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SUGAR ADDICT about to go COLD TURKEY -Advice?

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Replies

  • Posts: 29,136 Member

    Where'd he go??

    hahaha so predictable. :laugh:

    to a magical place called bed …

    and I am not going to play your stupid little games…..

    really reddy you are so predictable that it is getting boring…

    but congrats on white knighting this thread too ...
  • Posts: 617 Member
    I'd thank to thank everyone for their advice, thoughts, and the info you have shared.

    I am not looking to cut out all sugar, or carbs.... I am not looking to cut out natural sugar. My problem is a mental one, I am more than sure. It isn't carbs I crave, not fruit, juice... It is the stuff you see in the supermarket checkout... the last minute items. Chocolate bars, soda, that sort of thing.

    I have been given lots of good ideas here to help me try and distract myself from the urge... Really, I just want to go without giving into the 'caramilk craving' in hopes that time will lessen it's hold on me, time heals all wounds as they say... That is the hope I have in this endeavor.

    As for what happens on June 19.... I have several trips coming up this summer. As many people have goal rewards for themselves... new outfits, tattoos, etc... I am using my upcoming trips and activities as 'mile markers' on my journey. For example, I stick to my current work out schedule up to june 18, then on June 19 we leave for a road trip to QC for Amnesia Rockfest. When I get home, I start a new workout schedule that takes me up to my Girls weekend... then my next round takes me up to my trip to AB.... You get the idea. :)

    Again, thank you all so very much for taking the time to try and help me. Gifs, science, and all :P
  • Posts: 617 Member

    to a magical place called bed …

    and I am not going to play your stupid little games…..

    really reddy you are so predictable that it is getting boring…

    but congrats on white knighting this thread too ...

    I went to bed too, hahaha :)
  • Posts: 29,136 Member
    I'd thank to thank everyone for their advice, thoughts, and the info you have shared.

    I am not looking to cut out all sugar, or carbs.... I am not looking to cut out natural sugar. My problem is a mental one, I am more than sure. It isn't carbs I crave, not fruit, juice... It is the stuff you see in the supermarket checkout... the last minute items. Chocolate bars, soda, that sort of thing.

    I have been given lots of good ideas here to help me try and distract myself from the urge... Really, I just want to go without giving into the 'caramilk craving' in hopes that time will lessen it's hold on me, time heals all wounds as they say... That is the hope I have in this endeavor.

    As for what happens on June 19.... I have several trips coming up this summer. As many people have goal rewards for themselves... new outfits, tattoos, etc... I am using my upcoming trips and activities as 'mile markers' on my journey. For example, I stick to my current work out schedule up to june 18, then on June 19 we leave for a road trip to QC for Amnesia Rockfest. When I get home, I start a new workout schedule that takes me up to my Girls weekend... then my next round takes me up to my trip to AB.... You get the idea. :)

    Again, thank you all so very much for taking the time to try and help me. Gifs, science, and all :P

    OP - do what you must…but IMO you would be better off using the next few months to teach yourself some moderation rather then just saying I am going to ban "some" sugars…that is just my .02….
  • Posts: 60 Member
    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!

    I have given up eating sweet foods for the most part. It saves me calories and also works for me in that I find it easier just to think "no I don't eat that" than to debate with myself whether I can work it into my day, so it's now rare that I go over my calorie allowance (or go to bed hungry because I've over eaten early in the day). If I really want something sweet then sometimes I will have a small diet fizzy drink, or a protein bar. Porridge with banana and peanut butter also hits the spot! Mostly I will have something completely different though like some salty nuts, or something creamy or cheesy. I now have room for that type of treat in my calories because I'm not eating the sweet stuff.
  • Posts: 617 Member

    OP - do what you must…but IMO you would be better off using the next few months to teach yourself some moderation rather then just saying I am going to ban "some" sugars…that is just my .02….

    I do appreciate this, but I know that never works for me. I try moderation, and do 'ok' for a time... but then I find myself just trying to find ways to fit that cheesecake, icecream, whatever into my day and make that my focus instead of ensuring the day is properly healthful.

    I know, I sound frikken nuts to say it, but I know it is my weakness... my shortcoming. When quitting smoking, I couldn't do moderation. I'd cave and go past my 'daily allowance'... Same with candy bars and such... I can't seem to hold back once I start.
  • Posts: 166 Member
    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: I did this for February (with the exception of the fact that I did eat refined carbs a couple of times a week), I completely understand where you are coming from I did it as I couldn't even have tea without having sugar in it, I was drinking fizzy drinks EVERY day and then having chocolate/sweets/porridge with sugar. It was hard but I dropped 6lbs in 2-3 weeks and now I don't drink fizzy drinks or add sugar to porridge or hot drinks, I still have too much chocolate (just cannot crack that habit so I just make room for it), my saving grace was tinned fruit in fruit juice (some are with syrup). I did dream about chocolate brownies though lol. First few days I had headaches and I was tired but after that I was fine, really helped me as I used to have blood sugar crashes during intense exercise but I no longer do :smile:

    Good Luck!

    P.S Everyone knows fruit has sugar *blah, blah blah* it's clear the OP is not referring to this
  • Posts: 5,609 Member

    OP - do what you must…but IMO you would be better off using the next few months to teach yourself some moderation rather then just saying I am going to ban "some" sugars…that is just my .02….

    Your best bet would probably be to cut it back (drastically) for about a month or two. Then when you no longer crave it, try reintroducing the trigger foods in moderation.

    Otherwise if you try moderation now, you MAY be setting yourself for failure - IMO.
  • Posts: 29,136 Member

    I do appreciate this, but I know that never works for me. I try moderation, and do 'ok' for a time... but then I find myself just trying to find ways to fit that cheesecake, icecream, whatever into my day and make that my focus instead of ensuring the day is properly healthful.

    I know, I sound frikken nuts to say it, but I know it is my weakness... my shortcoming. When quitting smoking, I couldn't do moderation. I'd cave and go past my 'daily allowance'... Same with candy bars and such... I can't seem to hold back once I start.

    last comment and then I will leave it alone..

    are you going to do this for life? Abandon certain sugars for three months, then start eating "some" again, and then end up overeating on them and repeat the cycle? If you start now, then maybe you can learn to enjoy them in moderation and not have to resort to that drastic cycle over and over …..
  • Posts: 617 Member

    last comment and then I will leave it alone..

    are you going to do this for life? Abandon certain sugars for three months, then start eating "some" again, and then end up overeating on them and repeat the cycle? If you start now, then maybe you can learn to enjoy them in moderation and not have to resort to that drastic cycle over and over …..

    For life, maybe not. This is about me showing myself it can be done... I just want to show myself I can move beyond this nightly battle with my mind telling me it NEEDS it. I can now enjoy a cigar once in a blue moon on a special occasion without running out to buy a pack of cigarettes; I'd like to reach this point with cakes, candies and sweets.
  • Posts: 617 Member

    For life, maybe not. This is about me showing myself it can be done... I just want to show myself I can move beyond this nightly battle with my mind telling me it NEEDS it. I can now enjoy a cigar once in a blue moon on a special occasion without running out to buy a pack of cigarettes; I'd like to reach this point with cakes, candies and sweets.

    I really do appreciate the point you are trying to make, I know you are trying to help me avoid setting myself up for failure, saying to just learn moderation now.... This IS my way of trying to do that. I do thank you for your help, I know you are trying.. same as everyone else here :)
  • Posts: 29,136 Member

    For life, maybe not. This is about me showing myself it can be done... I just want to show myself I can move beyond this nightly battle with my mind telling me it NEEDS it. I can now enjoy a cigar once in a blue moon on a special occasion without running out to buy a pack of cigarettes; I'd like to reach this point with cakes, candies and sweets.

    well good luck to you ...
  • Posts: 29 Member
    Hi Warrior Prince
    I understand everything you said. I am a sugar addict also. I take Spirulina and Chlorella to level my sugar cravings and keep the wolves at bay. This is a whole food, not a vitamin. .

    1. Spirulina and Chlorella (cuts sugar cravings)
    2. Cut grapes in half, place in freezer. (You are forced to eat these slowly)
    3. Chocolate Recovery Protein drink (1 scoop for 125 Calories-reward after hard workouts)

    This is my first post. :glasses: GOOD LUCK and let me know what works for you.
  • Posts: 1,145 Member

    well good luck to you ...

    I think you just can't relate (and that's ok cos I can't relate to how you can't relate and can moderate time and again).

    It's ok to abstain.

    Sometimes you can dial it up and sometimes you have to dial it down.

    I do think the better your nutrients are as a whole and over the course of the week, the easier it is to practice moderation.
  • Posts: 184 Member
    If you're like me, it's the taste of sweet that sends an instant rush to the pleasure center of my brain and causes an immediate drive to consume more. Smug posturing over the fraction of a gram of sugar in an egg is beside the point. No sweet taste, no compulsion. Cold turkey is absolutely the way to go, and I excluded fruits too, because sweet is sweet, at least for me. My bingeing has stopped cold, too. Restriction isn't right for everyone, but it is for me, and might be for you. Good luck.
  • Posts: 4,537 Member

    Stupid science! How does it work?!?!

    No really, man. How dare you bring facts and things into this when people are clearly trying to be unhelpful and obnoxious?

    How's the view from down there?
  • Posts: 297

    Your best bet would probably be to cut it back (drastically) for about a month or two. Then when you no longer crave it, try reintroducing the trigger foods in moderation.

    Otherwise if you try moderation now, you MAY be setting yourself for failure - IMO.

    You. I like you. You talk the sense and use your brain cells and stuff.
  • Posts: 617 Member

    You. I like you. You talk the sense and use your brain cells and stuff.

    I liked that thought as well :)
  • Posts: 617 Member
    I wish I had called this thread "Junk food junkie looking for ways to curb cravings" or something but... as is the norm, words often fail me when it counts. It would have (maybe) helped with all the cutting carbs and fruit ideas :/
  • Posts: 49,136 Member
    My experience with people who do the "all or nothing" approach? The "all" is short lived. Rarely have I seen it succeed.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Posts: 125 Member
    good luck with your sugarless quest. however, knowing i can't have something makes me want it all the more. :devil:
  • Posts: 617 Member
    My experience with people who do the "all or nothing" approach? The "all" is short lived. Rarely have I seen it succeed.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    It's not all or nothing, I am just trying to give my body a 'breather' to get over the feeling that my body and mind scream they need it. :(
  • Posts: 5,609 Member

    I liked that thought as well :)

    Thanks, it's what I did for my own personal study of one (sorry but it's not peer reviewed so it may not hold much water for ndj or tigersworld) and it seems to be working fine.

    Good luck with whatever you try, hope you find something that works.
  • Posts: 2,860 Member
    My experience with people who do the "all or nothing" approach? The "all" is short lived. Rarely have I seen it succeed.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Looks at ticker..

    Seems to have succeeded for me...

    plus. she didn't say she'd never have another goodie for the rest of her life. All or nothing responses rarely succeed in making their point.

    Much much easier to not eat the entire cake once you've kick the sugar addiction to the curb. I can have 1 cookie now if I want to and be happy.
  • Posts: 297
    My experience with people who do the "all or nothing" approach? The "all" is short lived. Rarely have I seen it succeed.

    Well it would seem time to update that experience, friend. There are several in this thread who have done it and succeeded just fine. I would be one of them.
  • Posts: 4,537 Member

    Looks at ticker..

    Seems to have succeeded for me...

    plus. she didn't say she'd never have another goodie for the rest of her life. All or nothing responses rarely succeed in making their point.

    Much much easier to not eat the entire cake once you've kick the sugar addiction to the curb. I can have 1 cookie now if I want to and be happy.

    So you learned moderation?
  • Posts: 5,609 Member

    So you learned moderation?

    I think you are missing the point of this thread and subsequent posts. If you paid more attention to what others were saying than your own responses you may have a better understanding.

    Most peoples goals are to get to a point where they can easily choose to eat something or not eat something (are we agreed on that - yes, good).

    Now stay with me because here's the tricky bit - it's all about how we get to that point. You seem to favour just cutting back and getting to the point of perfect moderation. That will work for some, but sadly not for every one.

    What some of us are suggesting is to deal with the craving issue (which we all agree is psychological - but that's fine, we know what it is so we can work with it). The best way to do that IMO is to cut back on the trigger foods for a period long enough to break the habit.

    Once the cravings are gone, then look to re introduce the trigger food back to - wait for it because this is where it gets interesting - to a point of perfect moderation.

    Sometimes it may not work first, second or third time. That's just something some of us will need to work/live with.

    Hope that clears things up. :smile:
  • Posts: 29,136 Member

    Actually I provided personal experience from breaking a very similar addiction that the OP is fighting with, that actually worked. You provided obnoxious rambling and copy-pasted pseudoscience, with no intention but to derail others and make yourself feel better for your own insecurities. Oh look, there you go again..

    a peer reviewed study from the Cambridge journal is "pseudoscience", really?
  • Posts: 1,216 Member
    My advice is don't start something you can't sustain for the rest of your life. This is not a diet with an end date, but a lifestyle change. If you love sweets work them into your caloric goals by preplanning, just don't overdo it.
  • Posts: 29,136 Member

    As has been pointed out by another poster, the sample size was ridiculously small. Hence it is full of fail. It's also just plain wrong and further science has proved it so. You already know this, hence the avoiding of answering reddy's question.

    but your sample size of n=1 trumps that?
This discussion has been closed.