Help!! Please help!!

Gallen88

I feel like im going through withdrawals over here! I took myself completely off sugar as far as sugary cereals/cakes/pies/cookies/candy and all things related to that goes. Man this is so hard!!! My body is craving sugar and its not getting any easier.

I broke down b/c its been 5 days since i had sugar and i ate a bowl of cocoa puffs. Its not the cocoa puffs i feel bad about, its the sugar intake i feel bad about because i really really really want to be off of it but man i feel like if i was on drugs it would be easier to ween off that than sugar!!

Help me out here please! I eat fruit for my cravings and yogurt as well, NOTHING satisfies it...

hotjacki85

are u against things like splenda? Its really yummy and not technically sugar... it will help take the cravings away

emarino

What about not going cold turkey maybe? Maybe give yourself 5 pieces of hard candy a day for a week, then only 3 the next, 1 the next? I know myself too well to say I can completely cut it out but for me a jolly rancher really does the trick for quite a bit. Don't worry though, you'll get through this too! =D

lloydrt

hun, try berries......I know they are out of season, but I just bought a huge bag of frozen blue berries, 5 lbs for 12 dollars, and Im using that for my oat meal, as well as popping a few here and there, I kinda have CEDAR FEVER, aka, allergies, and they feel great going down my scratchy , dry throat, try checking out frozen fruits at your grocery.......

I lost tons of weight that way, just eating blue berries, as well as straw berries, black berries, and oranges............those sugars really helped me take off mega weight the first 3 months of my journey...............hang in there......Lloyd

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

You're detoxing, it's ok. There's some teas out there that will help...Yogi tea makes a detox formula that has helped me. I personally don't use Splenda or any of those fake sugars because I don't believe in replacing natural products with chemicals. That's just me though and everyone is welcome to do their own thing of course. If you are looking for a natural sugar replacement, there is always honey (not agave necter though, it's processed just as much as corn syrup is) and stevia. Here's an article about using Splenda and related products:

http://www.womentowomen.com/healthyweight/splenda.aspx

mabowden

I like the gradual idea. I did that with Dr. Pepper, just slowly decreased it, and it seems to be easier. Yesterday I got one but only took a few sips, and today I have not got one at all. Good luck!

Jendf

I also LOVE sugar. I typically eat fruit to satisfy the craving but when it really doesn't work I usually give in and buy an Atkins Smores bar...it does the trick for me and it certainly better than a regular chocolate bar.

sue26

personally i eat mini wheats dry as a snack for the sugar, the theory being that are at least a bit good for me and have lots of fiber and iron.

jdmacfam

In my opinion you're setting yourself up for disaster! You have to reward yourself for a job well done or you'll probably start caving in a lot more. You have to give yourself something to look forward to!! Maybe a short term goal such as "if I go 3 days w/o x grams of sugar I will reward myself w/ x". Once you're able to meet those short term goals you will not be as likely to cave in. Lets face it, we all have to have sugar once in a while (we are female after all!) and if you do it in a controlled manner you won't feel so bad when you EARN it and then you can feel like all your hard work is paying off!

Also, check out truvia! It's a zero calorie all natural sweetener. I've only had it in iced tea but it was great!

Again, just my opinion!

Gallen88

are u against things like splenda? Its really yummy and not technically sugar... it will help take the cravings away

Im not but i would rather not replace it with another type of sugar... maybe i will do the gradual way

Gallen88

I also LOVE sugar. I typically eat fruit to satisfy the craving but when it really doesn't work I usually give in and buy an Atkins Smores bar...it does the trick for me and it certainly better than a regular chocolate bar.

Oh wow you just reminded me that i have those Detour protien bars in there that taste like snickers! I might have to start eating those again

fishtank63

I agree with jdmacfam's advice. Cold turkey can set you up for failure. My wife uses Truvia as a sugar replacement and loves it. I've tried it and cannot tell the difference in taste between that and regular sugar. If your body is craving the sugar, a gradual slow down might be a better way to go.

A little sugar as a treat for sticking to your goals is not a bad thing. Everything in moderation.

Sweepee2

Try chewing (sugar free) gum when you are craving the sweet.:happy:

jdigjudy

So... is sugar so incredibly bad that we should live without it?
(I'm shuddering... what? no chocolate?!?!?!?!)... yipes! Run away! run away!!!

jcch00

I feel your pain! I have a MAJOR sweet tooth. I don't like to deny myself the few simple pleasures in life, so I buy those bite size candy bars and put them in the freezer (I love them frozen). When I'm having a craving for sugar (usually after dinner) I allow myself 1 maybe 2 of the bite size treats. It really helps and doesn't throw me completely off course. Another idea is a cup of "no sugar added" hot chocolate. I enjoy having a cup of that at night as a dessert.

skinnyminnie

I think I can understand what you're talking about - caffeine has no effect on me, I use sugar to pep up and have energy. When I first started cutting it out, I would have days where I felt like a crazed squirrel was running round and round in my brain screaming "Sugar!!!". I would lay in bed at night (having no goodies in the kitchen) and lay awake thinking of eating tablespoons of regular granulated sugar to see if that would fix it.
I don't feel that way anymore, thank goodness, but I had to just cut it out a little bit at a time. I would pick one sugary treat that I would look forward to at the end of the day (a lowfat small frozen yogurt, a frozen hot chocolate, etc.), and then gradually when I would start forgetting about eating it, I'd cut back. Now, I rarely have sugar cravings.

rosebarnalice

. . . . My body is craving sugar and its not getting any easier.

Is it REALLY your body craving sugar, or it your head?

One of by biggest ongoing struggles is recognizing, acknowledging, and being honest with myself about when I'm my BODY is generating hunger or a craving for a particular food (salt, sugar, protein, water. . .) or when I'm eating out of some emotional/mental HEAD thing (emotions that make me want to eat include but are not limited to feeling happy, sad, tired, lonely, angry, self-pitying, anxious, stressed, celebratory, needy, bored. . . .)

I like the inspirational message that I read on some other thread from an MFP-er who hung a sign inside her refrigerator and pantry that says "WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ISN'T IN HERE."

wintervixen78

Try protein to help keep you fuller for longer. You don't have to give up all things sweet. Here's some things that'll help.

Honey and balsamic vinegar dressing (home made, a little goes long way).
Sweet Pointed Peppers
Fresh berries
Dried berries (high in iron and antioxidants)
Dark chocolate
Spices (mixed spice, cinnomon, nutmeg)
Sweet apples (Royal Gala, Pink Lady), try baking it and adding honey flavourd natural yoghurt
Bananas (portable sugar and a great night snack, as it contains meletonin).
Make your own flapjacks and cut them into mini portions.
Sweets made from just fruit (health food stores sell these).

I think that list is long enough, but you can have sugar, be healthy and loose weight.

Good luck!

javamom

I've heard it said that you can only replace one addiction with another. Have you found anything else that you LOVE to eat? Whole grain anything? Sweet Fruit? Nuts? Coffee? Hang in there!

Gallen88

I think I can understand what you're talking about - caffeine has no effect on me, I use sugar to pep up and have energy. When I first started cutting it out, I would have days where I felt like a crazed squirrel was running round and round in my brain screaming "Sugar!!!". I would lay in bed at night (having no goodies in the kitchen) and lay awake thinking of eating tablespoons of regular granulated sugar to see if that would fix it.
I don't feel that way anymore, thank goodness, but I had to just cut it out a little bit at a time. I would pick one sugary treat that I would look forward to at the end of the day (a lowfat small frozen yogurt, a frozen hot chocolate, etc.), and then gradually when I would start forgetting about eating it, I'd cut back. Now, I rarely have sugar cravings.

Lol @ eating tablespoons of sugar!! I know what you mean!! I think i will try the gradual method

Gallen88

I've heard it said that you can only replace one addiction with another. Have you found anything else that you LOVE to eat? Whole grain anything? Sweet Fruit? Nuts? Coffee? Hang in there!

I love fruit! I could eat fruit all day but it still doesnt quench that cravings. Maybe i should try making smoothies to kick the habit

dwarfer22

I also am having that issue. I started a wheat, gluten sugar free diet a few weeks agon and it is tough! Although I have been still using equal in my coffee, and drinking crystal light, oh and flavored oatmeal (naughty me) everything else is gone. All I can say is try to hang in there. I have noticed that since I stopped consuming so many sugar laden treats, I don't obsess over them as much anymore. It will get easier, believe me. I also was the person to try "just a smidge" of something sweet only to find myself inhaling the entire pack. Yesterday, I had 1 skittle. ONE. Yay me!

tater8589

I believe in all (well most) things in moderation. I mean when you look at it too much water can kill you! Enjoy your alloted amount and just keep it in moderation. When you have a craving its usualy your body saying "I need __" just don't go overboard Good luck

sd59940

Substitute your sugar with Stevia! There are many different brands that offer stevia. Experiment with different types I like NuNaturals White Stevia Powder

Serving Size 1 Packet
Servings Per Container 100

Amount Per Serving % DV

Calories 0.00

Total Fat 0.00 0%

Sodium 0.00 0%

Total Carbohydrate 1.00 g 0%

Sugars 1.00 g

Most of them have zero calories and are low in sugar.

http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269

jjkkgroff

I can relate, as a dietitian I can tell you that sugar can be addicting but in moderation it's OK. Dark chocolate is actually good for you, find small pieces and have one when you feel the need. Good Luck!

secostley

Try going off of the sugar gradually and substituting fruits or substitutes like Splenda. I went through the same thing trying to go cold turkey. It was crazy! I was literally addicted to Kool-Aide.

Now Crystal Light seems to satisfy my occasional craving for sugar. Note that your body is just detoxing. It will adjust a little better with a gradual approach.

Keep us abreast of your progress!


Shawn

T0RIEELIZABETH

i LOVE ice cream. but instead of giving it up all together, I eat frozen yogurt with strawberrys, or skinny cow which is really low cal.
and I'm also addicted to starbucks. but I'm letting myself have it once a week, instead of 2-3 times a week.

if you give up what you love completely, you wont succeed. you will go crazy, binge, and undo everything you ahve worked so hard for. you have to have days where you are careful for your other meals, that way you can have what you want at the end of the day and not feel bad about it!

FIREfitGrl27

The good ol’ sugar craving. A big struggle for so many of us and yes..I’m still breaking the craving myself!

I agree with the statement about gradually getting off of sugars. Going cold turkey is the way to say “hey, I’d like to fail soon…” lol, I mean, really. Think of it this way…we don’t all of a sudden consume 3,000 sugary candies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, etc in one sitting or in one day. No. We are gradually introduced to sugars (I assume from the age of birth) from consuming delicious candies, cakes, pies from various celebrations and none occasions throughout our lifetime. So going from the sugar overload to no sugar is unrealistic. So controlling that craving has to come in that same way.

Get use to sub’ing out those bad sugary things for better ones. I use Stevia (Truvia) in almost everything that I want to add sweetness to…from smoothies to my daily oatmeal. It’s great and it’s natural! From the research I’ve read, it’s safe. It’s also recommend as a sweetener by the BeachBody program I am currently on right now.

I also recommend trying to eat new things. Lindt Dark Chocolate Excellent 70% cocoa (or higher) is so delicious and you can have 3 squares for under 200 cals. The squares are nice sized as well. Also, I like Country Soft Organic Double Fudge dark chocolate chip cookies. They are low in all the other stuff like sodium, fat, etc…and also SUGAR! Try Extra! Dessert gum. Zero Calorie Lifewater…there’s a lot of stuff out there to help curve those cravings.
Just remember sugar is in everything that we from bread to milk. It’s just a matter of monitoring and making the best choices. However, if the craving becomes too much..just have what you are desiring. Have it and forget it. You don’t have to have it the next day or next week. You might still have the craving, but the key is finding a way to hold off from giving in to those cravings every time…like you might have done in the past! J

k2d4p

I have to say that I truly believe that the reason my diet is working for me this time is because I allow myself to have sweets. (just in moderation) If I have a good day, I have something sweet. Only now I have one something instead of 8 somethings. I really really enjoy Swiss Miss Sensible Sweet hot chocolate. It is a sweet that I have almost daily. (And I have lost over 70 pounds over about 7 months.

For me the reason diets don't work is because as soon as I tell myself I CAN"T have something, the 12 year old in me comes out and "it" is the only this I want. So I vote everything in moderation. I also find if I allow myself to have things, I tend not to want them as much.