Cravings please share tips

Can you share ideas for when your starving or craving sugars please

Replies

  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    But I’m prob not lol which is why I need to lose weight I guess it’s more want than need
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    A couple of choices here.

    Abstain from all added sugar and sugary treats. Great for dieting. BUT, someday you won't be dieting but on maintenance calories instead. What happens then?

    Another choice is managing sugar intake. Think of it in terms of - all things in moderation. This is learned behavior. We're not perfect, we will screw up from time to time. But allowing yourself a % of "fun" calories for the day, then sticking to it. Develop strategies. Don't buy the bag of Hershey Kisses, instead buy 1 chocolate bar. Ghiradelli squares are individually wrapped if that helps.

    If you are starving:
    1. Your weekly weight loss goal may be too high. Relax this a bit and eat more.
    2. Find filling foods. It's not one size fits all. The usual components are protein, fiber and fat. Keep tweaking meals and snack times too.
    3. If you are using MFP numbers and exercising, you are meant to eat a portion of those calories too.
  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    Thank you, I am trying to keep in all the recommended limits but previously I have used things like slimming world and I keep going way over sugars on fruit but if I cut the fruit a crave the sweet stuff it’s been a shock how much sugars I was taking in or am
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thank you, I am trying to keep in all the recommended limits but previously I have used things like slimming world and I keep going way over sugars on fruit but if I cut the fruit a crave the sweet stuff it’s been a shock how much sugars I was taking in or am

    Is there a medical reason you need to watch your sugar intake?
  • Sigurjonsig
    Sigurjonsig Posts: 10 Member
    almonds, nuts or dark chocolate does the job killing my cravings.
  • amyjsparkles
    amyjsparkles Posts: 6,165 Member
    almonds, nuts or dark chocolate does the job killing my cravings.

    Same for me. I found a chocolate bar with dark chocolate, almonds, and sea salt. It's that mix of salty and sweet and it quenches that craving.
  • Nicksmom106
    Nicksmom106 Posts: 1,624 Member
    How do you feel about hummus? They have chocolate and dark chocolate versions now and I enjoy them with apple slices of pretzel sticks, two tablespoons of the dark chocolate are only 50 cals, 1.5 fats, and 5 sugars and 9 carbs....its pretty darn good😜

    I also love apples and pb too, sort of tastes.like caramel apples to.me....now those are my weakness😋
    Hugs 🌼
    Ali
  • whoami67
    whoami67 Posts: 297 Member
    If I've been eating a lot of sugar and want to cut way down on it, I usually find I have mad, almost uncontrollable sugar cravings every afternoon for about 2-4 days. I just have to power through and then they subside substantially.

    It does help to make sure I'm eating enough to be satiated. If I'm hungry and craving sugar, I will give in to temptation. If I do decide to eat something sweet, a small piece of very dark bittersweet chocolate (like 75-90%) is best for me.

    And weight loss may be about calories according to MFP dogma, but sugar isn't particularly healthy or nutritious and it tends to make me ravenously hungry so yay to you for wanting to limit it.
  • OHFlamingo
    OHFlamingo Posts: 239 Member
    First, I try to figure out why I feel I'm "starving". I check MFP to see how many calories I have left to work with. (I prelog my meals.) I'll try to take my mind off it. I'll play a computer game of a word game to have something else to think about. Or I'll call a friend. Or I'll take a quick trip outside to poke around the yard, if possible. If I'm still feeling that way, after 20 minutes or so, my go to snack is a hardboiled egg, because protein satiates me. Other choices are an English Muffin with chunky peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar or a bit of sugar-free jam. Cottage cheese is another choice. It took me a while to figure out what works for me. I do try to eat enough satisfying foods at regular times, because when my sugars get too low, I get dizzy, and also want to eat anything in sight! Good luck, OP.
  • hroderick
    hroderick Posts: 756 Member
    try chromium picolineate. it killed my sweet tooth and after a few weeks i didn't need it anymore
  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    Your doctor told you to cut back on sugar?
  • lwhitman208
    lwhitman208 Posts: 22 Member
    For crunchy cravings, I'm currently hooked on snap peas.

    For salty, spicy, or just a general all-around snack, I'll go for wasabi almonds or Sriracha cashews.

    For sweet, Quest bars are amazing!! The mint chocolate chip and birthday cake flavors are out of this world.

    For meat or cheese... I just go for it.
  • christinageorges24
    christinageorges24 Posts: 10 Member
    Sometimes when I have sugar blow outs it is because I have not been eating consistently. It is important to maintain insulin levels. When you do not eat for a while this can happen and cause the need to eat massive amounts of sugar quickly. Consistent meals, never let yourself go hungry.
  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    Your doctor told you to cut back on sugar?


    Not specifically but to drop weight, drink less etc and looking at my patterns sugars are waaaay to high x
  • rmggeeked
    rmggeeked Posts: 4 Member
    Damn my answer is totally different lol when I get cravings I drink water
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    Your doctor told you to cut back on sugar?


    Not specifically but to drop weight, drink less etc and looking at my patterns sugars are waaaay to high x

    Where did the sugar/breast cancer link cone from?
  • CynthiasChoice
    CynthiasChoice Posts: 1,047 Member
    I try not to get too concerned about my sugar total for the day if it's coming from fruits and vegetables. However, I do need to limit fruit to 2 small servings a day or I get too hungry.

    Sometimes cravings get intense if I haven't had enough protein or fat, or fiber or water or sleep. Or if I'm bored.
  • Niccygetsfit
    Niccygetsfit Posts: 14 Member
    I take a garcinia gummy.. i have found that helps or i take a long walk.. and i have started making bliss raw balls.. which is crushed nuts, dates, peanut butter and coconut which has really helped my cravings. I also allow myself to have one square of dark chocolate a day and i still have sugar in my coffee
  • johnw83
    johnw83 Posts: 6,219 Member
    its ok to eat or drink a bit of the white stuff mine is enargy drinks
  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    Your doctor told you to cut back on sugar?


    Not specifically but to drop weight, drink less etc and looking at my patterns sugars are waaaay to high x

    Where did the sugar/breast cancer link cone from?

  • carolinedance69
    carolinedance69 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    Your doctor told you to cut back on sugar?


    Not specifically but to drop weight, drink less etc and looking at my patterns sugars are waaaay to high x

    Where did the sugar/breast cancer link cone from?

    Not a specific link although lots swear their is, but my main downfall is sugary foods rather than fats.they are my downfall to eating crap so I am trying to find better ways of controlling my cravings to reduce my weigh and get to a healthy bmi
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    As long as you're eating enough calories each day and getting a good balance of nutrients then keep in mind that a craving is just a brief wanting of something. Do something else. The desire will pass. I'm not saying never give in to a craving but learning that you have control over them is extremely freeing and helpful to long-term weight loss success.
  • xmarye
    xmarye Posts: 385 Member
    I make sure to include lots of vegetables in my meal so that I feel fuller for only a few more calories. I actually have gone wild on salads lately, but the GOOD ONES! With creamy dressing, cheese and crunchy toppings. :wink: I literally go through 2 heads of lettuce and 1 tub of spinach per week! My breakfast is usually a whole grain tortilla wrap with 2 eggs and loads of spinach, peppers, onions and tomatoes with mayo and hot sauce. Delicious!

    I also make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. I try not to drink my calories because I would rather eat them.

    I'm not hungry at all eating in between 1200-1400cals. That's another thing, my calorie goal is 1200cals but if I need to I eat a couple extra hundred calories, I don't worry about it. Some days I am hungrier than others and that's fine!

    Finally, I make sure to save 100-200cals for a dessert after dinner. Lately, I've been having either a square or two of chocolate topped with a tiny bit of peanut butter and a couple strawberries or half a cup of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles.

    Last night, I actually skipped on the dessert because I wasn't hungry!!

    And I'm the type of girl that used to eat a whole tub of ice cream, a bag of chips and 3 chocolate bars to myself. :neutral:
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep sugars low as I had breast cancer, I will check if I can take chromium with my meds too.i am trying to overhaul my lifestyle to reduce the risk of the cancer returning x thanks for the tips really helpful

    first of all wtg being a survivor. but the thing with cancer is it either returns or it doesnt. you can do everything right to prevent it from coming back but sometimes it still does. a friend of mine was on a chemo pill for several years and was taken off it several months ago and so far so good. she had breast cancer too. cancer is a tricky thing and I do hope you stay in remission and it doesnt come back.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,168 Member
    Thank you, I am trying to keep in all the recommended limits but previously I have used things like slimming world and I keep going way over sugars on fruit but if I cut the fruit a crave the sweet stuff it’s been a shock how much sugars I was taking in or am

    I went over the MFP default sugar goal every day while losing 50+ pounds in less than a year, while the only added sugar I ate most days was a bit of concentrated fruit juice well down the ingredient list in a single daily 30-calorie tablespoon of all-fruit spread. The weight loss materially improved all my health markers (cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.).

    As long as you're not using so much added sugar (or for that matter, eating so much fruit) that it drives other nutrition out of your diet (i.e, causes you not to get enough protein, healthy fats, fiber and micronutrients), you'll be fine, nutritionally speaking. Moreover, the whole fruit gives you lots of useful micronutrients and fiber. Eat the fruit! Eating fruit helped me reduce cravings for baked goods and candies; I found that to be a good thing,

    I had stage III (locally advanced) breast cancer **. Both regular exercise and good well-rounded nutrition are positive things you can do for yourself to improve your odds of avoiding breast cancer recurrence. The micronutrients from fruit are a help to that. Really, eat the fruit. :)

    ** 5 tumors in one breast, 1 in the other, chemotherapy, the whole nine yards. Eighteen years ago. Take a deep breath, and make gradual, sensible, sustainable changes that will help improve your health. None of us has a guarantee, and there are no magical things to eat or avoid (not even sugar ;) ), or things to do or not do, that will assure we never have cancer again . . . but healthy habits can help to shift the odds in our favor. Minimizing stress is also a healthy habit, so try not to stress too much about it, if you can. The fears get smaller in your rear-view mirror, with time. Best wishes!
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    The MFP recommendation for sugar is based on the FDA recommendation for a limit on ADDED sugars. It's not meant to include sugars for fruit or to be used as a maximum when not-added sugars are lumped in as they are on MFP. Fruit contains antioxidants which bolster your immune system, very valuable for someone fighting cancer.

    By the way, I'm a type 2 diabetic who eats fairly low-carb and I go over MFP's sugar limit all the time, without raising my blood glucose over normal limits.

    If you are within your calorie limit, getting enough protein and enough fat, let the sugar fall where it may.
  • GeorgiaRose1717
    GeorgiaRose1717 Posts: 1 Member
    Watermelon has become my best friend. It's filling, hydrates you and is low in calories. It satisfies my sweet tooth. 😊