Carbs

jaxburt

I am craving carbs. Is there something I can do to curb this?

cwolfman13

I eat carbs...

chels5988

If they fit in my calories, i eat the carbs. Yesterday i knew there was garlic bread for supper....so i cut back my lunch a bit and skipped a snack and enjoyed the hell out of that garlic bread.
Carbs arent as horrible as theyre made out to be. Everything in moderation.

malibu927

Eat the carbs, provided you have the calories for them

Old_Cat_Lady

Give in? A carby glass of milk does wonders for cravings. Or do you mean you are craving brownies and donuts?

dragon_girl26

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

jgnatca

Yeah I want details. Hopefully with pictures.

markswife1992

I just ate a granola bar and about 1/4 cup of almond milk. it fit in my calorie count for the day, and cured my craving for the donuts I wanted earlier.

lemurcat12

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?

jgnatca

The carbs I crave come with specific textures. Like a flaky pie crust, fresh popped popcorn, or toasted marbled rye.

Sometimes a cracker serves as a substitute.

Other days I might clean out the cupboard trying to find a decent substitute. I would have been better off with the crave.

dragon_girl26

lemurcat12 wrote: »

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?

Yeah, and likewise I never see anyone say they are craving "protein" or "fat". Those cravings are usually quite specific (steak, burgers, etc..)

Froggyh

If you're frequently finding yourself craving refined carbohydrates, look at your deficit. I crave those things when I'm eating at too low a deficit (I track intermittently, and a few weeks ago realised I was only eating around 1300-1450 calories a day, even though my BMR is around 1400 and exercise regularly). It's basically my body's way of saying it needs more energy.

If it's an occasional craving, especially if it's a specific one (eg a craving for pizza or a doughnut, not just 'any processed carb in sight), then just eat the darn thing and don't angst over it

jaxburt

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

Breads cake

jaxburt

Froggyh wrote: »

If you're frequently finding yourself craving refined carbohydrates, look at your deficit. I crave those things when I'm eating at too low a deficit (I track intermittently, and a few weeks ago realised I was only eating around 1300-1450 calories a day, even though my BMR is around 1400 and exercise regularly). It's basically my body's way of saying it needs more energy.

If it's an occasional craving, especially if it's a specific one (eg a craving for pizza or a doughnut, not just 'any processed carb in sight), then just eat the darn thing and don't angst over it

It's occasional but so strong. Bread, cake etc.

jaxburt

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

lemurcat12 wrote: »

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?

Yeah, and likewise I never see anyone say they are craving "protein" or "fat". Those cravings are usually quite specific (steak, burgers, etc..)

Awesome info, thanks

estherdragonbat

Breads and cake in moderation aren't terrible, but it's definitely easy to overdo. I've cut back; gone from eating it every day to two slices (or a bun) at four meals a week. When it comes to desserts, I'm mostly baking items that come in at 200 or less calories per serving, but if it's a special occasion, like my nephew's birthday, I figure out the calories ahead of time and figure out how to fit them in. By the way... mini croissants are 70 calories each. I'm just saying.

jgnatca

It's a mental craving because you associate these foods with certain pleasures. You may really enjoy Habit by Duhigg.

What sorts of things do we do when we eat cake? We are sitting down. Relaxed. Taking a break. Do you eat alone or with friends?

You can shift the crave by coming up with an alternative activity that gives you the same reward. Like a board game or a hobby.

eikles

After a week or two, you won't crave sugar and starch anymore if you completely eliminate them from your diet permanently. Eat allot of vegetables, some protein and fair amount of fat.

dragon_girl26

jaxburt wrote: »

dragon_girl26 wrote: »

Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

Breads cake

I love those things, too, especially cake.
Here's a trick you could try: next time you get a craving and decide you want some cake, get a small piece and try to challenge yourself to make it last as long as you can by eating it slowly and mindfully. It's surprising how you can make a little go a long way. You may not even want the entire piece by the time you're done!