how do you get through those awful cravings?

Have you read any Geneen Roth? She's big on giving in to your cravings. BUT keep in touch with your body. See how much you really need to be satisfied.

Sometimes I'm craving ice cream and one spoonful satisfies it, and I just put it away.

I did a workshop with her and she had us hold a Hershey's kiss in our mouths till it melted away. I'll never eat one again. Finally figured out that I find them waxy and salty and not at all interesting. A small bit of dark chocolate, though--delish and does satisfy a craving.

I recommend her very highly.

I second not buying stuff like that as the first most basic step. But unfortunately baked goods show up magically a lot (like at work)! My strategy is to just eat a smaller portion (like maybe half) of the decadent item and give the rest to a friend (or leave it for other people - just think about how kind you are being to allow someone else the opportunity to try the lovely dessert . Another thing I try to do is keep a healthier sweet around (like dried or fresh fruit) to substitute. Sometimes I'm even able to resist, but I only try if it isn't too effortfull

All in all, don't feel too guilty having a little. A truly sustainable diet change needs to sometimes include treats, but just less frequently and in smaller quantities. The nice thing is that as you cut back on sugar over time, the less you feel the need for it.

Hope that helps!

If my body is craving something, I feel like there's a reason. So, I always give in to my cravings but in moderation. If I'm craving cookies (which I do regularly), I'll just eat one slowly. Usually I find it only takes a bite or a small serving to satisfy the craving. However, I have noticed the healthier I eat the more I crave healthy foods

I always drink water before I give into a craving. I'm also a firm believer in moderation and that it's ok to give into cravings as long as it is done in moderation. Make sure to log in your calories and that will make you think about what you really want to eat. I do a long run on the weekends and burn extra calories so that is my special treat day.

I keep dark chocolate in the house in small amounts. Freeze it and when I just can't do without I break a small piece off and let it melt in my mouth. Other then that I drink water and keep 98% of the junk out of the house. Remember....moderation is the key.

If you don't buy them, you won't eat them That's my philosophy. I just keep all of that stuff out of my house completely. Works well.

Haahaa - check out my signature!
Also I try to pop some gum and wait at least 20 minutes before I give into a craving. They usually pass by then and I forget about it.
If I'm at home I'll brush my teeth.
If neither of those work, then I have 1/4 or 1/2 of what ever it is that I'm craving - or a healthy version of it.

I try to wait it out but if i'm pms i will get myself a cookie or a little ice-cream (just don't keep it in the house) BUT i do notice that once i have something sugary the cravings get worse for the next few days.
Strawberries and a little whipped cream seem to save me these days :-)
good luck.

My biggest down fall is the Carmel Frappe at McDonald's. I let myself have it once or twice a week. If you deny yourself things you will eventually fail. You have have whatever just in moderation. Don't eat the whole package of cookies if thats what you want...eat however many the serving size is.