Good afternoon...

cdwinters

So I thought I would stop in and introduce myself and ask for some advice. My name is Crystal and I am a wife and mother of 3. This is not my first time with MFP. I work in an elementary school and started using MFP last summer when my trainer suggested it. I did pretty well with it until August/September rolled around and I went back to work and had the increased stress level. I can't say that the stress level has decreased but know that I need to get back into the swing of things as I am beginning to gain my weight back:( So I decided to start today with the best of intentions and planned my meals for the day. Unfortunately, the best laid plans get blown out of the water quite frequently. I don't understand why I was able to give up caffeine so easily but can't give up chocolate or sweets in general. Any suggestions on how to get through the day without raiding the vending machince of chocolate? I really would like to lose a lot of weight and know that it is going to be a tough road ahead of me. Sorry, I am rambling at this point:(

h_eloise86

We have similar weight loss goals.
When I start to crave things, because I am a comfort eater, I either drink some water or grab a protein bar (I like to keep one or two on me at all times).
Good luck

KimbersNewLife

I'm sure I am going to blow up the message board with my advice. There are a lot of health nuts out there. Not that being one is a bad thing I wish I was. That being said the best thing I can offer you is this advice....Don't deprive yourself. you will be setting yourself up for failure. The whole reason MFP works for me is I can have my sweets(with in reason) Search the post for talks about TOM (time of month) and also search snacks for great low cal ways to still have your chocolate and just know that some days you have to build it in. I have a few dove candies the small ones melted over berries when the need arrises. Weight watchers also makes some great fudge bars these things are ok in moderation. Also on the days you have these sweets build in some type of excersise even if it's just walking and make sure you work it off.

BassBoneBabe

Welcome back! This might be an odd suggestion, but I find if I don't have cash with me, then I can't go to the vending machines :-) Bring some snacks that can curb the need for sweet, like oranges or apples. Plus these are things you can take a bunch to work, and they can sit for when you need them. I know it isn't the same as chocolate, which is okay to have sometimes. I have also go some of those warm delights minis, just add a bit of water, stir and throw in the microwave for some hot chocolate cake/brownie. I'm not a huge chocolate person, but I too sometimes just really want it. York peppermint patties aren't too high in calories, and perhaps can help to curb your need.

Good luck! I'm pullin' for ya'!

txcwgirl

I'm a chocolate fiend to help me with my cravings I sanck on the Kashi and Fiber One bars. This helps me.

weidner

I agree with "Kimbers Newlife", you can't deprieve yourself of anything, if you do, then you are just going to finally eat it in quanties that are not good for you. Buy chocolate that you like but buy in the snack size and carry it with you, it is better to have 1 or 2 of those than entire candy bar from the vending machine.

You have to prepare to be successful - but look at this way - you are already successful by just joining this site!

Hang in and write me if you need a friend!!!!!

Itmomma

I find myself craving chocolate too, what I have found that seems to help is I will buy a bag of kisses (plain) and will allow myself one or two here and there. Savor it, let it melt, enjoy your moment! It beats eating a whole bar.

cdwinters

Thank you all so much for the advice. I am such a comfort eater and today is the first day back from spring break and I really don't want to be here. I know that I use food for everything; when I am happy I eat, when I am sad I eat, when I am stressed I eat....are you seeing a pattern here. I normally don't carry cash with me for a multitude of reasons but happened to have some change in my wallet today. And even though I have apples, banannas and grapes in my fridge in my office I still went to the vending machine. I am so tired of people who think it is so easy to just "quit" and lose weight. It isn't like trying to quit smoking or drinking. Your body requires food so you can't just quit cold turkey. Sorry, here I am rambling on again. Think I need to start journaling or start a blog or something to get all of my venting out of the way:)

Thanks again for all your advice!

JJRunning

I agree with Wstjohn! The ONLY way I could stop eating vending machine candy bars during the day was to leave my cash at home.... and bring healthy snacks to work. What do you really need cash for anyway! Everywhere you go takes debit...... except the vending machine:laugh: