Question about cravings...

myiceisonfire

No I'm not pregnant lol Lets just get that out of that way...

I've been a VERY good girl since I started MFP on March 20th... No candybards, brownies, etc...

Lately I've been craving EVERYTHING!!!!!!...

Should I just have a junk-food day, eat what I'm craving, eat how much I want & just get it out of the way?

I wonder if that would be better to just do it and get it out of the way, than try to have a little here, little there. But I know a little here-littler there would only make it worse!


... What's your advice?

econn

i think u might feel guilty if u do that.. at least i do when i splurge on sweets haha so why not just try to work them into your daily calorie goal? work out a little more or eat a little less at your main meals to leave wiggle room for treats

mabug01

No, I don't recommend giving into the cravings because that reinforces the cravings. I got rid of my cravings by going on a juice fast. You could try a 3 day vegetable juice fast and see how that work for you. Now, when I crave sweet things I think of strawberries and cherries. You should ask yourself what you really need, because cravings are usually a sign of an emotional issue. It could be as simple as boredom or as complex as a childhood insecurity. So, look within and try something new ! And best of luck.

LivLovLrn

I have tried that before..just made things worse. I went back to eating whatever whenever however much I wanted. SO NOT WORTH IT!!! Hang in there! You can do this

Melbel85

When I indulge with my cravings I fit them into my daily calorie limit. If need be I will work out a little longer to burn those extra calories. If you don't allow yourself a little treat now and then it will be hard to stay on track.

candb

I personally have cravings I can indulge and those I can't. If I were to have candy, for instance, I'd keep buying more and more so I know I need to stay away. If you can, maybe have one thing you're craving if it fits in your daily goals. But keep it small...one brownie, not the whole pan.

smashleymcgee

I try and fit them into my daily goal. If you eat really healthy all day or workout hard, you should deserve a sweet treat . You might also want to consider the lower fat/calorie version of those treats- Skinny Cow has wonderful candy and ice cream bars, as does Weight Watchers. Avoid the splurge day though, it just makes things worse.

Monica_has_a_goal

When I indulge with my cravings I fit them into my daily calorie limit. If need be I will work out a little longer to burn those extra calories. If you don't allow yourself a little treat now and then it will be hard to stay on track.

Second that!

mamagooskie

allow daily treats, within your allotted calories. You know if you can fit a slice of cake, or a peice of chocolate in or whatever everyday as a night treat or something it will give you something to look forward to everyday and if you crave something earlier just remind yourself of you upcoming treat.

I`ve done cheat days and while they are `fun`at the time, sometimes they just aren`t worth the bloating, retention, and results the scale can bring.

jmjones66

It's easier to work little treats in with your daily calorie limit. That way you don't feel deprived and can keep the momentum going through your journey. Just remember, everything in moderation. Good Luck!

pinkita

I have a different take on this. I'm on Weight Watchers and track concurrently on MFP. I plan for my treats and work them into my plan. If I want ice cream, I go for a mini Twix ice cream bar (90 calories, or 2 WW points). If I want chocolate I might have one piece of See's candy, or a Fiber Plus Antioxidants bar. If I want popcorn I'll have a pkg of Jolly Time low-fat popcorn.

I guess you just really need to know yourself when you're following a healthier eating plan. What I know for sure about myself is that if you tell me I can't eat this or that, all I will want to eat is what I "can't" have! There are times when I eat over my calories or points, but I always give myself an exit strategy--i.e., exercise! I don't really "prohibit" any foods for myself; I'm just conscious of sodium, calories, etc., but if I really want something and it's not because of an emotional eating issue, I allow myself a serving. But that's the difference today--in the old days I would've just eaten an entire box/carton of whatever high-fat/sugar food I wanted.

Good luck!

chevy88grl

I eat what I want - when I want it. I eat it in moderation, but I find that knowing I can have whatever my heart desires (in smaller portions than before) makes my cravings few and far between. I think it is because I know if I want it - I can have it. It makes this less like a diet and more like a lifestyle change. Moderation is key.

Work the calories into your daily calories, eat it when you want it and let it go.

MB_Positif

I keep two dark hershey's kisses in my purse, when I am having a craving, I will eat one of those...sometime two if the first doesn't help!

CaptainMFP

I personally don't let cravings go unchecked, but I also think it's important to indulge them in a responsible manner that helps to train you to eat them responsibly when you're done losing. For example, I've not had a real sweet in a week; there is this awesome cupcakery by our Saturday farmer's market. After buying our fresh produce from the farmers, we bought two cupcakes -- one for our two kids to share and one for us grown ups to share. To boot, I worked my day AROUND this indulgence so it wasn't self-sabotage. In other words, I came in 6 cals under my goal, met all my nutrient targets, and satisfied my sweet tooth. Plus I ate it in the afternoon...my end of day snack will be some hard-boiled egg whites and string cheese. Here's the bottom line -- I satisfied my craving in a way that did not allow me to over-indulge and kept me on track; craving gone, and nutrition not derailed.

You'll find with time that it becomes easier and there are fewer cravings. We've had a box of Jr. Mints in the cupboard since I took my kid to see Thor back in May...it's still there even though my wife and I love them. We just haven't wanted them. Hope this helps!

Dtho5159

I fit it in my calories.. if I want chocolate, I fit it in my daily allowance. I don't stuff my face with everything imaginable, I do make sure to add something good in my daily calories.

njbooklover

I am the same way. I can't deal with being told I can never have something I like again. When I want to cut down or give something up, I have to start with limiting it to a set amount. Then when I know that I can have it regularly, just not all I want, I get to the point when I don't always choose it. Usually takes a couple of weeks for me, personally.

But, there are times when I eat way more than I should on certain things for a period of time. Those are usually my cravings for things I don't usually have or want on a regular basis. I have figure out how to handle them better.