SUGAR ADDICT about to go COLD TURKEY -Advice?

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Replies

  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    my advice is to quit cold turkey. the first day or 2 is the hardest. after that is gets easier. you have to break the habit. you are used to having a treat after your meal or at a certain time of day. reprogram your brain by not giving in to it. don't replace it with another food, that defeats the purpose. if you can stop eating the treats, you will stop craving them. and then you'll feel in control again. once you get to that point, you can have a treat every once in a while without derailing your weight loss journey.
    h66AC6C88
  • VoodooSyxx
    VoodooSyxx Posts: 297
    I was pretty heavy into drinking soda, like 12 pack minimum, heavy. You might even say addicted to it. I didn't care much for cakes, candies, etc., just soda. Same vice, deifferent delivery system. I cut it all out for the first couple weeks. No soda, no breads, no fruit. The first few days I felt like hammered *kitten* because I was coming off the sugar rush, but after that I felt great and had no problems keeping myself in check. I did work in some fruit after a couple weeks, but only like one or two a day and still no breads. I have a Coke Zero once a day or so, but I can take it or leave it.
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    For the first three days allow yourself to eat your cravings away -- just not with carbs of any sort, even fruit. If it's the end of the day and you're going crazy eat eggs, meat and cheese whatever works just don't give in to the sugar cravings. After those first few days you're golden. The cravings will be greatly reduced and manageable. Give it a few weeks and they're completely gone -- at least on a low carb diet they are.

    I've been there and it's such a freaking relief not to be obsessed with food and uncontrollable cravings anymore it's worth the effort. Just get past the first few days however you need to. Best wishes.


    So much ignorance. Eggs have sugar, cheese has sugar. Don't eat any carbs, then suggests eating carbs. LOL

    love how this was a peaceful, helpful thread till acg came along.

    OP you've got some great advice and sounds like you're on the right track. I think the fruit idea is where I'd start. Good luck!

    Well... not everyone likes to give sugar coated answers.... BA DUM CHA
  • Natmarie73
    Natmarie73 Posts: 287 Member
    ok, so you can:
    brush your teeth. every time a craving hits if you have to.
    dont do your normal evening activities, find something other than sitting in front of the tv watching endless commercials for chocolate and other tasty goodies.
    call a friend to keep your mouth busy
    take up a hobby that keeps your hands busy, such as a craft or the like.
    exercise
    look up diabetes damage pics
    enlist your hubby for attention in another room (wink wink)
    clear out your pantry of the things you are trying to cut.
    clear out your recipe book too if you are a baker. :) (doesnt help to clear out the pantry when you know how to make the stuff LOL)

    i so understand what you are trying to do. btdt. some of the above helped, some didnt, but all are worth trying. good luck!

    This. ^^

    By changing your habits and rituals you may find it easier to not get the cravings, or not get them as strongly. I know I always get my chocolate cravings if I have dinner then sit down to watch some TV. During the day when I'm busy It's a lot easier to not think about chocolate and if it's not in the house It doesn't even cross my mind at all.
    I have also found that since I've started omitting more processed foods and simple carbs from my diet and adding nutrient rich foods I don't get sweet cravings as much as I used to.
    It will be a huge struggle at first but it will get easier with practise, and please please don't feel guilty or a failure if you slip up.

    My recommendations would be to not have any of your trigger foods in the house;
    Change your after-dinner routine and habits;
    Go for a walk or do some activity when you feel a craving coming on;
    Have some low sugar foods on hand such as fresh berries to snack on, or natural yoghurt sweetened with a bit of honey. This will help satisfy a sugar craving while providing vitamins, minerals and micronutrients;
    Have some 90% dark chocolate on hand if you love chocolate - much less sugar but still chocolate;
    Drink a cup of herbal tea when you feel a sugar craving coming on. This helped me heaps and you can get some really nice tasting fruit teas - licorice tea is quite sweet tasting.
    Eat foods high in good fats and nutrients during the day to minimise cravings.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    lets combat sugar addiction with more sugar…brilliant!!!!

    can a crack addict combat their addiction with more crack?????????????????
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.
  • VoodooSyxx
    VoodooSyxx Posts: 297
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    did you even read the study ..oh wait, I forgot who I am talking to you don't read anything…

    but just for S&G's …from the study:

    The natural sugars in fruit and fruit juices raise blood glucose approximately as much as does sucrose and less than do most refined starchy carbohydrate foods...
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?


    you brought facts with you …where are they?
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?


    you brought facts with you …where are they?

    which gives a higher, faster spike of insulin: sour patch kids, or an apple, in identical caloric amounts?

    or do they metabolize identically, according to you?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?

    some more facts for you…
    ….The second aim was to examine the hypothesis that glycaemic and insulin responses to foods which contain added sugar(s) are higher than responses to foods containing naturally-occurring sugars. Eight healthy subjects drawn from a pool of eighteen consumed 50 g carbohydrate portions (except 25 g carbohydrate portions for fruits) of the test foods. The GI and insulin index were determined according to standardized methodology and expressed on a scale on which glucose = 100. The median GI and insulin index values of all foods tested were 56 (range 14 to 80) and 56 (range 24 to 124) respectively. The median GI of the foods containing added sugars was similar to that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (58 v. 53 respectively, P = 0·08). Likewise, the median insulin index of the foods containing added sugars was not significantly different from that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (61 v. 56 respectively, P = 0·16). There was no evidence of‘rebound hypoglycaemia’or excessive insulin secretion relative to the glucose response. We conclude that most foods containing sugars do not have a high GI. In addition, there is often no difference in responses between foods containing added sugars and those containing naturally-occurring sugars.

    http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=895280
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?


    you brought facts with you …where are they?

    which gives a higher, faster spike of insulin: sour patch kids, or an apple, in identical caloric amounts?

    or do they metabolize identically, according to you?

    is it pop quiz time?
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member


    which gives a higher, faster spike of insulin: sour patch kids, or an apple, in identical caloric amounts?

    or do they metabolize identically, according to you?

    is it pop quiz time?

    that's what I thought.
  • AlabasterVerve
    AlabasterVerve Posts: 3,171 Member
    you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets

    EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.

    Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.

    ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..

    sugar is sugar…

    you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...

    do you work for the corn lobby?

    sugar in candy like sour patch kids metabolizes much differently than sugar from an apple. because fiber.

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?


    you brought facts with you …where are they?
    Did you read that? A study from 1995 saying diabetics shouldn't reduce their sugar intake because they might eat more fat? Excellent science. Thanks so much for linking that -- it was obvious from your posts you don't know what you're talking about but it's always nice to have proof.
    The rise of blood glucose in normal and diabetic subjects after meals varies markedly and depends on many factors, including the source of the carbohydrate, its method of preparation, and the composition of the total meal. Classification of carbohydrates as simple or complex does not predict their effects on blood glucose or insulin. Rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, which produce large blood glucose and insulin responses, may be in the form of both sugars and starches. Sugars added to foods have no different effect on blood glucose from those of sugars alone. The natural sugars in fruit and fruit juices raise blood glucose approximately as much as does sucrose and less than do most refined starchy carbohydrate foods. The optimum amount of sugars in the diet is not known. However, undue avoidance of sugars is not necessary for blood glucose control and is not advised because it may result in increased intakes of fat and high-glycemic-index starch.
  • SwashBlogger
    SwashBlogger Posts: 395 Member
    Keep your blood sugar as steady as possible by having approved foods at regular intervals. Yes, lots of snacking so you do not dip into big hunger mode. Also, expect some headaches and mood swings, sleep changes etc. and apologize in advance to those around you. A cup of black coffee can help the headache, fog and sleepiness. Schedule some extra cool, non food related things over the first week or two. Massage anyone?
  • bunny1006
    bunny1006 Posts: 325 Member
    For the first three days allow yourself to eat your cravings away -- just not with carbs of any sort, even fruit. If it's the end of the day and you're going crazy eat eggs, meat and cheese whatever works just don't give in to the sugar cravings. After those first few days you're golden. The cravings will be greatly reduced and manageable. Give it a few weeks and they're completely gone -- at least on a low carb diet they are.

    I've been there and it's such a freaking relief not to be obsessed with food and uncontrollable cravings anymore it's worth the effort. Just get past the first few days however you need to. Best wishes.

    Now this is helpful!!!!
  • Qskim
    Qskim Posts: 1,145 Member
    lets combat sugar addiction with more sugar…brilliant!!!!

    can a crack addict combat their addiction with more crack?????????????????


    What do they treat crack addiction with? Curious.

    They use methadone for heroine addicts which is more addictive than heroine? Difference is the slow release? I don't know just asking.

    I ate out of bags of sugar...but I didn't think I was addicted although I may have used the term in a colloquial sense once or twice.

    I did abstain from processed and refined sugar and made myself stick to fruit when I needed something sweet.

    Eventually I allowed processed back in. Still easier to not have it around though.

    There was a time where I was scared of NOT having them in the house. I'd stress like I was pathetic for not being stronger willed - have them around but moderate. Then they'd be there and I couldn't leave them alone. Then I was pathetic again. Round n round until feck it. Eliminate. Absolute relief. I wasn't pathetic or weak willed.
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    Increase protein intake and don't give in to the day 3 headache. it only lasts a few days at most and you can help yourself by eating protein and drinking tea or coffee (with no sugar or milk added) or taking motrin. Snack frequently, Drink a lot of water and don't shy away from fruit and vegetable carbs.

    I think you mean you want to cut out junk food. If you *really* want to go completely sugar free, you have to read labels and learn all the names that sugar goes by. You'd cut out a lot more that way. But you'd notice a huge difference in your taste buds after only 2 weeks and how you want to eat things. I can't even eat the bakery brownies i used to devour two and 3 at time anymore. they are way to sweet. Even some bread is too sweet for me now. Dont' even get me started on pasta sauce. lol

    I personally had to but it all out.. all added sugars. Any food that had anything other that naturally occurring sugar had to go and once I got over the cravings it was much easier to control it when i did have a piece. Every so often I have to kick it to the curb again as the addiction sneaks back up on you. But this is even harder. Means no honey, no artificial sweeteners, nothing added that ends in ose or a bunch of other names that mean sugar.

    Biggest culprit is pre flavored yogurts. Most of them are loaded with sugar. I always buy plain and add fruit or other things to it. I ended up switching to greek yogurt because regular plain yogurt is still too sweet for me. weird, but true for me.

    Good Luck!

    ETA: the foods that will help you through it the most are: lean meats, eggs, yogurts, low sugar fruit like apples, oranges, berries (but limit in the beginning to 2 a day) and vegetables. Just stick to it. the headache and craving will pass fairly quickly and they won't come back for a long long time.
  • Natmarie73
    Natmarie73 Posts: 287 Member
    lets combat sugar addiction with more sugar…brilliant!!!!

    can a crack addict combat their addiction with more crack?????????????????

    Perhaps not, but heroine addicts are given methadone to help them combat their addictions.
  • Natmarie73
    Natmarie73 Posts: 287 Member
    some more facts for you…
    ….The second aim was to examine the hypothesis that glycaemic and insulin responses to foods which contain added sugar(s) are higher than responses to foods containing naturally-occurring sugars. Eight healthy subjects drawn from a pool of eighteen consumed 50 g carbohydrate portions (except 25 g carbohydrate portions for fruits) of the test foods. The GI and insulin index were determined according to standardized methodology and expressed on a scale on which glucose = 100. The median GI and insulin index values of all foods tested were 56 (range 14 to 80) and 56 (range 24 to 124) respectively. The median GI of the foods containing added sugars was similar to that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (58 v. 53 respectively, P = 0·08). Likewise, the median insulin index of the foods containing added sugars was not significantly different from that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (61 v. 56 respectively, P = 0·16). There was no evidence of‘rebound hypoglycaemia’or excessive insulin secretion relative to the glucose response. We conclude that most foods containing sugars do not have a high GI. In addition, there is often no difference in responses between foods containing added sugars and those containing naturally-occurring sugars.

    http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=895280

    Sample size fail renders study useless.
  • Wtn_Gurl
    Wtn_Gurl Posts: 396 Member
    Hi there! Well, I can understand what your going thru. I have some ideas that have helped me.

    As long as we think of food in emotional romantic kind of ways - then it will be something harder to give up. The minute we change our attitude about food - thats when half the battle is won.

    change "oh how the wonderful delectable chocolate flowed gently across my lips" to "its just fuel for the body", that will help you leave the powerful effect that food has on you, so dont romanticize it.

    And then, just make a decision and just dont eat it, for a week. you can do it for a week. When the week is over, you probably will have changed your cravings and drive toward it. Also have something else that you eat instead of the food you want to give up.

    I cannot do "everything in moderation" and so it seems drastic but really, the reward of losing all that weight and all that is attached to it, is worth it.

    we get attached to food for things that its not meant to be. i mean poeple really get attached to food! its kinda like watching the show Hoarders and see how poeple get attached to plastic garbage that they cant throw out, i think wow how can they feel so affectionate toward a piece of plastic, but we do the same with food.

    so be brave, go without it for a few days, substitute something else and enjoy that instead. and come back in a week and see results.
  • summerlovely91
    summerlovely91 Posts: 10 Member
    Listening to how badly you have it in for sweets, I understand because i used to be that. I went cold turkey on sweets and anything sugary actually and it was so easy.
    I started with coffee. No sugar there
    Chocolates? Hate them so done!
    Jelly sweets, that was a nightmare. I still miss them but when i see the calories in them. Its enough for me to walk away
  • PRguez
    PRguez Posts: 61 Member
    I am with the rest: FRUIT, specially the tropical sweet ones like mangoes, pineapple ... they are sweeeeeett.

    I had your problem but only with chocolate.... now I eat a bit of 85% dark chocolate every day which they say it is actually healthy (i am sticking to this no matter what :) ) and found that I can cope with my chocolate cravings.

    Before going to the gym and if i have sugar cravings I do a bit or organic no added sugar peanut butter with a bit of honey and a banana on a wholemeal bread. It has calories but it is a 'healthy' treat and banana + honey is sweet enough to help out.

    I would say honey is good with sugar cravings as it is super sugary but a healthy item (in moderation sadly like everything else that is tasty in life)

    :laugh:
  • PRguez
    PRguez Posts: 61 Member
    I forgot to add that there are certain foods you can eat when you have cravings that will help you combat them.

    I can't/don't know how to upload a pic here so I posted in a blog:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/PRguez/view/cravings-648785

    It shows a chart depending the craving you are having what 'normal' foods help.
  • Noogynoogs
    Noogynoogs Posts: 1,028 Member
    Replace with fruits - I did that once no picnic booboo. Headaches for over a week - migraine style!
  • dakrzone
    dakrzone Posts: 6
    I've seen a lot of good advice here but for me since I also have a sweet tooth it's pretty simple. There are certain things I just don't keep in the house anymore, like ice cream I know I'll devour it. By keeping certain high trigger foods away I know I am decreasing their stronghold on me over time.

    Alternatively to satisfy my sugar cravings I try to make sure I buy prepackaged things so that I can better exercise portion control and build up will power over time. I also declared that dark chocolate is my ally and as a sweet is much better than other options. I now keep Fiber One brownies around for that sole purpose.

    I used to love sugared drinks and weaned myself of that by substituting artificially sweetened single packs like Hawaiian Punch or Crush. I understand the artificial sweeteners are their own problem but it helped me kick soda and juice to the curb and also provided the sensation of having something icky sweet without the real calories and feeding the sugar addiction. Now I don't use them much at all either.

    So my advice would be not to go cold turkey but certainly remove the high trigger sweets and replace them with better alternatives until you develop some more willpower then reintroduce them later. Use sugar alternatives in other areas to help you break your sugar addiction. I like low glycemic index sugars like coconut sugar and agave syrup. Taking regular sugars out of the lineup in a major way has helped calm my sweet tooth.

    I think if you make some of these changes along the way you'll have aha moments where you realize you are no longer enslaved to sugar and it will empower you with self control to go further. When you do reintroduce certain things you'll notice if you've developed the willpower yet right away and it will be easier for you to temporarily banish them again until you think you're ready for another try.

    Ultimately I just don't think denying yourself is a good long term option. I myself am not on a diet. I am changing my diet. Being an emotional eater my goal is not to limit or deny myself anything but to change my relationship with food for the long haul. I still eat certain things and as long as I don't go over in calories I'm still losing weight as I develop more discipline along the way.

    Whichever way you choose to go we'll be here to support you!
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  • lemonsnowdrop
    lemonsnowdrop Posts: 1,298 Member
    I don't think I've seen anyone mention Quest bars yet. Or are those not applicable to you? They have Stevia and very little sugar, but lots of protein. They're my go to snack, since I have a huge sweet tooth and sweets are my absolute favorite. They not only satisfy the craving but also keep me full!
  • PearlAng
    PearlAng Posts: 681 Member
    I gave up sugar for a few weeks last year. I too am a sugar addict! The first few days actually weren't that bad for me, but I imagine it's different with everyone. I didn't eat fruit for a while, but that was just coincidental. I still ate yogurt, but I gave up the cakes and cookies I loved. I didn't feel very different, but when I went to eat sugary cakes again, they tasted ten times sweeter. Same thing with fruit. I think our taste buds kinda build up a tolerance to the taste of sweetness when they're so used to having it.

    Now, I try to enjoy sweets in moderation. I know a lot of people struggle with that, so I will not tell you to "just try moderation" as many have told me, but if you're ever ready, go for it :) good luck and I hope things go okay for you.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    OP, I know people suggested fruit, but I would also suggest checking out the greek yogurt section. They have some awesome "dessert" type yogurts now that have mixers with flavored yogurt. I remember having a key lime pie flavor that had dark chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces that was pretty damn good. You could satisfy your sweet tooth on that on days where the fruit isn't cutting it and get some decent protein in your diet. Also Kashi bars, they have a couple of flavors with dark chocolate that would give you protein and fiber in addition to the chocolate fix. The Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt and chia seeds is yummy, as is the Cherry Dark Chocolate.