How do you deal with cravings?

evonday

The day has just started, and already I have the worst cravings. I want to go out for brunch.

Cheeseburgers and fries, Taco bell, deep fried tangerine chicken, starbucks. My mouth is watering as I write this, but those are the things that have popped into mind. All sound delicious, all much too high in calorie. I've been good on my diet for the last 12 days, and I have a scheduled splurge day in about 3 days. So I need to control my cravings until then.

What do you do to get control of your cravings? I don't want to screw up my diet.

NuttyBrewnette

the good news is, cravings pass. We don't have to give into them.

I drink a big glass of water. sometimes that helps. not always.

Or have tea/coffee/sports drink that is low/no calorie.

grab some veggies.

go for a walk

Do something to distract yourself.

remind yourself of your goals, your inspirations, your reasons for getting healthier...

Missylydia

Do your nails!

heathhumble

I will drink water,find some activity to do until it passes.You can do it:happy:

fitnesspirateninja

I also drink water and tea. Sometimes a big glass of green or herbal tea is all I need.

I take a walk and see if I'm still hungry afterwards.

I eat carrot sticks, rice cakes, almonds, or have a square or two of dark (70% or higher) chocolate.

I chew a piece of sugarfree gum or suck on a mint.

I don't deny myself something if I really want it...but I always try to figure out if it's something I really do want or if I'm thirsty, bored, scared, angry or upset. I try to be mindful about my cravings. What are they really about? Am I truly hungry? Do I want a treat or this an emotional hunger?

Good luck!

SlimSarah30

Chew gum. Puts flavor in your mouth and gives it something to do without the calories. There are some really good flavors out there. Extra brand has a mint chocolate chip ice cream flavor and it's so good.

Just remember that each time you over come a craving your will power muscle gets a little stronger and the cravings get a little weaker. It does get easier with time. You can do it!

liveyourlifex

why dont you eat something thats low in calories but filling? try ceral. instead of having a high calorie cereal with milk, have cheerios with almond milk. almond milk is only 40 calories! you can also have toast with egg whites. there are some low calorie breads out there - ranging from 35 to 45 calories per slice. there are also spreads (jams, syrup, etc) that have zero calories! i forgot the brand but a lot of people use it. there are also shirataki noodles which have 20 calories per serving

luisabaeta

For me food has always been a huge source of pleasure, I simply LOVE eating good food. Which is a problem in diet times!
I'll tell you what has been working for me so far: find an "equivalent" that has fewer calories, so you can "fool" yourself that you've been giving in to cravings.
I am a huge starbucks junkie. I started taking the tall light caramel frappuccino (which has around 100 calories) instead of a venti full-fat one. This way I still feel like I'm enjoying myself and it's much better than walking around on a hot day dreaming of a frappuccino and feeling miserable.

Also, I have been keeping low-cal snacks at home. Sometimes I realise i'm craving something sweet, and instead of having a piece of full-fat cake or chocolate, if I eat a bunch of rasberries and blueberries, or a slice of weight watchers low fat cake, the craving passes. I think we have to give in to the cravings every now and then, we just don't have to splurge in the same way that we did before we decided to lose weight. We can do it less often, with smaller portions and, when available, low-cal "equivalents", it's easier to stick to the diet. This way you don't feel like you're not enjoying yourself and eventually give up.

sla0814

First off try see this "diet" as a lifestyle. You don't want to lose all your weight on a "diet" to just gain it all back once you hit your goal! Change your mindset to this being a lifestyle change

High fat, high sugar, high sodium types of food is not good for us! I still get cravings for those types of foods...try to give yourself other healthier options that are similar to the foods that you are craving!

When you get those cravings, chew gum, brush your teeth, go for a walk, read a book, meet up with a friend, etc. You can do this! If you need support, feel free to add me!

God bless

Adee718

This is my first time looking at the board and I would like to say that you guys give good alternatives to cravings. I start today trying to fight them and as long as you guys keep posting such good advice then I hope it truly helps. But it is good to know there is support out tbhere and I am not theb only one. Thanks to the post and good luck everyone.

koosdel

1. Make a shopping list, and try really hard to stick to it.
2. Log the stuff I gorge myself on, then try to work it back off with exercise.