To eat or not to eat?

Run4Me2Day

Cravings can sometimes get the best of me, so I have come to the conclusion that a little doesn't hurt. At least if I have a little of what I am craving (sometimes that might just be one bite) it goes a long way. Do you give into your cravings or do you try to push through the craving without giving in?

laserturkey

I eat what I want to eat, whenever I want, but make sure it fits within my overall goals.

crazybookworm

I usually do. Most the time I try to find a healthier alternative. For example:

Ice cream swapped for Yogurt or Homemade Frozen Greek Yogurt
Chocolate swapped for a square or 2 of 85% dark chocolate
Chips swapped for Kale Chips, Cracker chips, Veggies with hummus

Or I just allow myself to have the real deal! Portion control and Moderation is key!

SoDamnHungry

I give in to my cravings. Why do I need to give it up? Giving up everything I like is not a sustainable lifestyle.

walzllw

I eat everything that I like in moderation.

Groovyca2022

If i really want it... I eat it! done.

Mainebikerchick

I eat what I want and just try to mind the portion size.

MinnieInMaine

I pretty much follow the same method you do. Sometimes I think about it and realize the splurge might not be worth it and the craving goes away quickly. But sometimes it nags and nags and I end up giving in instead of eating everything else in sight.

For instance, this weekend I was in WalMart and saw a huge display of PopTarts and thought - I gotta get me some of those!! Then I looked at the calories (180 for ONE!!) and decided it wasn't worth it. When I got to the freezer section, I spotted some Fudgecicles (40 calories each) and decided those were totally worth it! Pick your battles...

twinketta

i use my exercise cals to have those `moments`

Like a few mins ago I had a lovely cheese sammich nom nom

As long as you are in with your macros and cals then go for it. I have been in maintenance for a year and it still works for me

Confuzzled4ever

I've heard that cravings can be control by protein intake. I haven't tested it, but I do find that when I eat more protein, I have less cravings. Although after that egg thread I wish I had another egg on hand. LOL

Nightfall30

My biggest problem with cravings is starting on a tub of ice cream and finishing it. So, yes, I do eat what I want, but I buy the smaller tub. A diet isn't a punishment for not being perfect

RAGGEDYANN1970

I don't give-in to my cravings anymore. the other day i wanted a Coke, and when i smelled my son's cup full of bubbling cola, it was enough to satisfy me. the way i feel now, nothing tastes that good to throw me off what i'm doing.

MzManiak

Depends. Sometimes I crave one thing after another. Example: On Sunday I was "craving" some Oreos. Ate those. Then I was "craving" some ice cream. Ate that. Then I was "craving" some Lemon creme cookies.... had to say enough is enough. If I keep satisfying cravings, I won't be able to meet my protein goal (or stay within a reasonable calorie range). Had to get up and go for a walk, and stick to my plan for the rest of the day.

bsuew

I find that if I continue to want the same thing over and over if I don't eat at least a bit I'm going to start eating every thing around me. Do by eating just a bit of it I satisfy that need and go on. I make it fit into my calories.

jlapey

If I crave it for more than a day, I usually give in. But then, I seldom have an issue since I generally eat whatever I want anyway.

crevices

it's impossible for me to eat horribly at home because all we have are veggies and fruit lying around, got rid of all of our chips and ice cream and pies and chocolate etc. but when i'm out and i see donuts, cupcakes, etc i usually get SUPER tempted. i would treat myself but i'm the type of person where as soon as i have one little chocolate, i need to have the whole box because i don't have any self-control. i'm better off just ignoring it because it goes away after a while.

lavendy17

If I really want something I have it. But if you find that you crave unhealthy foods often, you should look at what you're eating. If you eat natural, wholesome, filling foods and decrease your intake of refined sugars and white flour you shouldn't be having too many cravings.
For me, I only crave something either if I see it on TV or if I eat white bread. After I eat white bread I go insane and can't stop wanting more of it. Which sucks because I really love white bread but not so much the going crazy part.

Run4Me2Day

I pretty much follow the same method you do. Sometimes I think about it and realize the splurge might not be worth it and the craving goes away quickly. But sometimes it nags and nags and I end up giving in instead of eating everything else in sight.

For instance, this weekend I was in WalMart and saw a huge display of PopTarts and thought - I gotta get me some of those!! Then I looked at the calories (180 for ONE!!) and decided it wasn't worth it. When I got to the freezer section, I spotted some Fudgecicles (40 calories each) and decided those were totally worth it! Pick your battles...

You are right looking at the label sometimes is a burn turn off!

Francl27

Depends on what it is and how many calories I have for the day. Most of the time I crave sweets though, so I can make a small one fit easily. If I crave something unhealthy, I try to make it healthier (like those protein pancakes I had for breakfast, it would probably have been 3 times the calories with regular ingredients for the same amount).

If I'm out of calories, I just make room for it the next day.

I'm craving the Cheesecake Factory French toast right now though and I don't think I'm ever going to let myself get it...

Donald_Dozier_50

I constantly get asked by people, "How did you lose so much weight so fast?" I give the short answer "Diet and exercise, it is the only way/" They ask "what can you eat on the diet you are on?" I simply reply "I can eat anything I like as long as they fit into my calorie goal."

The same goes with snacks. Preplanning my meals for the day lets me know how many calories I have left for snacks.

skylark94

If I am craving something, I eat it in whatever quantity fits my caloric allowance for the day.

redladywitch

I eat what I want to eat, whenever I want, but make sure it fits within my overall goals.

I do this.

debraran1

I'm learning to have less, I would barely taste things before eating so fast. I had half a piece of cake today, birthday at work, those 4 bites I didn't take didn't matter, I wouldn't have felt any differently and i made myself slow down. I also love that Ben & Jerry's came out with those tiny containers (I used to think the pints were personal sizes) It's perfect for a craving but I don't have to worry about eating a huge amount.

I believe you have to eat normally, just less....if I deny myself all desserts, all pasta, etc and then start eating it, it's a shock to my system, but when I just have a little, it's usually fine.

avskk

I usually don't unless I'm genuinely hungry, I have the calories, and my craving works with my calories/macros for the day. I have found, though, that I don't tend to get many cravings anymore -- I think I've finally found a nutritional balance that satisfies my body and brain.