How to say no to chocolate/sugar! SOS

alisakorneyeva

I am a HUGE chocoholic, and I put about 3 teaspoons of sugar in my cup of tea, along with the inability to hold myself back from other sweets.
Is anyone else like this? How do you motivate yourself to not give in to these alluring monstrosities?!?

Camo_xxx

I account for them in my budget. It's all about choices.

allaboutthefood

I eat plenty of fruit in the morning, or a bowl of oats with plenty of fruit. Than I do not crave chocolate, refined sugars or caffeine. I just fill up on whole natural foods. Or you can just count them into your daily intake. It's up to you, if you want to learn how to cut them out, or fit them in.

briannadunn

I just eat it, I count it, and move on..eventually I don't want it.

elaineously

I'm a sugar addict too. I have had some success by still including sweet stuff but going for lower calorie options. I'd never try to cut it all out all at once, that would lead to binging. I suggest you try to use less sugar in drinks and save it for good stuff like chocolate and cookies that will be more satisfying to you sweet tooth. I drink unsweetened ice tea and bubbly flavored water instead of any soda or juice. I know I am going to want a desert in the evening so I make sure to save plenty of calories to cover. Feel free to add me as a friend if you want to!

summerkissed

I swapped sugar for artificial sweetener in my coffee....then slowly cut back NOT cut out chocolate

summerkissed

I still have chocolate every day though!

ElizabethOakes2

I budget for them, especially chocolate.
I did switch to a sweetened non-dairy creamer for my coffee, though, more because of the sat fats I was getting from the whole milk than because of my sugar addiction. You might try switching to a 'fruited' tea, like peach tea, where there's already a little sweet flavor there without adding sugar?

klove808

Yeh, once you cut back/stop for just a few days even it kinda becomes gross. I used to be so into Reese's cups, now the sight and smell of them grosses me out. I still have a dark chocolate square or two almost daily, but only really good chocolate. The price keeps me from buying too much.

cityruss

Willpower.

If you take a step back from the 'giggle giggle sugar addict' mentality you'll realize you aren't addicted. You just like the taste.

If you don't want to use your calories on certain things, don't consume them.

I assume you are a fully grown adult, I'm sure you have the ability to just not do it.

Medilia

I was a sugar addict until about a year ago. It's just a matter of getting better at saying "No"
I first stopped buying the sugary foods I was addicted to. I never shopped hungry.
Then I began practicing saying no to the offer.
Cut down on sugar in your tea bit by bit.

Shrinking_Erin

I was a serious sugar addict. My husband and I went cold turkey after the holidays to break the endless cycle of needing something sweet after every meal. It was rough for a few weeks but now I can enjoy sweets in small amounts and not feel like I'm losing control when I get a taste. It feels more enjoyable now too.

GsKiki

I love chocolate and eat it pretty often, but I only take a little bit, and put the rest away.
If you eat balanced meals, incorporate your sweets in your diet, so that you satisfy your craving but don't waste too much calories on it.
As far as sugar itself goes, I aim to get most of it from fruits and veggies, I never add it to tea or coffee.

kshama2001

alisakorneyeva wrote: »

I am a HUGE chocoholic, and I put about 3 teaspoons of sugar in my cup of tea, along with the inability to hold myself back from other sweets.
Is anyone else like this? How do you motivate yourself to not give in to these alluring monstrosities?!?

What kind of chocolate are you eating? If something like Milky Way bars, you're not actually getting a lot of chocolate. Try something with a higher chocolate content so you can satisfy your itch with less calories.

I gradually tapered down the sugar in my tea and am now down to 1/2 teaspoon and don't miss the larger quantity.

When I do the following, my sweet tooth is under control:

1. Get sufficient sleep
2. Exercise regularly - when I get the happy hormones from exercise, I'm not prone to seeking them from food.
3. Get sufficient protein in relationship to carbs. I'm not low carb, but reducing carbs and upping protein worked for cravings for me.
4. Eat moderate amounts of fruit
5. Take a magnesium supplement. This can be especially helpful for women premenstrually.

ClosetBayesian

brianpperkins wrote: »

For the "sugar addicts" ... how many times did you devour a bag of broccoli, a bunch of bananas, or rutabagas to get sugar?

This.

alisakorneyeva

brianpperkins wrote: »

For the "sugar addicts" ... how many times did you devour a bag of broccoli, a bunch of bananas, or rutabagas to get sugar?

I ate 5 apples in one sitting once to satisfy my sugar necessities.

alisakorneyeva

kshama2001 wrote: »

alisakorneyeva wrote: »

I am a HUGE chocoholic, and I put about 3 teaspoons of sugar in my cup of tea, along with the inability to hold myself back from other sweets.
Is anyone else like this? How do you motivate yourself to not give in to these alluring monstrosities?!?

What kind of chocolate are you eating? If something like Milky Way bars, you're not actually getting a lot of chocolate. Try something with a higher chocolate content so you can satisfy your itch with less calories.

I gradually tapered down the sugar in my tea and am now down to 1/2 teaspoon and don't miss the larger quantity.

When I do the following, my sweet tooth is under control:

1. Get sufficient sleep
2. Exercise regularly - when I get the happy hormones from exercise, I'm not prone to seeking them from food.
3. Get sufficient protein in relationship to carbs. I'm not low carb, but reducing carbs and upping protein worked for cravings for me.
4. Eat moderate amounts of fruit
5. Take a magnesium supplement. This can be especially helpful for women premenstrually.

I pretty much eat anything with sugar and chocolate as soon as i see it, but I guess it comes down to mostly milk chocolate.

But this is really great advice! Thank you for your detailed process and your personal experience. Ill definetly consider it.

summerkissed

brianpperkins wrote: »

For the "sugar addicts" ... how many times did you devour a bag of broccoli, a bunch of bananas, or rutabagas to get sugar?

Broccoli isn't sweet enough to start with!!! But bananas on the other hand I've eaten 4-5 ripe ones in one go, it's not unusual for me to have 3-4 apples in one go or even 10 apricots ....what's your point here? I had a full punnet of blueberries yesterday and a punnet of tomatoes on my way home from supermarket still had chocolate when I went to bed though?

alisakorneyeva

summerkissed wrote: »

brianpperkins wrote: »

For the "sugar addicts" ... how many times did you devour a bag of broccoli, a bunch of bananas, or rutabagas to get sugar?

Broccoli isn't sweet enough to start with!!! But bananas on the other hand I've eaten 4-5 ripe ones in one go, it's not unusual for me to have 3-4 apples in one go or even 10 apricots ....what's your point here? I had a full punnet of blueberries yesterday and a punnet of tomatoes on my way home from supermarket still had chocolate when I went to bed though?

I didnt make this post in order for us to be mean to each other
Some of us actually are addicted to chocolate and sugar! Thats why i made this post to help and support!

summerkissed

That's what I'm trying to get at! I have a really really bad sweet tooth wether it's the sugar in fruit or chocolate I need to eat sweet stuff! That's why I started by replacing my sugar in coffee with artificial sweeteners then slowly tried to reduce my chocolate intake but I still need sweet things! I was replying to the person who was indicating that it's all in our heads or we would be trying to eat masses of broccoli to get the sugar from it....well no I don't with the broccoli as it's not sweet but fruits I do eat in large amounts because it's wonderfully sweet!

summerkissed

Even better banana dipped in chocolate lol (which is anoth thing I do in summertime as a sweet dessert without as much guilt as say another type of dessert

lseed87

For some reason when I have yogurt, small slice of dark chocolate, granola and coconut flakes it makes me have a lower carb count. Also makes me fuller and not wanting anything else sweet.

Maybe try having dark chocolate instead of milk? More antioxidants. Having peanut butter can help and has protein benefits that chocolate doesn't have.

alisakorneyeva

summerkissed wrote: »

Even better banana dipped in chocolate lol (which is anoth thing I do in summertime as a sweet dessert without as much guilt as say another type of dessert

I think they just have a really bad attitude about helping others and trying to understand and support someone.

Emi1974

Eat broccoli if you desire something sweet?
It's like drinking ocean water or liking your sweat if you desire something salty.

Maybe you would do it if nothing else is available and you are addicted, same with the broccoli, but not if something else more appealing is available.

The problem is that there are so many other things that are readily available and easily accessible that hit the spot faster and better than broccoli...

Lleldiranne

(I am deliberately avoiding the discussion of whether sugar is really an addiction or not ...)

Option #1: Avoid having those triggers around you for now. Get used to just not having them. No chocolate, no sugar in your morning beverage, no sweets/candy/cookies/etc. If they are around at an event, go somewhere else or move them away from you. Just remind yourself that you aren't eating those foods. Have gum or another substitute available to help. After a while you may be able to add them back in and have them in moderation.

Option #2: Learn to moderate yourself. Every time you reach for a piece of chocolate or a sweet, stop and ask yourself if this is really what you want right now. Ask yourself, also, if this is worth the calories. Still keep it out of sight as much as possible, so you aren't tempted, but in this scenario you are allowing yourself some indulgence, just not every time you see it or think about it.

I prefer option 2 for the most part. In fact, I often keep a hidden stash of my favorite kinds of chocolate bars (hidden both from my immediate view and from the kids, lol). That way, when I'm shopping or see a vending machine and am tempted by a treat, I remind myself that I already have one at home, and there's no point in buying another. If I still want it when I get home, I go back to asking myself if it will fit in my calories for the day or if I'm willing to give up something else I had planned on for the day to eat the chocolate.

The biggest thing is realizing that you are in control, not the food. Make it a conscious thing, each time you eat (and apply that to everything you eat, sugary or not). And consciously choose to not eat the foods that won't fit into your day (whichever option you're going for); it takes 21 days to create a habit, and it's easier if you're replacing a bad habit with a good one. Chew gum, get a drink of water, or do something else when you feel tempted to eat those foods.

vingogly

You might buy dark chocolate and allow one square to slowly melt in your mouth. 70% cocoa dark chocolate grated into Greek yogurt is absolutely delicious, particularly if it's 2% or 4% fat yogurt. Also, I like Chocorite chocolate bars, sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

http://chocorite.com/low-carb-sugar-free-chocolate-bars.html

I also second the notion of fasting from chocolate/sugar for a while if you're having problems with cravings. It teaches me that I can live without the desired food, so I'm more in control when I add it back into my diet.

fiddletime

I went months without junk food- candy, cookies, sweets, and have been working on adding them back in in moderation. I don't want any in the house though and so far I'm just working on moderating the candy given to us at work, and fitting it into my calories. I really love milk chocolate and would have to say that it controls me more than I control it so far, so I avoid it.

alisakorneyeva

vingogly wrote: »

You might buy dark chocolate and allow one square to slowly melt in your mouth. 70% cocoa dark chocolate grated into Greek yogurt is absolutely delicious, particularly if it's 2% or 4% fat yogurt. Also, I like Chocorite chocolate bars, sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

http://chocorite.com/low-carb-sugar-free-chocolate-bars.html

I also second the notion of fasting from chocolate/sugar for a while if you're having problems with cravings. It teaches me that I can live without the desired food, so I'm more in control when I add it back into my diet.

I really like this method, and your incorporation of a greek yogurt recipie is something I will most likely try out! Thank you so much for sharing♡

alisakorneyeva

brianpperkins wrote: »

summerkissed wrote: »

brianpperkins wrote: »

summerkissed wrote: »

That's what I'm trying to get at! I have a really really bad sweet tooth wether it's the sugar in fruit or chocolate I need to eat sweet stuff! That's why I started by replacing my sugar in coffee with artificial sweeteners then slowly tried to reduce my chocolate intake but I still need sweet things! I was replying to the person who was indicating that it's all in our heads or we would be trying to eat masses of broccoli to get the sugar from it....well no I don't with the broccoli as it's not sweet but fruits I do eat in large amounts because it's wonderfully sweet!

If it were truly a sugar addiction then you would go to any available source. Not sweet enough illustrates that isn't the case.

But would you?? Would an alcoholic eat nannas fruit cake because the fruit was soaked in brandy? No they wouldn't! Why? because they wouldn't get the desired effect, just as someone needing sugar wouldn't get the desired effect from a bowl of broccoli! Someone addicted to the pokies wouldn't go put money on the horses if there were no pokies around why? Again the desirable effect isn't there....it's still gambling though!

Actually they would get the desired effect ... sugar into their system. Your complaint about broccoli, a sugar containing food, is completely flavor based. As noted by others, there is no scientific evidence supporting the addiction claims.

alisakorneyeva wrote: »

summerkissed wrote: »

Even better banana dipped in chocolate lol (which is anoth thing I do in summertime as a sweet dessert without as much guilt as say another type of dessert

I think they just have a really bad attitude about helping others and trying to understand and support someone.

Some here don't think encouraging mistruths is helpful or supportive. Correcting misunderstandings is supportive and helpful.

I just feel like you could have a better attitude is all. Sugar isnt making me overweight or THE problem for my health, I just feel like I could try to step away and I wanted to see how others have, and what they do regarding recipies and etc, and share experiences. Your comments simply kind of felt really degrading and targeted.

alisakorneyeva

mathjulz wrote: »

(I am deliberately avoiding the discussion of whether sugar is really an addiction or not ...)

Option #1: Avoid having those triggers around you for now. Get used to just not having them. No chocolate, no sugar in your morning beverage, no sweets/candy/cookies/etc. If they are around at an event, go somewhere else or move them away from you. Just remind yourself that you aren't eating those foods. Have gum or another substitute available to help. After a while you may be able to add them back in and have them in moderation.

Option #2: Learn to moderate yourself. Every time you reach for a piece of chocolate or a sweet, stop and ask yourself if this is really what you want right now. Ask yourself, also, if this is worth the calories. Still keep it out of sight as much as possible, so you aren't tempted, but in this scenario you are allowing yourself some indulgence, just not every time you see it or think about it.

I prefer option 2 for the most part. In fact, I often keep a hidden stash of my favorite kinds of chocolate bars (hidden both from my immediate view and from the kids, lol). That way, when I'm shopping or see a vending machine and am tempted by a treat, I remind myself that I already have one at home, and there's no point in buying another. If I still want it when I get home, I go back to asking myself if it will fit in my calories for the day or if I'm willing to give up something else I had planned on for the day to eat the chocolate.

The biggest thing is realizing that you are in control, not the food. Make it a conscious thing, each time you eat (and apply that to everything you eat, sugary or not). And consciously choose to not eat the foods that won't fit into your day (whichever option you're going for); it takes 21 days to create a habit, and it's easier if you're replacing a bad habit with a good one. Chew gum, get a drink of water, or do something else when you feel tempted to eat those foods.

Thank you so much for your responce and taking time to share the detailed process! It's really encouraging, and helpful. I will definetly consider it♡

RoxieDawn

http://chocorite.com/low-carb-sugar-free-chocolate-bars.html these can't be good!

Do not fast or eliminate chocolate, that will never last very long. That would be like telling me to give up my cup of java in the mornings every day...

How about putting chocolate on your food diary first thing every day and then fill in the calories the rest of day around that sweet goodness?