Help me!! I am craving all the wrong foods!!

lexy83

OK, So I started on my weight loss journey about a week ago and I think I am doing good but, Today I am craving sweets and everything in sight. Seriously I am not just craving one thing! its like my body and mind is telling me "go grab some fast food" or "go get a piece of cake, cookies, candy" I am not crazy... but this is really how I am feeling today... this diet is so much needed I have 150lb to lose and I don't want to give up... I want to for once be healthy and fit.. PLEASE SEND ME SOME ADVICE! ADD ME IF YOU CAN, I am new to MFP and I don't really know much about diet nor can not afford personal trainer or a fitness expert! Any advice on cravings or healthy meals and exercise is really needed..... Also I want to lose weight and not become saggy in the tummy or arms ... any workout tips or advice!

gameovergt

Biggest Loser CookBook

cucoyannie

would fruits help your cravings? if not look for the 100 cal paks from nabisco. or the lo cal jello or yogurts ,
tice cream anything! but just read the labels....
haaaaa
my hubbie just brought me a plate filled with blackberries strawberries and rasberries! i am not a fruits junkie ans this looks goood!
g luck!:drinker:

kimbirdy

Here's how I deal with that. I drink a lot of home-brewed tea with a squirt of liquid stevia in it. Also I drink a lot of water so if I do end up eating the wrong things, I am pre-emptively feeling full and don't eat so much. Liquid stevia can be found in the supplements area of Whole Foods and co-ops. I think you can get powdered stevia at places like your local grocery store and even Target.

missy1970eb

hi and welcome, r u drinking water, im not having any cravings but am drinking about 14 glasses of water throughout the day, and for ur stomach and arms u could try a gym ball, is gd for stomach crunches and i use mine also for toing my arms, also i do a lot of walking, cycling and running:flowerforyou:

Angel1066

Are you getting these cravings when you are bored? I know that's what happens to me so i make sure i have low calories foods to snack on or i workout.

LexieSweetheart

When I crave something sweet I eat a yoplait you know the ones with a dessert flavor. Or you can try a sugar free pudding cup put in the freezer to make it taste like ice cream

jenbusick

Some days are like that.

What I TRY to do (doesn't always work) is eat a high-protein snack. It helps if it's sweet -- Zone Bars are my poison of choice. The protein and fiber are filling, they're under 200 cals and they're CHOCOLATE.

What I try NOT to do (doesn't always work) is to give in altogether -- like, go on a total sugar binge. Anything to distract myself -- drink water, go for a walk, get out of the house and go shopping somewhere that DOESN'T have snacks -- it's really hard, though.

Hang in there, and if today is a bust, start over tomorrow.

ladybug1620

Keep healthy snacks around, so when you get the urge you have something good there to eat insead of looking for something bad to binge on.

melissamauney

I know how you feel. What has helped me alot is yoplait smooties, I love ice cream. They are 110 cals for half of the package. I also carry a pack of gum with me at all times. I love the Wrigleys dessert delights they help me get through my cravings.Key lime pie is my favorite. Keep in mind though the have 5 cals per peice. Hopefully this will help.

Behavior_Modification

Your title made me crack up. Does anyone crave the right foods?

Ash32b

Welcome!! I understand what you're going through this is week two for me and I started craving all the wrong foods. But I really want to loose weight so I am trying hard to avoid them. My advice....try not to keep the bad foods in you're house...chew sugar free gum or drink water to help get rid of the cravings....also I noticed when I work out it makes me stay busy so I am less likely to want a snack. As for workouts....I've been doing dance videos ....like Zumba....So you think you can dance...Hip Hop Abs. I also have a Wii so I bought some games to play like...Zumba...Just Dance...they seems to be good work out games and I have fun playing them so I end up working out longer. I also try to walk at least 30 mins a day. It seems to be working for me so far. Hope this helps and good luck!!

TwistedLemonade

Im with you lady. I had 150lbs to lose at the start of mine as well. So far I have lost a total of 60lbs. My advice for cravings depends on what it is. Theres different ways to go about it. Either A) flat out ignore it and fight it (not always the best/easiest/successful way) .. have A bite. Just one. Get the taste. Call it good and WALK AWAY. (again not always the best/easiest/most successful) .. but the way that worked most for me and still does... C) think of that work out you did today. how hard you worked. how long it felt like it took. how good you felt after. now look at that food and picture it all being for nothing. All those calories you burned... gone..... Tell you what man. That was the QUICKEST way for me to say no to cravings lol. Also when I was wanting sweet stuff. I would eat grapes or a granola bar. Retrain your head to want the better kind of sweet stuff instead of the processed sweet stuff. And drink lots and lots and lots of water. Use Crystal Lite if you have to (god knows I did. I cant stand plain water). And dont drink soda! lol

Anyway thats what worked for me. The guilt trip worked the best for me and still does.

myvenus

First of all, GOOD for you for joining MFP...you have to pat yourself on the back for reaching out Secondly, make MINI GOALs for yourself because looking at the big picture (losing 150 lbs.) is too overwhelming and discouraging in my opinion and experience....so put mini goals on your profile page, on your refrigerator, your desk at work, so that you can see them written. That will make you more accountable and "on track". Each time you achieve a goal, reward yourself with something (a pedi, a mani, a new shirt, a new purse, whatever). And DO NOT give up. Stay on this website, log your foods and exercise, get ideas from others, and get motivation most importantly.......this Community Blogging will help you, believe me!!! You can do this if you want it!!! Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels :flowerforyou: as for cravings, eat a small piece of what you crave (or a lower calorie version of it), moderation is key!! and move, move, move!!

CrystalS

Drink a big glass of water. :happy: That usually helps me feel full. :drinker: :drinker:

Painten

I've got a similar amount to lose. I ate a lot or junk. I never even realised how much of the food i was consuming was complete rubbish. When i started i set my mfp goal as 1lb loss a week. The only thing i tracked was calories and just worked on cutting down my food sizes. I still ate whatever i was eating just in smaller amounts. This is how i did this for me. I saved some calories to have a sweet snack int he evening when my cravings were at there worst. I still had meal off a week meaning i didn't count calories for that one meal and it was a takeaway.

I am doing this step by step. It's probably a bit slower than some people but it's working for me. As i go on i make changes. I don't have my sweet snack in the evening anymore and i don't have a takeaway weekly. I also now track sodium and have reduced my mfp goal to lose 1 1/2lb a week so a few less calories a day.

I would suggest takign it slow and go by how you are feeling. Good luck

grandmaross

i am feeling the same way today! i really want to go to mcd's for a number 1! I have been hungry all day. i'm not going to though-i think i will go to subway so i can get that "fast food feel", and when i'm not hungry anymore, i won't crave as much. It helps me to look back over my exercise log and also to see that i've lost some weight-i've worked hard and don't want to mess it up!

kimjoan

Gum helps me ALOT - I am really digging on the Extra Dessert gums, especially the key lime pie. Just know that when you are having really strong cravings it is one of two things 1) psychological or 2) something is out of balance in your body. I have lost 150 pounds so I have taken the same journey you are on and there is a mental reason that we got there. Food is an addiction and it should be addressed. Why do we eat so much that we make ourselves morbidly obese? It is highly likely that what you are going through is a combination of numbers 1 and 2. You are looking for those things that "make you feel good" and that you are comfortable with - gotta just work though it or seek someone professional that can help you with it. Re. number 2 - if you haven't already, go see your doctor and get blood tests done - let them know the journey you are embarking on. Your doctor may be able to tell you that you are getting enough of this but that that is out of balance and that will take care of the physical thing that is out of balance.

On the saggy skin deal... I am sorry to say that I do not have good news for you. I have exercised like a fiend, both cardio and weights, my entire journey and have the saggy skin issue. I did get a tummy tuck and am looking forward to the day that I have enough pennies in my piggy bank to get my inner things done. Just do the best you can and find comfort in the weight you are losing and how much healthier your body is.

Good luck and BIG props to you for starting this adventure.

Renita6773

If you like lemons...here is a recipe for a to die for lemon pie:
6 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
2 Tbsp butter
11 oz fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 large egg(s)
1/2 cup(s) fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp lemon zest

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.


Grind graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.


Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs, mixing with a fork until completely moistened. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of a 9-inch pie pan; place crust in refrigerator while preparing lemon filling.


In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk and eggs; mix until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest; stir until incorporated and pour into prepared crust.


Bake pie for 15 minutes. Cool completely and for best flavor, serve chilled. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Sweet tooth cured!

angel_eyes17

If you can set up your meals so you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner and a healthy snack at about 10am and another one at about 3pm, this should help you not to eat the wrong things.

My snacks are kashi dark mocha almond granola bar. (if you have 130 calories to spare) - 100 calorie cottage cheese and fruit packs. (apple cinnamon is good) - hummus

I work in an office where people bring in donuts and cake all the time. Today we had a girl scout cookie delivery. Needless to say, I'm avoiding the kitchen and I had my granola bar. Hope this helps.

tonisteedley

This Just happened to me as well last week, and I have been on this Journey for a while. Usually I never have that problem. But for some reason it was like I wanted cake, cookies, Just pure junk. It was terrible !!! I just wanted to keep going to the Kitchen and the Pantry searching and searching. It seemed like nothing else was going to help. I did eat a few things I should not have, but I tried to keep myself busy with other stuff. I even became frustrated that i could not find something at one point. Cause I try not to keep that stuff in the house. But it was a tough day. You just have to keep your mind off of it as much as you can. By the next day it was over and I had no more cravings. But I understand where your coming from. hang in there it gets better.

Liathanya

Hang in there! I get like this sometimes too. To be honest I have been in the same shoes for a week, and I will admit that the last week has been one long, crazy binge! I have been over my calorie totals 5 days in a row now . I will say it probably does not help that I have been watching Drop Dead Diva, and they have a doughnut in every episode.

The best advice that I can give is this: Find healthier substitutions for the snacks that you are craving, and learn what "bad foods" can also be good for you too. Here is a recipe that I love to make when I am craving all the wrong things:

Ingredients:
One box of store bough cake mix- Such as Betty Crocker Yellow Cake
One can of any flavor of diet soda you like. For this I use several different sodas depending on the flavor. Try Sprite Zero
One Tub of Fat Free Cool Whip

Tools
Bowl, Whisk, Spatula, and Cake or Cupcake tins

Mix the soda with the cake mix and follow the cooking directions on the box. Just omit all of the eggs, oil, everything. Only use the soda and the cake mix. It may take a bit longer to cook. Don't keep poking the cake otherwise it will fall. Cupcakes are a bit easier. Once its done, top with the fat free cool whip. Each slice is less than 50 calories, but tastes just like normal cake.

And remember, fess up when you screw up, write down everything even if you dont like the totals, and then forgive yourself. Skinny people don't hate themselves for every piece of candy they ever eat. They eat it and move on. The stress you put yourself though worrying about the calories is worse than the calories themselves. As long as you aren't bingeing everyday, you should be alright.

You can do this! It is not impossible! And I will commit to staying within my calorie limit the next 5 days if you can commit to it too. We can motivate eachother through these impossible cravings! I have 157 pounds between me and a happier life, and the sweet taste of a cookie, or the greasy delicious fries that I want so bad are not worth all of that happiness!

Agape!

francesrose86

Keep some nuts on hand and grab a handful when you feel the need to snack be selective though some are high in fat..Here's a website that breaks it down for wizards such as myself
< http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/nuts_nutrition.html >
also try buying some veggies(baby carrots, cucumber, radishes, etc) and put them in baggies so they will be handy--if you want something a lil more flavorful try soaking them in oil and vinegar and put fresh basil on top--yummmm.
And if that doesn't fight off the sweet tooth..get a bar of dark chocolate and nibble on it a lil.

Sigra

I'm having the same problem haha, Tex Mex sounds so good And I'm trying soooo hard to stop myself from eating it!

GoingAllTheWay4MeDee

OK, So I started on my weight loss journey about a week ago and I think I am doing good but, Today I am craving sweets and everything in sight. Seriously I am not just craving one thing! its like my body and mind is telling me "go grab some fast food" or "go get a piece of cake, cookies, candy" I am not crazy... but this is really how I am feeling today... this diet is so much needed I have 150lb to lose and I don't want to give up... I want to for once be healthy and fit.. PLEASE SEND ME SOME ADVICE! ADD ME IF YOU CAN, I am new to MFP and I don't really know much about diet nor can not afford personal trainer or a fitness expert! Any advice on cravings or healthy meals and exercise is really needed..... Also I want to lose weight and not become saggy in the tummy or arms ... any workout tips or advice!

jamie1888

Keep in mind that your body is craving these foods because it's addicted to them! Kicking bad foods is just like any other addiction! Your body wants a "fix" because you aren't eating as much of that stuff as you were before. 1) It's OK to give into a craving now and then. If you are eating right most of the time, a little treat here and there is fine! 2) Remember, the less you have these "bad" foods, the less you will crave them! It may take awhile; especially sugar cravings.

When getting started, I found it easier to try and go for periods of time before giving in to a treat as opposed to trying to find sweet-guiltless substitutes. If you eat a packet of sugar free splenda, your brain is still triggered by the "sweet" and thinks it's getting sugar. So, you will crave more sugar. Try to kick the habit! I have a HUGE sweet tooth. So, it helped me to set a mini goal... I will go all week with NO junk or sweets and on Saturday night, I will allow myself a bowl of ice cream or a cupcake or whatever it was.

I've been in a bad habit lately of grabbing a handful of m&m's on most evenings. And that's only making me want more sweets!

pchann

Haha I feel your pain. I read the posts and I tell ya I'm one jealous fella of these folks that can drink a glass of water and make the chocolate cravings go away. For me the only thing that makes the chocolates go away is chocolate. Here's some general thoughts on sweets treats and losing weight. I'll speak in first person so as to only speak for myself.
Throughout my life I have been trained to act and react in specific ways. Breakfast was optional. Lunch was optional and anything qualified as lunch. Now we come to dinner. My entire childhood the family sat down for dinner together. It was a full meal with full plates, seconds and dessert. A snickers bar and a coke was an ok treat to hold me over to dinner. Any celebration, good news etc.. was accompanied by dinner out. And so on and so on.

I'm 46 years old now and I have very fond memories of my childhood that include popsicles, making fudge with grandma and many others. At this point in my life I am in the best shape of my life and will never be fat and out of shape again. Do I still get cravings for popsicles and fudge etc.. oh ya! You must keep the goal in mind. The goal is to be healthy and proud of yourself. Have more energy to enjoy the people we select to spend time with. Extend our longevity and quality of life. I don't have grandchildren but one day I hope to and I want to play ball, run through the yard, keep up with the little grand kids that will be entering my life. It's these things that give me the inner strength to eat a piece of fruit instead of pop tarts (which I loooove). If you would like friend me and you can see my diet. It's a work in progress and always will be. Finally, yes, I still fall off the wagon and woof down some candy once in a while but there is an interesting aspect of falling off the wagon. It now makes me sick and I can feel it in my body. This is creating neuro linguistic programming within my sub-concious and maybe sometime in the future the cravings will stop all together. After all I only had to put my hand on a hot stove once when I was a kid to know that it's not good for me. That said I have noticed a dramitic decrease in the frequency and severity of my "wrong food" cravings. All the best. Only you can make you be you.

lalilalu

It's all just about planning. As someone else said, the craving should get better in the coming weeks as you get used to your new more healthy diet. But even then it's still nice to have a sweet treat, and eating yummy food makes you more likely to be able to continue on your weight loss journey.

Look up some recipes for low cal desserts and treats, there are some good ones on this site, or on skinnytaste.com. I make up a batch of muffins and keep them in the freezer, this way they keep longer and are not in plain view asking to be eaten. then you can just microwave it or let it defrost itself.

if you are not much of a baker then it's also good to have some pre-made 'diet' snacks in your cupboard. i get the sachets of low cal hot chocolate, little bags of cookies and some of the puddings and mousses to keep in the fridge.....

that way if you get cravings for lovely sweet things you have lots of options to choose from and wont blow out your daily calorie limit

good luck!!

lilemc2005

Happens a lot. I've begun to get a venti iced coffee with whole milk and splenda from the on every corner coffee shop we all know and love/hate. It takes a while to get through it and it seems to be filling to me. Kind of takes the edge of the cravings so it seems to be easier to not indulge. Good luck!

craizydaizy

Jello-o sugar-free pudding Snacks!! only 60 cals and come in awesome flavors like Boston Cream Pie, Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl, Double Chocolate and there's one with Caramel my guy really likes.

cng1117

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