Cravings...how to survive them?

tantalee

How to survive cravings? The mind set thing really doesnt work with me because my body is weak and always ones the fight.
So which are your best tricks?

thankful4hope

Here is a blog with some tips: http://www.servingjoyfully.com/2012/04/18/beat-the-craving/

rml_16

I was never good at fighting cravings, but I found a lot of substitutes. A few squares of Green & Black's 85% cocoa dark chocolate is as good as a slice of chocolate cheesecake but with way fewer calories, less sugar and some actual health benefits. Roasted asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper is a good sub for French fries. And a fruit smoothie at the end of the night gives me that "I had dessert" feeling.

But, honestly, the healthier I eat and the more I exercise, the fewer cravings I have. My boyfriend and daughter had pizza last night and the smell barely even tempted me, which is highly unusual!

cutethang1

I try to write them down on my craving list. When I get to a good day with extra calories or a day where I want to reward myself I re-visit my list to see if I am still craving it. 9 items out of 10 I usually dont crave any more. But ultimately if I am really really craving it, I have it. I have had a big crunch sandwich from KFC from last month and its still there! Hopefully at the end of this month I will have it!

ArroganceInStep

I look at it as pain and deal with it the same way I deal with injuries.

I'm in martial arts and rugby, so I'm often dealing with some kind of bang-up. I find that focusing on the pain helps a lot. If I isolate the location, quantify it, and look at it almost like a science experiment, it doesn't hurt so bad. I do the same thing when I'm hungry:

Where can you feel the hunger pangs?
Is it a craving or a physical response to your body wanting food?
On a scale of 1-10, how badly do you want what you're craving?

Stuff like that. Usually by the time I go through my questions, it's a bit easier to fight off the impulse.

KCoolBeanz

Cravings generally last for about 20-30 minutes. If you can hang tight, and take each one as they come, you'll get through it. Try replacing it with a different behaviour, like drinking some water, or getting up and walking around if you're at the office, or whatever. Eventually, you'll forget about it (usually well before 20-30 minutes is up), and it'll get easier each time to tell yourself you don't really need that "whatever". It's difficult at first, but it will get easier. :-)

engineman312

this study shows that people that allow themselves a treat early in the day (in this case, chocolate cake) fight cravings and have less of a sweet tooth throughout the day.

http://beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=2459

BrianSharpe

Possible strategies......

1) Substitution......craving something sweet, try some baby carrots. They're sweet and crunchy - quite often just chewing on something does the trick.

2) Distraction......find a hobby or activity that keeps your mind occupied, quite often you think your hungry when you're really just bored. Your mind likes to play trick on you, keep it busy, keep it challenged.

3) Willpower.....ignore the craving and it will go away. You're as strong as you want to be.

ladyace2078

I don't deprive myself, but I don't over-indulge. I also find good substitutes.

Sugar = piece of gum
Rich/decadent = piece of dark chocolate
Crunchy = carrots/hummus
Salty = Edamame + sea salt
Bread = Pumpkin Protein Muffins (recipe on recipes board)

jasper186

I have a cup of tea, that usually works for me but sometimes I just give in.

dme1977

I also do hot tea...
but if that doesn't do the trick i either eat popcorn, yogurt or a FEW (like 5) M&M z
(depends what Im craving... chocolate, salty, creamy)

rml_16

I have a cup of tea, that usually works for me but sometimes I just give in.

Oh, yes. This is a good one!