Instead of giving in to a craving....

momof4greatkids1

I have been struggling to make consistent healthy food choices. Today I wanted a high calorie treat. This is how my conversation with myself went:

Take a breath and when in doubt, don't.
Remember how lousy you will feel, physically and emotionally, after you eat it
The momentary pleasure of eating this is not worth delaying my goals.

This little exercise helped me overcome temptation today, and break that cycle of giving in, regretting and beating myself up, and starting all over. Anyone else have any mental strategies that work for them?

healthynotthin

That's some great self-loving advice I like the positive approach rather than the negative hate-your-body-and-its-cravings approach.

Personally, often I find someone to hang out with or talk to in person while I'm craving something. Living on campus at my college, this is fairly easy to do, but I'm sure it's not too difficult elsewhere! I've realized my cravings pertain only to when I'm alone and I only crave things when I have the time and nothing better to think about. If I make it a point to talk to my friend or grab a cup of tea with them, I don't give it a second thought!

momof4greatkids1

Thanks for sharing that! It helps me get to the heart of what many of those cravings are about, which is avoidance of some greater issue or denial of feelings. What a positive way to turn that around to reaching out to a friend in relationship. A cup pf tea is a always good as well! Very insightful!

ANd thanks for replying, I was hoping someone would :-)

KelliW_runner

I always ask myself - do I want an apple? If an apple doesn't sound appealing then I'm not really hungry, I'm craving. I've been at this weight loss/maintain thing for 10 months now so occasionally giving in to a craving okay. To make it easier to stay on track, I have a little container of Godiva pearls (small chocolate spheres that are 25 calories for 8 of them). Many times that satisfies my sweet tooth without setting me back.

cramernh

I keep a 5L container of water in the fridge because I find often when I 'think' I might be hungry, its often actual a thirst-issue.

I do though find that when Im craving a crunchy item, I keep a jar of homemade pickles in the fridge. That crunchy awesomeness takes away my need right then and there.

momof4greatkids1

Love that approach! Do I want an apple? Great way to distinguish hunger from cravings. I will keep an eye out for Godiva pearls, they sound like a sane way to satisfy the sweet craving without the temptation of a family size bag of "fun size" candy bars.

I always ask myself - do I want an apple? If an apple doesn't sound appealing then I'm not really hungry, I'm craving. I've been at this weight loss/maintain thing for 10 months now so occasionally giving in to a craving okay. To make it easier to stay on track, I have a little container of Godiva pearls (small chocolate spheres that are 25 calories for 8 of them). Many times that satisfies my sweet tooth without setting me back.

momof4greatkids1

mmm, homemade pickles! Ever try Tony Packos sweet and hot pickles? They pack a lot of good stuff in a tiny amy of calories, crunch, sweet and spice.

I keep a 5L container of water in the fridge because I find often when I 'think' I might be hungry, its often actual a thirst-issue.

I do though find that when Im craving a crunchy item, I keep a jar of homemade pickles in the fridge. That crunchy awesomeness takes away my need right then and there.

cramernh

mmm, homemade pickles! Ever try Tony Packos sweet and hot pickles? They pack a lot of good stuff in a tiny amy of calories, crunch, sweet and spice.

I keep a 5L container of water in the fridge because I find often when I 'think' I might be hungry, its often actual a thirst-issue.

I do though find that when Im craving a crunchy item, I keep a jar of homemade pickles in the fridge. That crunchy awesomeness takes away my need right then and there.

I actually prefer to make my own... I have some very challenging food sensitivities and allergies so therefore everything is homemade... Im glad that my husband likes the bread-n-butter variety that I make for him... For me though, get some gahhhhhlic, sea salt, fresh dill, onion... or habaneros... mmmmmmmm

Evey_bee

Actually if I really want something and I've got it in I'll just eat it as long as my calories allow. If not then i'll have something else or just a drink. I'm not afraid of eating the occasional chocolate bar or biscuit as long as I have enough calories to eat it and still have a good amount left for proper meals, I just make sure i have one and not say a whole box for example.

Often I don't have sweet stuff in though, so I just end up with an apple, nuts or a protein shake.