of half the bread. Grab a healthy mayo (olive oil based?) and have a salad on the side with a healthy dressing. Dinner: Baked skinless chicken, and steamed veggies (I buy frozen if I dont have fresh) this time skip the bread and add a small white potato or a corn cob. Snacks: Boil up some eggs for a quick snack, string cheese, Greek yogurt, a piece of fruit. Think Protein and fruit combo. So those are just ideas, but remember the key is:
B: protein,carb,fruit
L: protein, carb, veggie
protein, veggie
Sn: protein, fruit
This has worked for me at a loss of about 2 lbs a week and I eat every 4-4.5 hours. The snack can be 2-2.5 hrs after the last meal. I didnt want to stop eating or GOD FORBID be hungry. When I eat like I described Im not hungry, my blood sugars stable (less to no cravings) and I lose weight. Everyone is different so do what feels right. Just remember, keep the food simple and FRESH. Lots of packaging, lots of ingredients, just have lots of extra stuff you dont need
Good luck sweetie! You got this!
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The only way I keep my cravings at bay is to stay away from sugar and white flour. I try to eat mostly meat, veggies, lower sugar fruits, and nuts. I quit soda, except when I am craving I might have a diet soda or flavored carbonated drink. I also have been treating myself to some no sugar added frozen yogurt almost every night, which I eat in one of those plain cones that only has like 4 carbohydrate grams and very little calories. Looking forward to my frozen yogurt treat at night has really helped me ignore other cravings through the day because I know I have that treat to look forward to. Its been less than two weeks I've been doing this and I have lost nearly 5 lbs. I also have been making pancakes with almond flour and no sugar and having them with some sugar free syrup...they are very filling.0
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Honestly, it comes down to how bad you want to lose the weight... If you truly want to lose it, you wont eat the junk.
Everyone gets cravings for things they cannot have. Most people who start off overweight are in some way a "comfort-eater"... The only way to control these cravings is to REALLY want to lose weight; the craving's still there, but you want a trim body more than you want your m&ms. It's the same as quitting smoking; If you don't really want to do it, you'll give in a have another puff.
Sorry but have to disagree a little bit here. Binge eating can be a form of compulsive behavior and is classified as an eating disorder if it is bad enough. In some people it is triggered by other mood disorders (anxiety, OCD, depression). If this is the case simply "wanting" to lose weight will never be enough. That is like saying someone with depression can get over it by "wanting" to be happy.
To the OP, and anyone else with binge eating they have tried to control over and over but can not, consider that there may be an emotional component to it. Try a support group like OA or even seeing a therapist. There is no shame is talking to someone about your feelings and finding out why you do the things you do.
I suffer from OCD and depression but never thought my binge eating was related to that. When I finally realized it might be and found a therapist who agreed I started on the road to change.
For some people it is a will power thing but not for everyone.
In my opinion its emotional AND chemical. I WANTED to be skinny for 6 years but I was also extremely depressed, on medications and UNDERNOURISHED. I ate, but what I ate was killing me. I believe 100% that certain foods can do nothing but trigger cravings and that if you load your system up with junk, thats what its going to crave (desire to be thin or no).0 -
No magic pill or advice, it all boils down to willpower and determination!0
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See a psychologist. No kidding; a psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to control cravings. If your employer offers an EAP (employee assistance program) you can probably even get at least a few visits free.0
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First thing is always to make sure you're actually eating enough. This site gives a lot of people a 1200 calorie goal which is actually too low for many. If your body is undernourished it's going to give you cravings and hunger until you lose control.
If you're eating enough but just having trouble getting around the need to snack, I use delaying tactics. If I'm craving a snack I check the clock and say I'll eat whatever it is in an hour. Usually the craving is gone by then, but if not I'll have a small bit of it and hope that doesn't lead to anything more.
If you're a boredom eater, take up a hobby! Knitting, writing, painting, rock collecting, anything to keep your hands and mind busy.
If you're an emotional eater you may need to get to the root of what you're feeling when you eat. I eat when stressed or unhappy. If I can channel that emotion somewhere else (journaling works for me) I find that I have a lot more control when I do sit down to a meal.
Whatever it is that works for you, remember that we're all going to hit bumps along the road. One bad day =/= failure unless you let it. We're all a work in progress.0 -
Kelli- Glad you are trying to find support and change your life! Congrats to taking the first step. It is not easy to give up the and thing and cravings are hard to overcome. I have done fit competitions and I still got during my diet period. My trainer told me this and it helped. It is have one "cheat" meal a week. It helps you cut down the cravings, you have something to look forward to and once you have it you are good until the next time. We can't always be prefect with our diets but having one "cheat" item or meal will help you have success while losing the weight. I live by this rule and find myself a much happier person when I get to have M & M or ice cream.
Good Luck!0 -
The first thing to do is stop buying the foods that sabotage your efforts. If they are not in the house you are less like to go to them. Next to have replacement snacks available so that when the cravings hit you have something on hand to snack on. Fresh fruits and vegetables work well because they are not very calorie dense; they fill you up but don't pack a lot of calories. I always have a couple of apples, pears, and pre-measured bags of carrots in the fridge for when I get hungry.
After you get away from the sweets for a couple of weeks your cravings will go away, you just need to get over that initial hump. Good luck wiht your weight loss.0 -
Clean out your cupboards of all cravings. Fill yourself up on lean proteins. Like with any addiction, if you cut out those bad foods completely, your body will eventually stop craving them. Go on the internet and find healthy substitute recipes for those that you crave. Also don't be fooled by "fat free" foods. They are usually filled with sugar and carbs! Wish I had an easy solution for you, but I don't. It all breaks down to what is more important to you. That tasty treat or losing the weight.0
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I'm sure we all heard it takes about 21-30 days to break any habit, good or bad. But this isn't an overnight fix. Allow yourself time and know it's not going to be a perfect stroll to healthyhood. Are you journaling your thoughts and what day/time you get these cravings? Write down everything the 1st month and you can pinpoint what might be missing from your diet. It's tough because it's more mental than physical. If you overindulge-write it down because you will remember and re-read what you ate and how you felt afterwards. Don't dwell on falling off the wagon, be happy for every little success.0
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