SUGAR ADDICT about to go COLD TURKEY -Advice?
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Since you have cravings the same time I used to have cravings, at night after dinner, I'll tell you that changing the HABIT worked better than trying to get myself to eat something different at the same time. I think it was from the Identity Diet, but it could have been from that Habit book that came out within the last few years: I drink tea when I'm at the couch and once I've had that nightly cup of tea I don't eat anything. I've done it since December and now my husband can have chocolate or ice cream or pretzels or anything, and I have NO craving to have it. I drink tea throughout the day, but for some reason I have been able to convince myself that this is the last thing I have.
It hasn't, unfortunately, helped with the cravings I get when I'm stressed and the kids are driving me insane (if anyone knows anything...) but it really has ended my nightly eating. And I used to be able to down a whole Ben & Jerry's, convincing myself I'll have just this little bit...okay, maybe another little bit.... well, its' really not worth saving that last little bit for tomorrow.
The first few nights were difficult, but I don't think it took more than a week for my cravings to stop. My brain accepts, "I don't eat after my tea" in the same way it accepts, "I don't eat after brushing my teeth."
Celestial Seasons Apple Tea is pretty good, and they have a few different herbal samplers you could try to see what you like. And if you don't like tea you could probably substitute another habit in it's place. "I don't eat after I drink a glass of lemon water," "I don't eat after I do ten jumping jacks," etc. but I did find that EATING can't be the habit for me. Even an apple got my body wanting more food, and it really didn't need it that late (maybe yours does, I don't know), it wasn't HUNGER I was fighting, it was CRAVINGS.
Okay, sorry for going on so long...0 -
It wasn't for me. I ate a ton of fruit and vegetables trying to satisfy my sugar cravings and still stay under my calories. It was a constant struggle EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I can appreciate that that isn't/wasn't your experience but it was mine.
The first few days are the absolute worst and eating sugary fruit is just going to prolong the cravings. I didn't suggest she eliminate an entire food group.What's wrong with her eating fruit? She's just trying to get control over her trigger foods, not eliminate an entire food group.
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She's not craving sugar. She's craving the delightful combination of foods with sugar and fat. Candy bars, cakes, ice cream, that's what all those have in common. She's not craving fruit or milk or anything else that happens to have sugar, so telling her to avoid fruit is completely unnecessary.
Could it be that restricting yourself from sweets like chocolate and pasteries intensified your cravings, and not the fruit? This is why I advise people to teach themselves moderation. If I tried to go more than few days without eating some m&ms and instead tried to eat fruit to replace the sugar craving, I would just be more pissed off that I wasn't eating the m&ms that I originally wanted!0 -
That approach works for a lot of people judging by the forums but it didn't for me. While I was able to practice moderation by sheer strength of will it wasn't sustainable. It was a constant struggle. A restrictive diet with the occasional indulgence is almost effortless by comparison. If I don't eat it, I don't want it basically. I can't describe how good it feels to choose to indulge on special occasions versus the constant, nagging desire for sweets that never entirely goes away.Could it be that restricting yourself from sweets like chocolate and pasteries intensified your cravings, and not the fruit? This is why I advise people to teach themselves moderation. If I tried to go more than few days without eating some m&ms and instead tried to eat fruit to replace the sugar craving, I would just be more pissed off that I wasn't eating the m&ms that I originally wanted!
So my advice is don't eat it until you don't want it anymore and then keep the indulgences to a minimum and enjoy them to the fullest. Your advice to exercise and indulge when a craving hits is great advice for some people, I'm sure, but it wasn't sustainable for me because the cravings never really went away and I was never satisfied.0 -
What helped me when I started was plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, and chocolate protein shakes. But it only worked like one month before I caved in and got some birthday cake at a birthday party. Now I like moderation much better...0
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What happens on June 19th though?0
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I am not a huge ice cream fan but when I am trying to cut out unhealthy treats I seem to love frozen goodies. I think frozen grapes are my favorite. I also occasionally make smoothies. I use water as the base, apple, berries, pineapple and throw in a veggies like squash and spinach. The berries cover up the veggies and make me think I'm cheating.0
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Good luck! My go to snacks when craving sugary sweets are dark chocolate (darker the better) and a handful of almonds, Fage 2% plain Greek yogurt with berries or apples and natural peanut butter. I used to eat sour patch kids in bed every night, I feel your pain! I slowly, over three weeks, ate less and less every day. Now 1 tsp of sugar in my coffee tastes sweet. The cravings will lessen every day, you can do it! I feel so much better and have so much energy now!0
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ok, so you can:
brush your teeth. every time a craving hits if you have to.
dont do your normal evening activities, find something other than sitting in front of the tv watching endless commercials for chocolate and other tasty goodies.
call a friend to keep your mouth busy
take up a hobby that keeps your hands busy, such as a craft or the like.
exercise
look up diabetes damage pics
enlist your hubby for attention in another room (wink wink)
clear out your pantry of the things you are trying to cut.
clear out your recipe book too if you are a baker.
(doesnt help to clear out the pantry when you know how to make the stuff LOL)
i so understand what you are trying to do. btdt. some of the above helped, some didnt, but all are worth trying. good luck!0 -
I am like you, a sugarholic. I LOVE candy. I had to go cold turkey too because for me its either the whole entire bag, or none at all. Once I started eating a bag of gummy worms I wouldn't stop until they're gone. So I had to go cold turkey. The first few days were horrible. But around the fifth day I didn't crave as much and I didn't think about candy as often. I will either eat fruit or yogurt when I need something sweet. Something really good is mixing peanut butter (or PB2, what I use), vanilla extract, sweetener and a tablespoon of chocolate chips in plain greek yogurt. I've heard it called cookie dough greek yogurt, but it doesn't taste like cookie dough at all. But it is really good.
It'll get tough, just don't give in. Keep telling yourself it will get better, because it will.0 -
If I want something sweet but don't really need something sweet, I like to eat a little bit of dry cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Life cereal, Oatmeal Squares...just a little hint of sweet and filling, takes some time to eat because it is finger foods.
I don't keep supersweet cereals in the house.0 -
I cannot help that I love sweets.
pretty much everyone loves sweets. Allow yourself sweets in moderation and enjoy life. Nothing should be cut out completely unless you have a medical reason to do so. Just don't go over your allotted calories and you will be fine :flowerforyou:
I mean, it is like smoking or being an alcoholic.... I have cold turkey'd my way out of drug addiction years ago on sheer willpower, yet I can't go a single night without crippling want of candy...? I need to do this, just to show myself I can ignore that voice. Diabetes and other such illness run in my family, and I need to get a handle on my vices.
You cannot go cold turkey with sugar because it is literally in everything except meat. The only thing you can do is teach yourself moderation. Cutting out trigger foods in the short term can be helpful, but you will have better long term success if you gradually reintroduce them after a while. A life devoid of any sweet treats is unlikely to be sustainable for all but a few people. Self-imposed deprivation is one of the biggest causes of binge eating. Just keep that in mind.0 -
I am terrible sugar lover. Candy? Yes please! Baked goods? Pass them my way! Chocolate? Oops, sorry... didn't mean to bite your fingers there....
I usually crave the sweets in the evening, after my supper and after my logging is done. Its a nagging little voice that creeps in anytime around 830pm or after... It whispers ice cream promises and sugary white lies that I an not strong enough to resist most nights. I have been a junk-junkie my whole life. Always.
I cannot help that I love sweets.... but I can improve the way I show that love! I am embarking on a challenge I set up for myself, it starts today and ends on June 18th. I have many fitness goals laid out and carefully planned for each day. I have food goals as well. For the next 62 days, I am going 'sugar free'.. In such a sense as no candies, cookies, cheesecakes or ice cream. No cappuccino, no pepsi... Basically I am cutting out my crutch-foods. I am hoping this will result in me losing the insane sugar cravings I currently have.
HOW CAN I KEEP THE SUGAR CRAVING AT BAY!? Do you have any go-to snacks you fall back on when you really want a naughty dessert? I'm looking for some tips or ideas. Anything that will keep me from daydreaming of a caramilk bar in the evening!
A zero carb diet sounds miserable, best of luck. If you're not going zero carb, you're not going sugar free...
nobody is talking about natural sugars bud.0 -
For the first three days allow yourself to eat your cravings away -- just not with carbs of any sort, even fruit. If it's the end of the day and you're going crazy eat eggs, meat and cheese whatever works just don't give in to the sugar cravings. After those first few days you're golden. The cravings will be greatly reduced and manageable. Give it a few weeks and they're completely gone -- at least on a low carb diet they are.
I've been there and it's such a freaking relief not to be obsessed with food and uncontrollable cravings anymore it's worth the effort. Just get past the first few days however you need to. Best wishes.
So much ignorance. Eggs have sugar, cheese has sugar. Don't eat any carbs, then suggests eating carbs. LOL
love how this was a peaceful, helpful thread till acg came along.
OP you've got some great advice and sounds like you're on the right track. I think the fruit idea is where I'd start. Good luck!0 -
I love sugar as well but I've managed to cut back on my sugar consumption. I still like to eat a serving (or two) of a sugary cereal for an afternoon snack and sometimes have a fun size 3 musketeers or serving of ice cream for dessert after dinner.
But the crazy sugar cravings have mostly gone away. When I'm stressed, I automatically head to the cupboard for chocolate but it's definitely lessened.
I just think of it in moderation. I won't ever be able to cut sugary cravings out. I plan my day knowing I will eat something but I try to keep it at a serving or less. But since I eat something sugary every day. it's not as big of a deal as it used to be.0 -
Yeah, what is it about the setting of the sun and those cravings for cakes, cookies, crackers etc? I'm currently trying to figure out how to moderate those same cravings. It's gotten to the point where i have walked to the store in the middle of a raging migraine to get a bag of animal crackers (oh and a honeybun, and maybe one of those muffins there).
Today I succeeded at managing the craving (but the night is young?), Monday I had 10 Chinese donuts...
Some things I've done:
1. Eat low carb substitutes for the treats you love. This worked for me for a few months, but it requires: baking, expensive substitutes (e.g. almond flour instead of regular flour), and the time to experiment. It was rewarding and fun when I made delicious almond flour coffee cake, but there is an investment. Its not a quick trip to the store. My health took a turn for the worse and I can't do this anymore.
2. Berries and grapes when you want to munch on something at night.
3. Whipped Cream, apply directly to the mouth straight out of the can if you're a heathen like me. Or combine with the aforementioned berries for something more filling.
4. Sugar free torani syrups, add to.. things...
5. Address the emotional reasons for the times you don't eat moderately, with the goal of eating intuitively. I use mindfulness to observe what is happening when i go overboard. I also found this woman's videos interesting and helpful for my migraine binges (I was licking my wounds): http://www.youtube.com/user/josielenore
Currently, I'm doing the every other day diet, where I eat what I want (up to TDEE) one day, and 500 calories the next day. So my sugar donuts didn't hurt me but I still think it's best to learn control.0 -
I was hooked on sugar also. I have not had any in 8 weeks. I think for me, I increased my protein. I also journaled everything that went into my mouth. I allowed myself between 50 and 60 carbs per day and cut back my fat intake. I needed a lot of accountability.
I took it one day at a time. I have been doing some form of exercise everyday. Walking and water aerobics and yoga are my choices. I am 69 years young and I feel great after getting rid of 15 lbs. I am not quite where I want to be yet. For me another 10 lbs off my body would be great. In the past I have been a yo yo diet person, so I am determined not to take back the weight. When I get thoughts of wanting a sweet, I redirect my thinking to something else and remind myself how proud I am of me for resisting. It is just not worth it to eat what is not good for me. I know I will probably have tough choices, I will take them one at a time.
I just received a gift of kaula filled chocolate cups. I gave them to my husband. lol Can't believe I did that. In the past, I would of hid them so I could eat them myself and not share. lol Good Luck I know you can do this journey. You are worth it and will like yourself and be proud and maybe a little cocky. As you should. A big Hug to you for doing this journey.0 -
She is so right that we just need to get through the first few days to get rid of the cravings. Thank goodness I got rid of mine. Don't want them back. Say Nay to sugar!0
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I am terrible sugar lover. Candy? Yes please! Baked goods? Pass them my way! Chocolate? Oops, sorry... didn't mean to bite your fingers there....
I usually crave the sweets in the evening, after my supper and after my logging is done. Its a nagging little voice that creeps in anytime around 830pm or after... It whispers ice cream promises and sugary white lies that I an not strong enough to resist most nights. I have been a junk-junkie my whole life. Always.
I cannot help that I love sweets.... but I can improve the way I show that love! I am embarking on a challenge I set up for myself, it starts today and ends on June 18th. I have many fitness goals laid out and carefully planned for each day. I have food goals as well. For the next 62 days, I am going 'sugar free'.. In such a sense as no candies, cookies, cheesecakes or ice cream. No cappuccino, no pepsi... Basically I am cutting out my crutch-foods. I am hoping this will result in me losing the insane sugar cravings I currently have.
HOW CAN I KEEP THE SUGAR CRAVING AT BAY!? Do you have any go-to snacks you fall back on when you really want a naughty dessert? I'm looking for some tips or ideas. Anything that will keep me from daydreaming of a caramilk bar in the evening!
OP are you also cutting out fruit, honey, carbs, etc…because you know, sugar..?0 -
One note I missed... I am allowing myself two 'cheat' moments in the non-sugar adventure. This Saturday, a half slice of lemon merengue pie with ye olde holiday dinner.... and on May 7th, a half slice of BF's birthday cake. They will be logged and worked into my daily macros.
that is like a crack head saying I am going to allow myself a cheat day and smoke some crack ..I mean if you truly are addicted to sugar then you need to eliminate all sugar intake and never go back to the dark side, right?0 -
My go to is fruit. Lately I've been snacking on Trader Joe's golden raisins. I also bought some 85% dark chocolate squares for when I just can't resist the cravings. It satisfies the chocolate urge but isn't sweet enough to send me into a binge.
Good luck! Let us know your progress along the way.
Thanks for the fruit idea, I will certainly be stocking up on pineapple! Yum!
wait, pineapple has sugar in it….0 -
you know if you're eating fruit you're still eating a ton of sugar right? and still taking in sugar if you have any dairy? or most carbs? in all probability you're not going cold turkey on sugar at all, just excess sweets
EXCESS SWEETS honey, you hit the nail on the head. I don't want to cut out all sugar. I want healthy sugar, in moderation... so I can try to shake this excessive compulsion I have.
Am I thank different, that unique of a snowflake.... that no one else out there in the land of MFP can understand how I feel or just where I am coming from with this issue? I am sure it just mental but... it's been life-long.
ummmm sugar is sugar…your body treats it all the same…
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/62/1/212S.short < please review this study that specially says no difference in how your body reacts to added sugar or fruit sugar..
sugar is sugar…
you really do not need to do this ..it is unnecessary ...0 -
For the first three days allow yourself to eat your cravings away -- just not with carbs of any sort, even fruit. If it's the end of the day and you're going crazy eat eggs, meat and cheese whatever works just don't give in to the sugar cravings. After those first few days you're golden. The cravings will be greatly reduced and manageable. Give it a few weeks and they're completely gone -- at least on a low carb diet they are.
I've been there and it's such a freaking relief not to be obsessed with food and uncontrollable cravings anymore it's worth the effort. Just get past the first few days however you need to. Best wishes.
So much ignorance. Eggs have sugar, cheese has sugar. Don't eat any carbs, then suggests eating carbs. LOL
She actually explained this in her first post! She is not going no carb. So why harp on it.0 -
What happens on June 19th though?
sugar binge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0 -
I love sex so much that I just had to give it up . . . lol :laugh:0
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I love sex so much that I just had to give it up . . . lol :laugh:
is that how Tiger Woods got over his sex addiction?0 -
I had a friend with an actual "sugar addiction". She was obese, went to OA (12 step), had a sponsor and everything. If you believe that sugar causes you to lose control and binge eat I'd give OA a second or third thought. With help, she was able to avoid sugar and get down to a reasonable weight. Sugar to her was like alcohol to an alcoholic not a portion control issue. Good luck!0
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Make sure there are no weapons in your house. Good luck!0
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Advice? Learn moderation. You're going to have to do so if you ever want to be able to enjoy your favorites. Why not start learning it today instead of procrastinating for three months?0
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my advice is to quit cold turkey. the first day or 2 is the hardest. after that is gets easier. you have to break the habit. you are used to having a treat after your meal or at a certain time of day. reprogram your brain by not giving in to it. don't replace it with another food, that defeats the purpose. if you can stop eating the treats, you will stop craving them. and then you'll feel in control again. once you get to that point, you can have a treat every once in a while without derailing your weight loss journey.0
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I did it cold turkey as well with refined sugars. I was truly addicted. I needed 3 spoons of sugar in my tiny cup of coffee. I had multiple such cups a day. I ate a lot of candy and baked goodies as well. I tried reducing the number of spoons of sugar one at a time but it didn't work. I had to quit cold turkey. I think it was a healthy thing to do. I still ate natural sugars in terms of dairy and fruits. I had terrible cravings for the first couple of weeks but it died down slowly. Now I drink sugarless coffee without going nuts. I also reduced my coffee to two cups a day along with cutting the sugars. I had terrible migraines for the first two weeks. I managed with Tylenol/ibuprofen and lots of water. Now, I do consume sugar in moderation, in terms of an occasional treat or ice cream. The last two weeks were awful in terms of diet because of multiple parties I've hosted. I did go overboard but started zero sugar again today and I have absolutely no craving. I can control even if I have sugary junk at home.
HTH. Good Luck. You can do it!0
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