I need chocolate and sugar replacements!

VCopple
VCopple Posts: 56 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi there. Here's some background info: I have been using MFP for almost a year now, and I've been syncing it with my Fitbit Flex for about six months. I have had the Mirena IUD for three months. I walk an average of 4 miles every day for my job as a teacher's assistant. I get some exercise at work and then try to walk on the weekends.


I have a problem with will power when it comes to chocolate or candy in general. The time sheet log bog sits right next to the candy jar. Every day I eat at least two fun sized candy bars. One when I sign in, and one when I sign out. I have figured out how to curb my cravings at work during the 10:30 slump I used to hit, but now I am having a 3:30-4:00 slump where I am craving sugar and chocolate like nobody's business. The last three days it has been a craving for a Bavarian cream filled doughnut.

I was thinking this most recent three days have been hormonal as I have been breaking out on my face like I did before I had my IUD put in.

I need ideas on how to stop the sugar cravings, and ideas on how I can still get my chocolate fix without 120 calories per day....I am open to pretty much any ideas you people can come up with!:flowerforyou:
«1

Replies

  • srr728
    srr728 Posts: 549 Member
    i get my chocolate in my post workout chocolate milk and my protein/fiber bars are coated in chocolate, or trail mix. So i get my chocolate but it all serves a purpose with protein, fiber or nuts not just empty chocolate bar calories.

    and if 120 calories keeps you on the wagon so be it!
  • snappled
    snappled Posts: 48
    voortman cookies
    no trans fats
    Sugar Free

    Canadian company that made headlines when it said they were banning trans fats. It became the first to do so in Canada and in North America

    I buy the oatmeal and chocolate chip kind
  • bwhitty67
    bwhitty67 Posts: 162 Member
    Ever try a Quest bar? The chocolate chip cookie is really good and if you can warm it for a few seconds its even better :)
  • Beezil
    Beezil Posts: 1,677 Member
    bump - I would like some creative alternatives to sweets too!
  • coconuttjd
    coconuttjd Posts: 37
    I would recommend a bit of intense exercise every day.

    For myself the endorphins from exercise have replaced the feel good feeling I got from eating. I still get cravings but they go away after an exercise session.
  • enchantedgardener
    enchantedgardener Posts: 214 Member
    I mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder. Lot of protein, low in carbs, low sugar, low fat. Probably more calories that one mini chocolate bar, but it keeps me full a long time and it's delicious.

    There's no way I could control myself if I were near a jar of chocolates every day. I don't know how you do it.

    (edit: I just looked it up. My snack above is 150 cal.)
  • strawberrygashes
    strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
    I can eat what seems like a lot of chocolate flavoured things without actually eating chocolate. In my preworkout shake I have chocolate milk with unflavoured protein OR chocolate protein in milk (almond/skim/hazelnut). In my post workout oats I put chocolate protein in OR unflavoured protein with unsweetened cocoa powder and some honey (tastes like pudding for breakfast). For an evening snack when I really want chocolate, I mix in a bowl, plain Greek yogurt (0%Fage) with unsweetened cocoa, sweetener of choice (vanilla flavour drops or honey) and then I'll add some raspberries and ground flaxseed. Because right now I'm all over chocolate and raspberry combo. It's chocolate yogurt heaven.
  • KhatLady
    KhatLady Posts: 51 Member
    I use a tablespoon or two of dark chocolate powder in my morning smoothie. Only adds about 20 calories and maybe some health benefits, but it's still chocolate which makes it feel more like a treat.
  • ratchet2
    ratchet2 Posts: 87 Member
    Make a hot chocolate with cocoa and a touch of sugar. 1 tablespoon of cocoa has 12 cal, 1 teaspoon of sugar has 16 cal. Water has 0 total cals 28. (marshmallows extra)
    Can you tell I am in Canada and there is still 3 feet of snow outside lol
  • Kixshots
    Kixshots Posts: 74 Member
    I put a tablespoon of hot chocolate powder in my oatmeal in the morning XD it's epic
  • Beezil
    Beezil Posts: 1,677 Member
    Some great suggestions here! I completely forgot I used to use unsweetened cocoa powder in things - I will have to buy some more! :)
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Are you sure this is the best approach? What if eating sweet stuff - the real deal or artificial - only maintain your cravings for it. Do you eat a varied diet and enogh fat and protein?
  • smallerontopthanbottom
    smallerontopthanbottom Posts: 18
    For chocolate cravings, I snack on a square of Baker's chocolate: the bittersweet ones or the white chocolate ones.

    If it's just a general sweetness craving, I spoon out a bit of honey and just eat it. Mmm...

    I swear, both of these are satisfying and low cal.
  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    1. Just plan the snacks into your daily calories/macro's. Done!
    2. Plan other better snacks into your daily calories that make you not want the candy bars so much.
    3. Curb the cravings by drinking coffee or tea.
    4. Eat a breakfast and lunch that are high in solid protein and also with plenty of veggies/fruit, thereby keeping you full longer.
    5. Bring healthy snacks to work, like apples or nuts.
  • VCopple
    VCopple Posts: 56 Member
    These are all great ideas! :happy: Thank you! How about you all add me as a friend, and then you can help me! Questions: Where do I find Quest bars or voortman cookies? I have never heard of either of these. I also went out and bought some pre-portioned nuts covered in dark chocolate cocoa powder (The Emerald brand) and I'm wondering if I can make these myself at home to save money? Ahamm002, I have done many of your suggestions and found that 80% of the time that works for me, but it is the other 20% of the time that it doesn't, which is why I think the cravings may be hormonal.
  • toronto_j
    toronto_j Posts: 206 Member
    Pudding cups or a chocolate protein shake. I haven't had an actual chocolate bar in months.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I would make it a point to not eat them on purpose.

    even for just a week. Mostly as a discipline issue.
  • _Calypso_
    _Calypso_ Posts: 1,074 Member
    Plan around the snacks. No one says you have to give up anything to make this work. However, sugar can be a big part of the issue for many.

    Alternatives:

    Quest Bar - cookies N Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Chocolate Brownie
    Ovaltine - Mix it with milk and a banana
    Nutella - 1 serving is enough to cure my sweet tooth
    Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
    Vanilla Greek Yogurt - add in 1 serving of dark chocolate chips
    Engery Balls - Oatmeal, dark chocolate chips, honey, flax seed and peanut butter.


    Also - look in Recipes - there are often sweet tooth ideas that wont break your macros.

    Try to reduce, but if you have a craving...its okay!!
  • JLHNU212
    JLHNU212 Posts: 169 Member
    I want to read what people have to say, because I LOVE chocolate!!! Thanks for asking the question, sorry I couldnt really offer any suggestions! :(
  • muah3iluvzu06
    muah3iluvzu06 Posts: 79 Member
    For chocolate cravings I'll usually have an EAS Carb Control Chocolate Fudge protein shake, 100 calories, 0 sugar, 3.5 carbs & 17 grams of protein.
  • konerusp
    konerusp Posts: 247 Member
    1.Eat fruit whenever you have sugar cravings
    2.Increasing the number of greens you eat in your diet will reduce sugar cravings,cravings are often bodys manifestation of a vitamin deficiency,particularly magnesium.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I would replace my chocolate with chocolate. And I'd replace sugar with sugar. And fit it into my day.
  • happycauseIride
    happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
    Bumping for great info too.

    I have just gone cold turkey on the sugary sweets in general. I can't have it. It's a trigger for me. Once I start I have to keep having it so I am just staying away from it.
  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    When I'm craving chocolate, I let myself have some. But it's plain dark chocolate. I just weigh out a serving or two. A little goes a long way for me when it's dark chocolate.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Chocolate soy or almond milk - usually < 100 calories per cup, depending on brand.
    Strawberries drizzled with a little chocolate syrup.

    Cocoa roast almonds - these are bit a high in calories but a few can be satisfying because of the fat, fiber and protein.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    I would replace my chocolate with chocolate. And I'd replace sugar with sugar. And fit it into my day.

    this...

    learning moderation is crucial...
  • gapeach1279
    gapeach1279 Posts: 37 Member
    I want to start off by saying that chocolate doesn't have to be avoided. Dark chocolate is actually good for you. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and also releases endorphins. I would suggest eating dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content you can stand. The higher the cocoa content, the more bitter and less sweet the taste. I myself, prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate.

    The Dove hearts are a good chocolate/sugar choice for me, as I can eat just one and feel satisfied. I know others may not be satisfied with just one, but I have some other suggestions as well:

    Cocoa Roasted Almonds. Just enough cocoa and sweet to fight the craving and packed with protein.

    Atkins Caramel Nut Chew Bar. 1 gram of sugar, 130 calories, and tastes so much like a Baby Ruth

    No matter what you decide to do, let yourself endulge every once in a while. If not, you'll end up overeating, trying to find the one thing to curb your craving, when it's better to just give in in the first place and have what you're really craving. In moderation, of course.
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Are you really "craving" chocolate or is this just a habit? It sounds like you just automatically grab a candy bar when you clock in and clock out without thinking.

    Maybe some behavior modification is in order.
  • maz504
    maz504 Posts: 450
    I really don't mean this sarcastically, maybe I just misread - but are you really only eating 2 fun size candy bars a day? If I were you I would just enjoy them as part of my daily routine, log them, and move on. How many calories could they even be? These are all great suggestions, but personally, if I'm craving chocolate, I'm gonna eat chocolate, log my calories, and fit the rest of my day around it. Good luck!
  • zanne54
    zanne54 Posts: 336 Member
    I'd rather not waste my calories on bad chocolate. Those snack chocolate bars taste like sugar and hydrogenated palm oil to me.

    For the same calorie "spend", have one square of GOOD quality chocolate - Valrhona dark is my current fave.

Categories