When only carbs will do

ReenieHJ

I can definitely tell when my stress eating monster rears its ugly head. Everything carb related gets shoved into my mouth. Loaf of bread on the shelf? Uh oh. Cookies in the package? Not for long. Ritz crackers in the cupboard? Hah! I *know* you're in there. Same with bagels in the freezer. No hiding from this lunatic.

And all while the zucchini, lettuce, mushrooms lay rotting in my vegetable crispers.

Why oh why can I not crave my normal vegetables when these carb craving times hit?? I've got to get back with the program and mindset I've had.

Heeelllppp!!?

dirtswife

I wouldn't try to ignore a carb craving - I would simply combine it with foods that will make it more satisfying. Eat bread, but take the time to toast it, slather it with some nut butter, and slice a banana to go on top. You really want crackers?? Eat the Ritz but have it with some cheese and roasted red peppers and sliced meat. Just some stuff I like - I'm sure you have your own faves. I find when I view foods as "bad" or "off program" it sets up a diet mentality of perfectionism that really derails me when I find myself craving or eating those foods. Find a place for them (in a healthier way) and you might find yourself craving a salad sometimes, too.

cmriverside

Yeah, I think that's pretty common Reenie. Carbs help with serotonin production, stress reduction. It's a thing!

Luckily I control the cupboard and most of that stuff isn't even in the house, but I do agree with dirtswife that adding fats and vegetables slows my roll.


I can eat a whole lot of peanut butter on bread though. Peanut butter is evilly delicious. Hummus, vegetables and bread do the same trick with far fewer calories.

MichelleMcKeeRN

Sometimes, I have to tell myself it is ok to entertain these thoughts AFTER I eat my dinner. This method really helps me. I make much better decisions when I am not hungry. It is weird for me… sometimes I don’t recognize I am hungry but after I eat a little meal these cravings are almost always gone.

wunderkindking

yeah, depending on what the food is I either delay (after I eat some protein and fat, I can have the cookies) or just roll it into my meal (I'll eat crackers but they have to go with tuna salad). Tends to work okay for me. I still eat them but I get some actual nutrition. Even if I eat ALL the cookies after I eat dinner, my calories are more but at least I got something good for me in there FIRST.

ReenieHJ

Before I attack anything, I've gotta get my brain back to it so it'll listen to me.

Thank you all!!

neanderthin

Carbs are like cell phones, once your summoned there's no stopping that funny brain activity that results in you going to bed with your phone. just kidding.

ReenieHJ

neanderthin wrote: »

Carbs are like cell phones, once your summoned there's no stopping that funny brain activity that results in you going to bed with your phone. just kidding.

Don't I know it!! I'm hoping I found the right switch to shut this dang thing off......again.

MrsG1994

These are great ideas. Thanks, everyone!

SezxyStef

ReenieHJ wrote: »

I can definitely tell when my stress eating monster rears its ugly head. Everything carb related gets shoved into my mouth. Loaf of bread on the shelf? Uh oh. Cookies in the package? Not for long. Ritz crackers in the cupboard? Hah! I *know* you're in there. Same with bagels in the freezer. No hiding from this lunatic.

And all while the zucchini, lettuce, mushrooms lay rotting in my vegetable crispers.

Why oh why can I not crave my normal vegetables when these carb craving times hit?? I've got to get back with the program and mindset I've had.

Heeelllppp!!?

except Zucchini etc are carbs....

I believe what you crave are starches....

not to be picky but that is a bit different.

and my question would be is it cravings? or is it because you say no to these things all the time and you aren't feeling "satisfied" with your intake...and that means something totally different when it comes to food.

for me starches help me have that feeling of not being "empty" unless I make sure I get lots of proteins and fats...

patriciafoley1

It helps me to try to eat low carb. About the only refined carb I eat is jelly as in PB&J sandwich on whole wheat. And that is for breakfast occasinoaly, or half a sandwich as a snack. And I sometimes use sugar free jam. and the peanut butter with no added sugar. When you are off sugar, you don't crave it as much. There's also sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles.

I do get carb cravings and food cravings but it helps not to buy it if you can avoid it. If there are others in the house that want that, that makes it harder. Think of it as poison. It certainly is poison to your weight loss goals if over indulged in.