Craving Junk Food
NickiG724
Posts: 47
For the last week (on my re-start), I've been really good about what I eat and my calorie intake but, for some reason, I'm screwing myself over by craving junk food! (Chocolate, potato chips, etc.) I really don't want to fail again and gain my weight back.
Any ideas to curb cravings? Anyone else feel the same?
I'm in desperate need of some extra support and motivation...
Thank you for your time!
Nicki
Any ideas to curb cravings? Anyone else feel the same?
I'm in desperate need of some extra support and motivation...
Thank you for your time!
Nicki
0
Replies
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Black coffee. It curbs my appetite. Also, try green tea and anything with protein as snack.0
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If you're craving something, make an allowance in your calories for a serving of it.0
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Log it, eat it, enjoy it.
Yay.0 -
If you're craving something, make an allowance in your calories for a serving of it.
This. There is no reason to deny yourself the things you enjoy. You just need to learn to enjoy them in moderation.0 -
If you're craving something, make an allowance in your calories for a serving of it.
this^^^ and drink lots of water!!0 -
If you're craving something, make an allowance in your calories for a serving of it.
Yup0 -
Try not to think of eating as "good' or "bad". Dispel this by planning to have some, but control the portion size. I like mlroyals suggestion of drinking water to help with that.For the last week ...I've been really good0 -
If you're craving something, make an allowance in your calories for a serving of it.
This ^^
If you deny things like this, especially if you enjoy them, then your attempt at weight loss is more likely to be unsustainable. Go for a long walk and use the calories gained to treat yourself.0 -
If you are craving chips, eat a serving of baked chips and make an allowance for it in your daily caloric intake. Me personally, I know that I have these cravings that "all of a sudden" hit me. Which is why, I work out.. MOST days, and don't eat back all of my calories...so that I have room... in case of a crazy craving. But... you need to give in to that craving.. just work around it, within your limits, so that you don't go on a binge. Everything in moderation. Also, I do give myself a cheat meal a week and a cheat day a month, this way, I don't feel so guilty when I have that... donut, chip, cookie, etc......And the cravings don't come as often by doing that.0
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Buy some "fun size" candy bars, you know, the ones you hated getting as a kid because they're about a bite and a half's worth. :P They usually run around 50-80 calories. With Halloween approaching, you can find them everywhere!0
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You are not in that boat alone!! I read somewhere that the only way to stop the cravings, is to not feed them. So whenever I get that craving I reach for fruits or nuts (I stop bring chips and cupcakes in the house and refuse to buy them from the vending machine at work; cost too much). I've been doing this for about three weeks now and I must admit that my cravings have decreased. I'm not going to lie, there are times when fruit and nuts won't cut it, so I will go buy the 25 cents bag of chips. I hope that helps
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I worry about making room for those calories and treating myself because I fear I won't be able to stop...
Makes me sound like a weak person but, it's something I fear...
Nicki0 -
Try not to think of eating as "good' or "bad". Dispel this by planning to have some, but control the portion size. I like mlroyals suggestion of drinking water to help with that.For the last week ...I've been really good
I used to go by the " good & bad " foods but now agree there is no such thing . If I crave something I allow myself to have a small bit of whatever it is so I have had the taste so don't feel deprived !0 -
I find that when I eat stuff with vinegar, I don't tend to crave the junky stuff. 4 bean salad,tuna with dills,etc.
I also just discoved kale chips. I tried and tried to love kale, but had nothing that would work.
It is a little tricky to make, only because their is a fine line between not cooked enough, and burnt.
But the light, krispy texture, when perfected, is wonderful. I brushed with coconut oil, seasoned with Mrs. Dash, and coriander
Original recipe makes 6 servings .( make a small amount first, until you get the hang of it)
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2.With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
3.Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.0 -
I find that when I eat stuff with vinegar, I don't tend to crave the junky stuff. 4 bean salad,tuna with dills,etc.
I also just discoved kale chips. I tried and tried to love kale, but had nothing that would work.
It is a little tricky to make, only because their is a fine line between not cooked enough, and burnt.
But the light, krispy texture, when perfected, is wonderful. I brushed with coconut oil, seasoned with Mrs. Dash, and coriander
Original recipe makes 6 servings .( make a small amount first, until you get the hang of it)
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2.With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
3.Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.
I LOVE kale chips! I use that exact recipe! I haven't made some in a while, maybe that's what I'm really craving...?0 -
I have learned to make room for chips in my calorie count. An ounce of my fave BBQ Kettle cooked is normally 140 calories. Very doable. I also indulge in 5 Dark chocolate Hershey Kisses, which equal 100 calories, on most days. I don't chew them, but let them melt in my mouth and, you know what, it totally satisfies my craving. My other "secret" is the mini-size ice-cream bars. I currently have Blue Bunny 'Lil Drums. They have a light sprinkling of nuts on top and a drizzle of chocolate coating in a sugar cone. Vanilla runs 110 per bar, chocolate 130. Again, very doable. Cadbury, Magnum, and a couple of other brands also do the mini ice cream bars. Give them a try.0
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I usually try to fight off cravings for high calorie foods by telling myself I can have them if I wait until the weekend. Sometimes I find that by the time weekend comes, I don't even want it anymore. But if I do, I have it. Not a crazy binge, but often it will put me over on calories for that day. But then I'm good for a while.0
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I am so sorry, I have to disagree with all the people who say just eat it. From my own personal experience, if I am craving something and eat it, I just crave more. Instead of having things that make you feel guilty, you can make a chocolate protein shake or sometimes I will put cocoa powder in the blender with some frozen fruit and a little sweetener to make sorbet. Everyone is different, so if eating something you crave helps & you don't eat more, do it. Otherwise try to find a healthy option.
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I worry about making room for those calories and treating myself because I fear I won't be able to stop...
Makes me sound like a weak person but, it's something I fear...
Nicki
This is a valid concern. Many people have trigger foods that they are best to just avoid. Only you can determine if you can handle these foods in moderation or not.0 -
How many calories for the whole bag? Just kidding... But for people who might not be able to resist the temptation, having a supply of these handy is probably not a great solution.Buy some "fun size" candy bars, you know, the ones you hated getting as a kid because they're about a bite and a half's worth. :P They usually run around 50-80 calories. With Halloween approaching, you can find them everywhere!0 -
only thing that works for me as well! I'm in the midst of withdrawal right now..but doing OK,You are not in that boat alone!! I read somewhere that the only way to stop the cravings, is to not feed them. So whenever I get that craving I reach for fruits or nuts (I stop bring chips and cupcakes in the house and refuse to buy them from the vending machine at work; cost too much). I've been doing this for about three weeks now and I must admit that my cravings have decreased. I'm not going to lie, there are times when fruit and nuts won't cut it, so I will go buy the 25 cents bag of chips. I hope that helps
Some can moderate the junk food.. some of us can't.... because someone else tells you to keep eating it...doesn't mean that's what's going to work for you. I gain back control and stay away from simple carbs... then try again for moderating but can't seem to do that. Some ppl don't have that off switch..some do. Junk food isn't healthy for me to be eating so I'm OK with staying away from it. Emotions drift me back there from time to time and then I just re-start the cold turkey. Maybe one day I'll be able to eat only one cupcake but that day is NOT today!:laugh:0 -
I don't agree with everyone saying don't deny yourself. If you're like me, I won't stop. Once I start getting junk food into my system, I just want more and more. I say fight it like a smoker craving a cigarette. You wouldn't light up and just have one and expect to stop there. Nope, then you're headed to the store to buy a pack. In my opinion, it's best not to even go there, especially if you're a food addict and extremely obese like I am. But like I said, if you're like me. You may not be.0
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How many calories for the whole bag? Just kidding... But for people who might not be able to resist the temptation, having a supply of these handy is probably not a great solution.Buy some "fun size" candy bars, you know, the ones you hated getting as a kid because they're about a bite and a half's worth. :P They usually run around 50-80 calories. With Halloween approaching, you can find them everywhere!
It's the Temptation that gets the best of me. Just sitting there...watching me...calling my name... (That kind of thing!)0 -
I don't agree with everyone saying don't deny yourself. If you're like me, I won't stop. Once I start getting junk food into my system, I just want more and more. I say fight it like a smoker craving a cigarette. You wouldn't light up and just have one and expect to stop there. Nope, then you're headed to the store to buy a pack. In my opinion, it's best not to even go there, especially if you're a food addict and extremely obese like I am. But like I said, if you're like me. You may not be.
If I don't have a taste of what I want I will eat everything else in sight , be so stuffed it hurts , but because I haven't had that food I will still want that as well !!! So it works for me but we are all different so what works for me might be the kiss of death to someone else .0 -
How many calories for the whole bag? Just kidding... But for people who might not be able to resist the temptation, having a supply of these handy is probably not a great solution.Buy some "fun size" candy bars, you know, the ones you hated getting as a kid because they're about a bite and a half's worth. :P They usually run around 50-80 calories. With Halloween approaching, you can find them everywhere!
It's the Temptation that gets the best of me. Just sitting there...watching me...calling my name... (That kind of thing!)0 -
How many calories for the whole bag? Just kidding... But for people who might not be able to resist the temptation, having a supply of these handy is probably not a great solution.Buy some "fun size" candy bars, you know, the ones you hated getting as a kid because they're about a bite and a half's worth. :P They usually run around 50-80 calories. With Halloween approaching, you can find them everywhere!
It's the Temptation that gets the best of me. Just sitting there...watching me...calling my name... (That kind of thing!)
Oh I have been there , many times !!!!!!!0 -
As some sensible people mentioned above, please make room for things you crave, only then you can make this a lifestyle and not make it seem like a punishment.
ETA: based on some things i see above, even i have always had problems with portion control, but thats something we need to learn and make a habit. There is no way we can stick to this for life if we dont learn to eat everything moderately. There is no point in avoiding a single food group because you cant control it. Because if you dont learn to control it now, its going to be very very hard to maintain weight at some point in furture after having lost all the weight :flowerforyou:0 -
I suppose I do a combination of many of the suggestions. First, I grab an apple, then tell myself I can have a treat at the end of the day, if there's still room. I try to leave 100-200 calories in my "daily menu" for the end of the day, in case I want a treat.. Trigger foods (I used to be a binge eater-so I definitely still have these) aren't in the house anymore so they aren't a choice for me with treats.
What are some of day-end treats:
Alcohol: 1 beer or 1 glass of wine or 1 oz of spirit with club soda
Chips: are a trigger food, so I substitute low sodium pretzels, popcorn, or veggie straws
Ice cream: Mini ice cream bar, mini hagen daaz, or frozen yogurt bar (only pre-portioned items- no eyeballing a "scoop" of ice cream)
Chocolate: Another potential trigger food, so I don't keep it in the house. If I want chocolate, I have to walk to the convenience store 3k away for it. Usually by the time I get there, I buy a bottle of water or sparkling water instead. If not, no biggie because I've burned more than I'm consuming.
If at the end of the day, I don't get a craving, then I go to bed with an extra 200 added to my deficit.0 -
At some point you have to make this journey sustainable and I don't believe the best way to do that is complete abstinence for the rest of your life but a better option might be to work on the mental side of this journey. Learn how to deal with these so called uncontrollable temptations by getting to the root of them and learn self control... There is great satisfaction in knowing that you can have your cake and eat it too so to speak... Example I will be eating a bowl of ice cream later, it is planned, I set aside the calories and macros to fit it into the end of my day and i will enjoy every bite and will not feel guilty about it. Tomorrow I will have something else that I enjoy, Work on that side of this journey, learn to fit the things you want and like into your life and those so called craving will go away, why? because you aren't cutting things out of your diet making this something you can adhere too.... Best of Luck0
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I worry about making room for those calories and treating myself because I fear I won't be able to stop...
Makes me sound like a weak person but, it's something I fear...
Nicki
This is something to address. Do you really believe you can give up those foods, and "deal with" cravings for the rest of your life? Because otherwise, cutting them out entirely will lead to bingeing at some point.
I've noticed that when most people have a treat, they eat it quickly, as if it's going to be taken away :laugh: And I'm not talking about just people who are losing weight, I'm talking about in general. A good strategy is to learn to eat these indulgences SLOWLY. Make a square of dark chocolate last … bit off half of it, let it melt in your mouth, and let the other piece sit for a minute before you let it melt in your mouth. A couple of squares eaten like that will be as satisfying as a whole bar gobbled up in the same 5 minutes.
Another strategy is to serve out your allotment (i.e. count out the chips into a bowl) and put the rest away. Store it someplace that takes thought to get into so you don't just go and grab more (top of the cupboard, under the bed, whatever makes you take a bit of effort). Then, when your serving is gone, you're done. You don't have the rest in front of you, so you're less tempted to keep eating.
If you really want to cut these treats out of your life forever, that's fine. I hope other people have ideas for dealing with the cravings. But for me, it's easier to learn to have a little (and yes, it is LEARNED, it doesn't come automatically) because otherwise, I eat way too much other food in trying to satisfy/curb the craving, and end up with more calories consumed that if I'd just had the treat. But you have to make it a conscious decision, either way.0
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