Beating the Cravings

themightyash

My sugar cravings are really bad. Having a hormonal disorder that basically puts me in pms 24/7 doesn't help lol What do you guys do to beat your cravings? Just curious



-Ash

Kalikel

Beating cravings for junk food is a matter of self control. You just have to ignore it. Once you're in the habit of not eating whatever you want, whenever you want, it gets easier. The healthier you eat, the less you'll want that stuff, anyway.

On the flip side, if it isn't junk food cravings, just go with it. If you crave a little more or less of something, have it.

I routinely eat a LOT more food, especially carbs, right before my period. For a couple days toward the end or right after my period, I barely eat anything at all because I have zero appetite. I have learned to just go with it. It all works out in the end.

SharonNehring

I tend to eat more carbs right before my cycle too. After a few months of doing this, I finally recognized that pattern. I try to at least select carbs that aren't so bad for me, such as frozen banana slices with peanut butter instead of a donut. I'll add a few chocolate chips if I'm craving chocolate and it's a great treat.

I do agree with the other poster, the more salt and carbs I eat, the more I crave them. Potato chips are my downfall, so I try hard to not have any in the house around the time I know I'll be craving them.

The first couple of weeks in this lifestyle change were fairly unpleasant as I cut carbs and junk foods out of my diet, but it's a lot easier now. They say it takes 3 weeks to form a new habit, and it took me about that long to make the adjustments.

Branstin

Plan ahead of time by populating your food diary beforehand. This will allow you to hit your macros while working in some sweets.

themightyash

Thanks for the advice guys. I just need to kick the habit, it's just so very hard. I think I need more protein in my diet maybe. And less carbs, or carbs mostly just from veggies or sweet potato. It's just when you get used to bad food, good food tastes so bland. I'm not an amazing cook to start off with, but i have to push myself despite pain making it hard to walk let alone cook. I LOVE bananas though, but kinda gorge on them over the day. Which I heard can not be too good for your stomach.

weightliftingdiva

I've found that my cravings are almost always at night and almost always for sugar. If I have something very sweet and carby, I find myself unable to stop - yesterday I had a while bunch of cookies in succession that I didn't log. I've done the same thing with pretzels, crackers, bread etc.

I find that if I'm craving a sweet dessert, if I have something that has both sweetness AND fat, I am much more satisfied than if I just ate mostly carbs. A scoop of ice cream, or a yogurt based dessert, or a cheesecake/canoli type thing.

Branstin

There isn’t any such thing as bad versus good food. There is bad versus good eating habits. There is also eating calories dense foods versus eating nutrient dense foods. Don’t look at food as good or bad. Look at your eating habits. Are you restricting yourself too much? Are you meeting your macros with adequate dietary fat, protein, and fiber? Are you eating enough based on your stats (age, height, weight, goals, etc.)?

stacysjourney

I have a hormone imbalance and that seems to make more challenges for me than I thought. I used to be a soda instead of water sweet tooth sodium craving momma. I then hear type 2 diabetes high blood pressure, ect. You get the point. I wasn't in the right direction. I have given up ALL sugary foods including soda and junk food. That was NOT easy for me but when I crave something sweet I get some fresh fruit and that seems to help. I also chew gum when the fruit doesn't help. I agree though it is all about choices.

themightyash

Thanks for the great advice. I find my sugar craving is the worst. And at night the most as well. It's so hard to get over. I did a Sara Gottfried detox in febuary and did great. But then fell off the horse with one sugar snack, thats all it took I may just have to go cold turkey. Sugar is most additive than cocaine, it's insane. But I'm going to have to face the music before my health gets worse.