Maintaining weight but eating too many "bad" carbs

Simple carbs, to me, when not whole grain, are simply sugar or convert to sugar. They aren't the same as complex carbs, which I generally try to eat. I do believe that there is sugar addiction and, for me, at least, it is real and my consumption of this stuff continues because of it. It is good to hear you say that if I am counting it in, I am probably fine. But I guess I was not really clear. I apologize. What I didn't say is that sugar, in any form, is something I have always avoided because I just don't find it fits with my healthy eating. I usually am very strict about whole grains only, so this is out of character for me. And it seems to be continuing, even tho' it's a few weeks.

Not sure what set me off and yes, it really is only one although on very rare days it could be one of each: a cookie, a pita, and maybe a half of a bagel. But generally it's only one. I am fairly sure I'm very sensitive to sugar and sugar conversions because even that little amount causes me to want more of the same the next day. I am always well within my calorie and weight ranges, but I just don't like how I feel afterwards. I am logy, plus I want another/more the next day. And to me, that's craving. My regular diet is similar to vegan but isn't quite that strict. It is really how I like to eat. It does include treats, but they have not been sugary things until now. I don't even really like them. My treats are generally whole grain carbs or a larger portion of something similar that I usually eat, like maybe four slices of a veggie pizza, no cheese, whole grain crust instead of two. But I think the others are becoming a habit I don't want. I read somewhere that to "get off" sugar, avoid it completely for three days. I may try that.

There is nothing inherently harmful about carbs.

There are medical reasons to avoid them (diabetes, and the cravings triggered cause you to eat enough carbs that you are skipping other essential nutrients in order to stay within your calorie limit, as two examples).

There are quality of life reasons to avoid them (because you don't like the way you feel when you eat carbs, and because you have identified carbs as a trigger for overeating - or similar things that make it harder to eat the way you want to, as two examples).

As to what to do about it - if you have decided (for whatever reasons) that simple carbs are incompatible with your life, don't start the cycle. Don't eat the cookie or small pita.

For me, sugar triggers cravings - as do certain fats (bacon, for one) - as does the lack of grain-based complex carbs in my diet. I just don't ever eat sugar or the fats I know cause cravings without being very intentional about it so that I can avoid blindly giving in to the cravings that will follow. Can't do anything about the lack of grain-based complex carbs, since grain-based complex carbs are incompatible with my metabolism (diabetes). So I always have to be conscious of cravings because I don't have the grain-based complex carbs I need to stave them off.

Not sure what else you're looking for - other than perhaps the argument that always follows when someone mentions carb addiction or "bad/wrong" carbs.[/quote]

This. Perfect. Exactly how/why I feel as I do. Don't start even with a little thing. And it's that simple, so thank you. Sometimes you just can't see the forest for the trees and I apparently wasn't anywhere near something this easy. Got it! Thanks so much!