making bad choices ... suggestions please!!

TriThreat

Lately, I've been making some bad eating choices. When I get stressed, I want sweets. I love chocolate milk, and ice cream, and the past week or so, I've been eating something really sweet every day. I haven't gained any weight, I've been maintaining for a couple of months now since I hit my weight loss goal. But I know that if I don't figure out an alternative, this will probably hurt me later. What can I eat when I get one of these sugar cravings? Any suggestions would be SO helpful!!

Elizabeth_C34

Try doing some yoga. Take that stress and turn it to relaxation. Hatha yoga is wonderful for this and very easy.

mamamc03

Get the Yoplait Whips Chocolate Mousse. It is soooooo yummy and decent on nutrients! It will fulfill that craving. Also, Jello Mousse creations is Ah-mazing! best wishes! Congrats on hitting maintainence!

DannyMussels

Yogurt isn't too bad.

I find if i add cocoa to somethin, with sweetner, it'll give me the taste without the calories. Even in oatmeal or something simple.

You could try chocolate flavored protein, sometimes blended (banana or ice) will taste like a milkshake, or you can mic it and make a little brownie..it'll make a decent chocolate milk, sometimes in just water.

It'll be less calories, and a little healthier for the most part.

Whitneylol

Lately, I've been making some bad eating choices. When I get stressed, I want sweets. I love chocolate milk, and ice cream, and the past week or so, I've been eating something really sweet every day. I haven't gained any weight, I've been maintaining for a couple of months now since I hit my weight loss goal. But I know that if I don't figure out an alternative, this will probably hurt me later. What can I eat when I get one of these sugar cravings? Any suggestions would be SO helpful!!

If you're anthing like me- avoid the sugar cravings all together (for now at least) and find something to keep yourself calm/busy. I have been doing more arts & crafts lately because it keeps my hands busy and keeps my mind busy and relaxed!

TriThreat

Yogurt isn't too bad.

I find if i add cocoa to somethin, with sweetner, it'll give me the taste without the calories. Even in oatmeal or something simple.

You could try chocolate flavored protein, sometimes blended (banana or ice) will taste like a milkshake, or you can mic it and make a little brownie..it'll make a decent chocolate milk, sometimes in just water.

It'll be less calories, and a little healthier for the most part.

all of those sound really good! thanks

aWashCloth

Try having some alternatives for your sweet tooth. Such as 100calorie thinsation products or crispie minis with chocolate drizzle (only 90 calories) that way you can get your fix and not go too far with the calories!

TriThreat

Try doing some yoga. Take that stress and turn it to relaxation. Hatha yoga is wonderful for this and very easy.

I hadn't thought of doing yoga, but I will deff give it a try

Elizabeth_C34

Try doing some yoga. Take that stress and turn it to relaxation. Hatha yoga is wonderful for this and very easy.

I hadn't thought of doing yoga, but I will deff give it a try

For me, replacing "stress eating" with different stress eating was a bad move. I had to teach myself to take food out of the "stress" equation entirely. Yoga has been a really great way to do that.

chevy88grl

I eat something sweet every single day. I have a terrible sweet tooth and not having anything sweet turns me into a resentful, nasty person. I make sure that I can account for it in my calories for the day and I also look for sweets that give me more bang for my calorie buck. I tried to completely give up my sweets and well.. it wasn't pretty.

I've been maintaining my weight for awhile and am doing just fine with the sweets in my life still.

servilia

Get some vitamin C supplements and take them. It should help. Look up the link between Vitamin C, stress, cortisol, and the brain's reward neural pathway

NoDairy

bananas are great!! theres ways online how to make ice cream only with bananas.. any sweet fruit is better than junk no matter the nutrition facts!

maggie107

No sugar added Popsicle brand Fudgesicles. For two of them it is only 80 cal. They are creamy, chocolatety and yummy!! Good luck!!

mandirae4

I watched the show Doctors yesterday and they said if you sniff a grapefruit, it is suppose to turn you away from sweets. I have not tried it yet, but I want to try it. This sounds funny but it might really work. Yes and they also say you can get the grapfruit oil to sniff

servilia

I watched the show Doctors yesterday and they said if you sniff a grapefruit, it is suppose to turn you away from sweets. I have not tried it yet, but I want to try it. This sounds funny but it might really work.

I've never heard of that but sounds interesting. If anyone wants to use this idea I recommend getting a vial of grapefruit essential oil and that way you can take it around with you wherever you go - easier than carrying around a grapefruit.

Eleanorjanethinner

I heat frozen rasberries in the microwave with a teaspoon of sugar on top. V. low calories and feels like dessert to me.

You can also get no calorie jellies (for example, Weight Watchers) but I don't think they really scratch a sweet itch.

But I also endorse the yoga idea (I love yoga) or anything that works for you to relax and deal with your issues without using food. I'm a recovering comfort eater... trying to find other treats that work to soothe me.

mandirae4

yes they also said the grapfruit oil

jojonesnz

your problem is my problem eek!

i have atkins bars they are just over 100cals so fall into the snack categorie but low in carbs...... my 2 favorite are:
atkins endulge caramel nut chew (this tastes like snickers bar)
atkins advantage caramel chocolate roll (tastes like a picnic bar)'

i also eat alot of fruit when im craving sweet stuff:)
and im also a bit naughty and have a coffee after lunch to curb my cravings.......

good luck and if you get any awesome ideas let me know:)

CoraGregoryCPA

I can't stress it enough.. SKINNY COW ICE CREAM!!! It's the best. It's expensive, but yesterday it was on sale at my grocery store. Look for coupons!! Awesome chocolate fix!! It's so tasty!!

Also, GREAT JOB on realizing there is a slight problem before it gets really out of control and the weight creeps back up on you!

CoraGregoryCPA

Isn't Grapefruit pricey? I'd save my money for Skinny Cow ice cream with no guilt and you still get a sweet

I watched the show Doctors yesterday and they said if you sniff a grapefruit, it is suppose to turn you away from sweets. I have not tried it yet, but I want to try it. This sounds funny but it might really work.

I've never heard of that but sounds interesting. If anyone wants to use this idea I recommend getting a vial of grapefruit essential oil and that way you can take it around with you wherever you go - easier than carrying around a grapefruit.

dad106

I eat something sweet every single day. I have a terrible sweet tooth and not having anything sweet turns me into a resentful, nasty person. I make sure that I can account for it in my calories for the day and I also look for sweets that give me more bang for my calorie buck. I tried to completely give up my sweets and well.. it wasn't pretty.

I've been maintaining my weight for awhile and am doing just fine with the sweets in my life still.

Majiorly agree here!

I need my chocolate/sweet fix.. and when I don't get it, I go a bit insane and turn into the crabbiest person ever!

As long as it's only a tiny bit(like a serving of ice cream or chocolate) and not a massive binge, it won't hurt you. Why look for alternatives when it's not what your body wants? Your only going to be disappointed and resent it more, if you're not eating what you really want.

billsica

Someone told me that my sodium intake is so high that it is causing me to crave sweets. How is your intake?

I also eat yogurt and like chocolate milk after a workout.

Rilke

I disagree with the Skinny Cow suggestion. Their ingredient lists are terrible.

Why not just have a small amount of very good chocolate? Or some frozen fruit and plain yogurt.

A tablespoon of raw honey also works very well for me. Curbs the desire for something sweet, and honey is beneficial -- especially if it's local to your area

lawkat

Emotional eating can make us make bad choices. It is good that you have tied your stress to your desire for sweets. What you now need to do is not eat those sweets but find another way to deal with your stress. Maybe go for a walk or clean or read or do something to distract yourself. Find a new habit on how you deal with stress other than eating. It is difficult at first but it can be done. It take a lot of conscious effort but over time, it will get easier. There are a lot of books out there that deal with emotional eating and how to overcome it.

Meggles63

Fruit! It's sweet and filling...try subbing when you have a craving...I've found that I don't crave sweets nearly as much as I used to.

CoraGregoryCPA

LMAO.. really? I just had to pull out my skinny cow ice cream box. Ingredients are: Skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, chocolatey ribbons (coconut oil, pal oil, sugar cocoa, soy, etc), whey protein, calcium carbonate and some other small ingredients to make it ice cream. What is wrong with this ingredient list? Now I know it's only 9am.. but seeing that I have the box out.. I might as well eat one for 100 calories

Definitely do your research, don't just believe anyone.

I disagree with the Skinny Cow suggestion. Their ingredient lists are terrible.

Why not just have a small amount of very good chocolate? Or some frozen fruit and plain yogurt.

A tablespoon of raw honey also works very well for me. Curbs the desire for something sweet, and honey is beneficial -- especially if it's local to your area

Rilke

LMAO.. really? I just had to pull out my skinny cow ice cream box. Ingredients are: Skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, chocolatey ribbons (coconut oil, pal oil, sugar cocoa, soy, etc), whey protein, calcium carbonate and some other small ingredients to make it ice cream. What is wrong with this ingredient list? Now I know it's only 9am.. but seeing that I have the box out.. I might as well eat one for 100 calories

Definitely do your research, don't just believe anyone.

I disagree with the Skinny Cow suggestion. Their ingredient lists are terrible.

Why not just have a small amount of very good chocolate? Or some frozen fruit and plain yogurt.

A tablespoon of raw honey also works very well for me. Curbs the desire for something sweet, and honey is beneficial -- especially if it's local to your area

What is the "etc"? I'm guessing it includes artificial flavor. What are the "other small ingredients"? Long chemical-y names you didn't fancy typing out?

I'm not sure what you mean by "believe anyone". I found a box of Skinny Cow mint ice cream sandwiches in my own grocery store. This is the list for that product:

skim milk, wafer [bleached wheat flour, sugar, caramel color, dextrose, palm oil, corn flour, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, baking soda, modified corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin, cocoa], sugar, corn syrup, polydextrose, whey protein, cream, calcium carbonate, Inulin (Dietary Fiber), Propylene Glycol Monostearate, microcrystalline cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, natural flavor, monoglycerides, sorbitol, carob bean gum, Yellow 5, Blue 1, citric acid, vitamin A palmitate, carrageenan, salt

Ignoring the obvious HFCS . . . and the artificial colors . . . when was the last time you kept some propylene glycol monostearate in your pantry? How about sodium carboxymethylcellouse?

These products are just chemical cocktails.

Here are some pages confirming this:

http://betterlivingwithwholefoods.com/food-reviews/sex-lies-and-fat-free-ice-cream/

http://thehealthyapron.com/2011/05/31/is-it-healthy-skinny-cow-ice-cream/

I'd rather pass on the additives and enjoy some real food. Real ice cream, even.

TriThreat

thanks for all the suggestions guys, I really appreciate it! I've got some great ideas from the food lists you've put up, so I'm gonna get this under control

CoraGregoryCPA

No, mine does not say that in the ingredient list. I do the Chocolate or Cookie n Cream Truffle Bars. The last few ingredients are extremely minimal and were not what you typed below. Also, what food doesn't have these very types of ingredients? IMO, if you are looking to cut calories and try to have some sweetness, then this would be a better choice then eating purely junk with oils, lots of sugar or full fat natural ice cream. Come on, seriously?! I'm sure your good piece of chocolate will have some crap in it too or it wouldn't be "good".

LMAO.. really? I just had to pull out my skinny cow ice cream box. Ingredients are: Skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, chocolatey ribbons (coconut oil, pal oil, sugar cocoa, soy, etc), whey protein, calcium carbonate and some other small ingredients to make it ice cream. What is wrong with this ingredient list? Now I know it's only 9am.. but seeing that I have the box out.. I might as well eat one for 100 calories

Definitely do your research, don't just believe anyone.

I disagree with the Skinny Cow suggestion. Their ingredient lists are terrible.

Why not just have a small amount of very good chocolate? Or some frozen fruit and plain yogurt.

A tablespoon of raw honey also works very well for me. Curbs the desire for something sweet, and honey is beneficial -- especially if it's local to your area

What is the "etc"? I'm guessing it includes artificial flavor. What are the "other small ingredients"? Long chemical-y names you didn't fancy typing out?

I'm not sure what you mean by "believe anyone". I found a box of Skinny Cow mint ice cream sandwiches in my own grocery store. This is the list for that product:

skim milk, wafer [bleached wheat flour, sugar, caramel color, dextrose, palm oil, corn flour, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, baking soda, modified corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin, cocoa], sugar, corn syrup, polydextrose, whey protein, cream, calcium carbonate, Inulin (Dietary Fiber), Propylene Glycol Monostearate, microcrystalline cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, natural flavor, monoglycerides, sorbitol, carob bean gum, Yellow 5, Blue 1, citric acid, vitamin A palmitate, carrageenan, salt

Ignoring the obvious HFCS . . . and the artificial colors . . . when was the last time you kept some propylene glycol monostearate in your pantry? How about sodium carboxymethylcellouse?

These products are just chemical cocktails.

Here are some pages confirming this:

http://betterlivingwithwholefoods.com/food-reviews/sex-lies-and-fat-free-ice-cream/

http://thehealthyapron.com/2011/05/31/is-it-healthy-skinny-cow-ice-cream/

I'd rather pass on the additives and enjoy some real food. Real ice cream, even.

skidzarela

I get those sweet cravings too! The sugar free jello puddings are pretty tasty without blowing out your daily calorie count. If you want a little protein might I suggest part skim ricotta with a little Splenda and a sprinkle of cinnamon has a nice cheese-cakey sort of texture to it and is quite filling, again, without sending you over the edge. If I want sweet, I find it is better to indulge within reason than to try and avoid the craving because then I feel like I'm being deprived and can get somewhat obsessive--rebellious--and ultimately binge out. Moderation is definitely the key. I've also tried getting something like 3 musketeers or milky way minis and freezing them. It takes a while to eat one when they are frozen. You can easily work one sweet treat in per day for yourself. That way you know you'll have your little indulgence and have something to look forward to. Of course, there is the school of thought that says eliminate all sugar from your diet and eventually the cravings will go away. Not sure I could do that in a world filled with birthday cakes and chocolate commercials.

skidzarela

Well, propylene glycol monosterate is used to prevent ice cream from recrystalizing if it melts a little bit. I believe it is some type of emulsifier. I imagine quite a few frozen treats use this for the same purpose, especially molded ones like bars and sandwiches. It is not a natural food type and can be toxic at high levels (6 grams/kg) but you would have to eat a whole lot of skinny cows to reach those sorts of levels. You would have blown your daily calorie allotment long before you died of kidney failure. Personally, I prefer real food to fake stuff but it's all about personal preference and I do occasionally try some of the fake stuff just to see how real it tastes.