Craving sugar constantly, fruits not cutting it!

I think it truly is an individual choice AND WHEN you began using MFP and tracking. I am a diabetic and naturally I CRAVE sugar. It has recently begun more difficult to have healthy sugar readings (and feel good - energy/fatigue). I started tracking and using MFP almost 2 weeks ago. I quit drinking a diet soda and having either candy or cookies every day. The first 3 days I believe was like withdrawal because I was hungry all the time. I drink lemon in my water now (and drink as much water as I can); eat carbs that are low cal and mostly fruit and veggies. I have a problem with moderation when it comes to sweets. At this point I cannot have 2 Hershey kisses or a handful of M&M's because I end up eating half the bag!

HOWEVER, I am so jazzed because all through week one, each morning my blood sugar readings went down day by day. This second week - they are in the normal range! It has been several years since they were this low. I've lost 5 pounds, but I attribute feeling so good to eating better.

I understand totally that we should not "deprive" ourselves of food we enjoy or this lifestyle change will not be sustainable. For me, though, it is too soon to add treats back. I know I will eventually, but I am still in the learning phase of the types of food best for me, any good substitutes (there's a type of noodle that starts with an "s" I want to try to replace pasta), and portion sizes.

Once I get more comfortable with my knowledge base (it's a real eye opener when you look at the calories in most fast food!), etc. I will add treats and I will celebrate occasions as usual but with a better mindset.

Thanks for taking time to read!

EVCbeth1978, hang in there; it gets better! You can do this!

Afura wrote: »

fromnebraska wrote: »

My dietitian once told me that I give too much power to food. Her suggestion was, when you're craving sweets, try to think that you are choosing not to have it because it's unhealthy instead of focusing on wanting something that's "forbidden."

Forbidden? I'm not saying that we don't give too much power to food, but words have power too, don't call any food forbidden. That right there would get me. "Don't push the button!" "I pushed the button".

I think a couple people were confused by the comment. The word "forbidden" is in quotation marks, which is a way of stating that its a dubious term. The way I read it, the nutritionist said if they choose not to eat something, they should tell themselves its THEIR choice and they're making it for a reason (its unhealthy.) She's saying DON'T call it forbidden.

rdstrickland7 wrote: »

(there's a type of noodle that starts with an "s" I want to try to replace pasta)

Shirataki? I've heard of those, and the smell and texture as described by the TV chef who was using them would not be worth it to me! :sick:

Why does "detox" creep into virtually every thread on this forum??

I suggest getting a pack of M & M's, candy cinnamon hearts, or other small candy, and put them in a pill bottle. Prescribe yourself "one a day". Handle the craving and keep it under control.

Or you could do the same with a sugar free hard candy.

http://www.candywarehouse.com/candy-type/sugar-free-candy/

Oh, and you could label your prescription "placebo".

Btheodore138 wrote: »

The problem with a lot of sugar free desserts is that when you eat them, your body is expecting sugar. When it doesn't get said sugar, it makes you want it even more. Insulin came to party...you can't leave it hangin'! So yeah, just have the real deal, just in small amounts. Keep your chocolate in the freezer so it takes longer to eat so you can savor it. A lot of cinnamon based teas are naturally sweet and are fantastic iced. They're a much better substitute than diet drinks. Don't bring in sweets that you know you can't control yourself around (I'm looking at you, strawberry rhubarb pie). Tell your family to respect that rule as well. If your overwhelmed with thoughts of sugary stuff, distract yourself. Go for a walk or play video games. Usually it will pass.

I can't do sugar free stuff, it makes me crave sugar even more than real sugar would... Stevia is ok though. But aspartame and sucralose/splenda? Just ugh.

zcb94 wrote: »

rdstrickland7 wrote: »

(there's a type of noodle that starts with an "s" I want to try to replace pasta)

Shirataki? I've heard of those, and the smell and texture as described by the TV chef who was using them would not be worth it to me! :sick:

They're like eating worms. I normally love noodles in just about anything (I think the Phillipino people are geniuses for inventing pancit) but these noodles are truly nasty.

positivepowers wrote: »

fromnebraska wrote: »

My dietitian once told me that I give too much power to food. Her suggestion was, when you're craving sweets, try to think that you are choosing not to have it because it's unhealthy instead of focusing on wanting something that's "forbidden."

If I took her advice I would be in constant "binge" mode. When I crave sweets, I have a controlled amount of sweets and make it fit into my calorie allowance. That way nothing is forbidden, the food has no power and my craving is satisfied. When I made food "bad" or "good" I binged . . . and binged . . . and binged until my health was borderline and I couldn't see my feet.

OP, if you want it, have it, log it and move on with your life. WTH is the big deal? You are not going to be able to sustain a life without sweets or you wouldn't be posting asking for help.

This...

I bought an OMEGA juicer, only bought organic produce and juiced the crap out of everything. So many recipes online. Ginger greens, carrot ginger, etc. minus 45 pounds and a sugar addiction from hell, I am sold on Juicing! I even eat veggies, beans, brown rice, etc. now. I didn't have to make myself do it either. I naturally started craving it. This was crazy for me. I seriously walked around saying, "who am I?" Fast food was me. I didn't cook. All that I can say is that one drink changed my entire life & I can only hope it stays that way. I feel great.

Embarrassed to admit but lately I've been eating a squirt of chocolate redi whip when chocolate cravings hit. <1 gram of sugar and carbs 15 calories.

mrzpeep391 wrote: »

Embarrassed to admit but lately I've been eating a squirt of chocolate redi whip when chocolate cravings hit. <1 gram of sugar and carbs 15 calories.

that's an awesome idea actually!

Here's one of my favorites:

http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/recipes/desserts/chocolate-bacon-almond-butter-bananas/

Also, when I was on Atkins years ago, I made sugar-free (sucralose) Jello, let it set in individual cups, then topped them with whipped cream, and froze them. The orange Jello gives you a kind of creamsicle, but my fav was the key lime!! (PS: I don't use sucralose anymore, so I don't make these anymore, either.)

Today is day 1 for me. I can't help adding some commentary to the 'sugar' issue, however...Almost anything sweet can create a craving for me...Part of the reason I am here. So many people share that there is nothing wrong with sugar consumption. For me, in almost any way shape or form, it has become one of my worst enemies. It is truly addictive and indulging that urge, creates another, and another. For those who may not be aware, it has a direct link to inflammation in the body as well as weight gain. I believe I will have a love-hate relationship with sugar forevermore. Balance & substitutions will be my direction of choice.

Eating anything is ok, the key is moderation.