Cravings Kill Me

theinklingered
theinklingered Posts: 4
in Food and Nutrition
I wish the title wasn't so true, but unfortunately it is. The majority of the calories I put in myself (besides drinks, which I'm weaning myself off of) comes from middle of the night cravings. I can be knocked out cold, wake up, and have this NEED to eat something. Almost anything.

I have the will, because I've used it before. But the last time I put myself on a different meal schedule (cutting calories as to how many I need not want), I felt so depressed that I slowly went back to eating myself to death.

I understand (through that experience) that I have very few coping skills/hobbies and I completely look for food for comfort. I just don't know how to change it. I write, I draw, and I play piano and that usually helps...but sometimes the cravings even kill that.

So, any suggestions? Criticism/advice appreciated! Thanks!

Replies

  • katrinajMiles
    katrinajMiles Posts: 71 Member
    So I just had a quick look at your food diary it looks like your not eating enough and when you do it is the wrong foods. I have found that it isn't just about the amount of calories it's about how and what you are eating to get those calories.

    I'd suggest you eat more but of better foods. Limit carbs to the morning and with lunch then have a lighter dinner and if you are hungry have a snack of protein (boiled egg, handful of ham, beef, chicken or turkey). Try and have brown rice and grainy breads when you do have your carbs and load up on fruit and vegies.. but good vegies not starchy vegies.

    Once you are eating more you will feel fuller and start to not get cravings.

    You might not even be hungry you may just be thirsty. I noticed you consume a lot of sodium. Your body can't tell the difference between being thirsty and hungry.

    But if you're really craving something it means your body needs it you just need to find the healthy alternative.
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    The food you are eating is not giving your body nourishment. You're not eating enough food not matter where your calories end up. If you were you wouldn't wake up hungry.

    Banquet food is terrible. Increase high protein foods, (eggs, nuts peanut butter, lean meat, Greek yogurt). Increase whole raw food (veggies, fruits, nuts). That was a lot of mashed potatoes.. not a smart use of calories. Skipping meals doesn't seems to be working for you. Try eating the things suggested above in small portions spread out throughout the day.

    It is baby steps you need to take. The first one needs to be switching how and what you eat. work on the sugary drinks later, as I don't think that is the problem.

    and about the sodium here is what the "experts" say

    "The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day — or 1,500 mg if you're age 51 or older, or if you are black, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

    Keep in mind that these are upper limits, and less is usually best, especially if you're sensitive to the effects of sodium. If you aren't sure how much sodium your diet should include, talk to your doctor."

    Also.. if your not drinking water, you're going to eat more. If i feel hungry at an unusual time, I drink 2 glasses of water and wait 15 minutes.. if i'm still hungry after that I eat something small and healthy.

    Also.. track everything you eat everyday.. Even if it ends up way over your goals. (if you're not already doing it) it's the best way to actually see where you can make better choices and what you can do to change it.
  • WinnerVictorious
    WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
    - your calories are set too low
    - you're eating alot of empty calories

    get off this roller coaster now. it will mess you up for years and years if you don't.

    - learn about the proper calorie intake for your body and activity level
    - learn about proper nutrition
    - learn how you can make room in your diet for whatever you want to eat, thus avoiding cravings and binges

    all of the information is on this site.

    check out the Eat, Train, Progress group and start reading everything. take notes if you have to!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    - your calories are set too low
    - you're eating alot of empty calories

    get off this roller coaster now. it will mess you up for years and years if you don't.

    - learn about the proper calorie intake for your body and activity level
    - learn about proper nutrition
    - learn how you can make room in your diet for whatever you want to eat, thus avoiding cravings and binges

    all of the information is on this site.

    check out the Eat, Train, Progress group and start reading everything. take notes if you have to!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    this a million times
  • ihad
    ihad Posts: 7,463 Member
    - your calories are set too low
    - you're eating alot of empty calories

    get off this roller coaster now. it will mess you up for years and years if you don't.

    - learn about the proper calorie intake for your body and activity level
    - learn about proper nutrition
    - learn how you can make room in your diet for whatever you want to eat, thus avoiding cravings and binges

    all of the information is on this site.

    check out the Eat, Train, Progress group and start reading everything. take notes if you have to!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    This is the miracle of MFP. Several strangers have given you excellent advice. Take it seriously.
  • issyfit
    issyfit Posts: 1,077 Member
    Cravings can be caused by a spike in blood sugar followed by an insulin response followed by a drop in blood sugar. Your diary shows you eating a lot of sugar and other high glycemic index foods. If you are eating these at night no wonder you wake up with cravings.
  • jaclynZ
    jaclynZ Posts: 49
    have a small snack before bed, 30-60min before. a lot of people say cottage cheese (ONE serving of lowfat, no salt added) and berries or some sort of fruit work. if you aren't a fan of cottage cheese maybe a small handul of nuts - almond, walnuts, pecans. again no or low salt. raw, if possible. not eating enough through the day would have a lot to do with it.
  • Quel1970
    Quel1970 Posts: 91 Member
    Even though I have been on MFP a year now, I don't post much anymore because I have found that some ppl an be VERY harsh. I wanted to respond to you because I can 'hear' the pain in your post.

    Read everything but take it all 'with a grain of salt'. You will have to figure out what works for YOU.

    I do not know how tall you are or how much you weigh so I do not know if you are consuming enough calories. Ppl have already posted links for you to determine that. I'm guessing since MFP has you at 1259 calories, you don't have much to lose??

    Regardless, I would have to agree that you are consuming a lot of empty calories and wreaking havoc on your insulin. If you wake up hungry, just make sure you are eating something decent (gulping a coke isn't the best choice). If its sweets your craving, try fresh fruit? If its protein, maybe a bit of peanut butter or a few almonds?

    Sometimes the less you have to lose, the longer it takes for the weight to come off. Be patient with yourself. Also, you can instead (or in addition to) changing your diet, increase your activity. Keep in mind, it is just as difficult, if not more so, to burn an additional 3500 calories a week as it is to decrease eating 3500 calories a week. Try a combination.

    Don't get discouraged and PLEASE don't define yourself by your weight :)

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