'Craving' help

xsmilexforxmex

So I have a bad habit of giving in to my cravings... and I'm having difficulty changing that. I work a desk job as a Medical Technician... I eat when I get to work at about 7 am. I am hungry again by 9am, sometimes I have a snack (usually a cereal bar or yogurt.. but really anything I happen to have that day) Lunch is at 11 and by then I am usually more than ready to eat. I bring my lunch most days but by then as much fast food is around I decide I don't want what I brought... After lunch I typically don't eat again until I get home (some days I will snack others I don't feel the need) around 5, I am hungry by then so I snack on something until dinner is ready.. all in all I usually consume between 1400 and 1900 calories per day. My BMR is 1400+some change, 1800+ some change is my 'daily burned.' however my weight has still been creeping up. I work out 2x a week but on those day my appetite seems to be crazy and i eat more. I can't seem to get it under control ( had been trying for a few months before I joined MFP, keeping a written log). I feel horrible after I eat somehitng I know has more calories than I should and I tell myself I will be stronger and watch it, make better decisions but the second I'm hungry that flies out the window. Does anyone have advice on how to get over this? I was 140lbs this time last year and I'm 161 now... I don't want to gain more. My clothes don't fit anymore and I feel horrible about myself because I can see the change in my face.

sdwelk11

I have a desk job too. I keep fresh fruit with me and yogurts and I drink lots of water... I also will suck on a piece of hard candy sometimes to occupy my taste buds.

ginareejoy

This week has been bad for my cravings. What works for me is keeping stuff on hand that is the low fat/low calorie version of what I like. Light Pringles, Weight Watchers candies, Snackwells bar...they all taste good. Just better for you. Fruits and string cheese are good too. And sugarless gum.

BritishGirl84

Try gum, most of the time when were hungry were really thirsty and havent been drinking enough water, you could give that a go and i try to look at my old pictures of what i looked like that helps me with not wanting to eat everything i crave

sdwelk11

just remember that gum can cause bloating due to all the air being forced in

maddymama

What do you eat for breakfast? I like to a big bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. The fiber really fills me up. Somedays I tend to eat yogurt with my oatmeal, and the combination of protein and fiber makes me not hungry for hours.... usually 'till right before lunch.
I also love to snack on Larabars..... the fruit/nuts combo really settles my sweet tooth, and fills me up for a few hours.
Also, eating the healthier lunch will probably make your afternoons much easier than if you ate the fast food.
Good luck!

luv2flyhnl

I've been off track for a while and just recently got re-motivated. I'm total addicted to diet coke and of course after I have it I'm totally hunger and eat what ever's in sight. I started a 7 day detox cleanse. I'm on day 4. I have found by doing the cleanse that my cravings have decreased considerably. I really think it has to do with getting my blood sugar more level and eliminating toxins in my body. I also think by laying off the diet coke and any alcohol has helped a lot. I think the more junk we put into our bodies, the more our bodies crave it. While I'm not saying it's not a constant battle (a big mac sounds good right now), I'm just keeping healthy choices around. I keep brown rice on hand, cooked and ready to heat up along with veggies that i've sauté and are easy to heat up as well. I find when I get that afternoon lunch lull some protein like grilled chicken really helps. I bought one of those mini george foreman grills, perfect for a chicken breast and it cooks very quickly. Hardly any mess. I know I'm at the beginning of the battle, but feel I'm on the right track. I know it's boring eating lunch from home when everyone else is eating fast food, but just keep telling yourself how much better you'll feel. And you will!!! You can do it.