Carbs

jaxburt
jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
edited November 19 in Health and Weight Loss
I am craving carbs. Is there something I can do to curb this?

Replies

  • chels5988
    chels5988 Posts: 23 Member
    If they fit in my calories, i eat the carbs. Yesterday i knew there was garlic bread for supper....so i cut back my lunch a bit and skipped a snack and enjoyed the hell out of that garlic bread.
    Carbs arent as horrible as theyre made out to be. Everything in moderation.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    edited June 2017
    Eat the carbs, provided you have the calories for them
  • Old_Cat_Lady
    Old_Cat_Lady Posts: 1,193 Member
    Give in? A carby glass of milk does wonders for cravings. Or do you mean you are craving brownies and donuts?
  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Yeah I want details. Hopefully with pictures.
  • markswife1992
    markswife1992 Posts: 262 Member
    I just ate a granola bar and about 1/4 cup of almond milk. it fit in my calorie count for the day, and cured my craving for the donuts I wanted earlier. :smile:
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited June 2017
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

    This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

    Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    The carbs I crave come with specific textures. Like a flaky pie crust, fresh popped popcorn, or toasted marbled rye.

    Sometimes a cracker serves as a substitute.

    Other days I might clean out the cupboard trying to find a decent substitute. I would have been better off with the crave.
  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

    This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

    Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?

    Yeah, and likewise I never see anyone say they are craving "protein" or "fat". Those cravings are usually quite specific (steak, burgers, etc..)
  • Froggyh
    Froggyh Posts: 81 Member
    If you're frequently finding yourself craving refined carbohydrates, look at your deficit. I crave those things when I'm eating at too low a deficit (I track intermittently, and a few weeks ago realised I was only eating around 1300-1450 calories a day, even though my BMR is around 1400 and exercise regularly). It's basically my body's way of saying it needs more energy.

    If it's an occasional craving, especially if it's a specific one (eg a craving for pizza or a doughnut, not just 'any processed carb in sight), then just eat the darn thing and don't angst over it ;)
  • jaxburt
    jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

    Breads cake
  • jaxburt
    jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
    Froggyh wrote: »
    If you're frequently finding yourself craving refined carbohydrates, look at your deficit. I crave those things when I'm eating at too low a deficit (I track intermittently, and a few weeks ago realised I was only eating around 1300-1450 calories a day, even though my BMR is around 1400 and exercise regularly). It's basically my body's way of saying it needs more energy.

    If it's an occasional craving, especially if it's a specific one (eg a craving for pizza or a doughnut, not just 'any processed carb in sight), then just eat the darn thing and don't angst over it ;)

    It's occasional but so strong. Bread, cake etc.
  • jaxburt
    jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

    This is what I always wonder. Carrots and blueberries and rice and oats all seem like very different foods to me (let alone the numerous other mostly carb foods), and I've never had a craving as vague as "carbs." If I did, I'd eat broccoli or something.

    Anyway, OP, can you fit in a little of what you are craving? Is it a comfort food thing?

    Yeah, and likewise I never see anyone say they are craving "protein" or "fat". Those cravings are usually quite specific (steak, burgers, etc..)

    Awesome info, thanks
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    Breads and cake in moderation aren't terrible, but it's definitely easy to overdo. I've cut back; gone from eating it every day to two slices (or a bun) at four meals a week. When it comes to desserts, I'm mostly baking items that come in at 200 or less calories per serving, but if it's a special occasion, like my nephew's birthday, I figure out the calories ahead of time and figure out how to fit them in. By the way... mini croissants are 70 calories each. I'm just saying.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    It's a mental craving because you associate these foods with certain pleasures. You may really enjoy Habit by Duhigg.

    What sorts of things do we do when we eat cake? We are sitting down. Relaxed. Taking a break. Do you eat alone or with friends?

    You can shift the crave by coming up with an alternative activity that gives you the same reward. Like a board game or a hobby.
  • eikles
    eikles Posts: 5 Member
    After a week or two, you won't crave sugar and starch anymore if you completely eliminate them from your diet permanently. Eat allot of vegetables, some protein and fair amount of fat.
  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    edited June 2017
    jaxburt wrote: »
    Which carbs, specifically? Breads? Pasta? Fruits?

    Breads cake

    I love those things, too, especially cake.
    Here's a trick you could try: next time you get a craving and decide you want some cake, get a small piece and try to challenge yourself to make it last as long as you can by eating it slowly and mindfully. It's surprising how you can make a little go a long way. :) You may not even want the entire piece by the time you're done!
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