Sweet cravings
gelo33
Posts: 16 Member
Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
2
Replies
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I love chocolate and cakes. So it's really hard to cut them out. But if I manage not to eat any sweets 3 days, then I don't crave it anymore. If it is too hard for u not to eat any sweets at all, try to eat oatmeal with honey for breakfast for a few days and u won't have sweet cravings for the rest of the day. Well, it works for me mostly
5 -
I love chocolate and cakes. So it's really hard to cut them out. But if I manage not to eat any sweets 3 days, then I don't crave it anymore. If it is too hard for u not to eat any sweets at all, try to eat oatmeal with honey for breakfast for a few days and u won't have sweet cravings for the rest of the day. Well, it works for me mostly
Thanks, I love oatmeal so will def try it out!
1 -
try the supplement chromium picolineate. it worked for me10
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Sipping diet soda and chewing sugar free gum are my go to's when I don't have the calories. Most of the time I do plan to have at least a few sweet treats a week but I always make sure I pre-plan my day to allow for them.
ETA: I find it helpful to have them in already portioned packages so either the 100 calorie cookie packs, ice cream bar, popsicle, etc... seems silly but having it already portioned out can help.
0 -
I always crave something sweet after lunch and dinner. If I don't have room for a treat then I usually drink a cup of black coffee or tea and that seems to make the craving subside.4
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I definitely have a sweet tooth. I use to try to exclude sweets totally from my diet but I would always cave in and binge on them. Now I just work it into my meal plan and make sure it fits within my calorie limit. Oatmeal Raisin and Sugar cookies are my poison!3
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I feel your pain and to be honest they (cravings) never go away. If you really want to get over your sweet cravings I would say don't eat them at all. I think eatting sweet items only keeps the craving alive and over time you will loose the desire for them if you cut them cold turkey. If you do have a piece of something sweet after a long abstinence you will be surprised at how much you don't like it anymore, it may also make you feel sick, especially if you are eating a healthy diet. I even try to cut my fruit intake because that too can stimulate a desire for sweets.
11 -
It won't work for everyone, but I found my cravings for less nutrient-dense sweets (cookies, cake, candy) became much more manageable when I started making it a point to eat servings of fruit every day.
I started with 3 servings minimum, but found that after a while doing it (1) I could be more flexible, and (2) quite a few lower-quality baked goods and candies started seeming too simple and "just sweet", without other satisfying aspects. I do still eat some less nutrient-dense sweets, but don't so much crave them; and I tend to save the calories for extra yummy ones that seem truly worth it.
Like I said, it won't work for all, but I've seen others here report experiences similar to mine. Could be worth a try?8 -
I’ve done everything from from sipping La Croix water to taking a magnesium supplement. I had to learn to tell myself NO!! It’s that hard for me. Nothing worked!! When I was really sick, like bed rest sick for 3 weeks, I did start to feel sorry for myself and gave in. The chocolate tasted terrible!! (The antibiotics I was on made everything taste like metal) so now I only want chocolate every once in a while. I rewarded myself over 200 days when I said NO to my cravings. It helped.
1 -
When I do the following, I don't have cravings:
1. Get sufficient sleep
2. Exercise regularly - when I get the happy hormones from exercise, I'm not prone to seeking them from food.
3. Get sufficient protein in relationship to carbs. I'm not low carb, but reducing carbs and upping protein worked for cravings for me. See also http://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/fuller/understanding-satiety-feeling-full-after-a-meal.html
4. Eat moderate amounts of fruit. This makes me less interested in higher calorie sweets.
5. Take a magnesium supplement. This can be especially helpful for women premenstrually.
6. Save foods like chocolate for after dinner, in small amounts
7. Stay hydrated
8. Have a calorie deficit that is appropriate for the amount of weight I need to lose. An overly aggressive goal can definitely lead to cravings.
9. Eat at maintenance when my appetite goes up premenstrually.
10 -
Yesterday I wanted chocolate (specifically, the white chocolate/peppermint M&Ms in my house), but I didn't want to go over my calories by eating an entire serving. I ended up eating only 5; it was enough to curb the craving, and allow me to enjoy something that fit in to my day. It's hard, but practicing willpower is the best way!5
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I feel your pain and to be honest they (cravings) never go away. If you really want to get over your sweet cravings I would say don't eat them at all. I think eatting sweet items only keeps the craving alive and over time you will loose the desire for them if you cut them cold turkey. If you do have a piece of something sweet after a long abstinence you will be surprised at how much you don't like it anymore, it may also make you feel sick, especially if you are eating a healthy diet. I even try to cut my fruit intake because that too can stimulate a desire for sweets.
Everything u wrote is true. Bit when I cut them cold turkey, my skin loses it's firmness, I look older. I'm not sure if it's because of sugar or something else. I'll find out what exactly causes that some day1 -
I’ve learnt the hard way, I’ve eaten my share and some of sweet stuff over the past 3 days and now my body just feels like crap, it’s effected my bowel movements (sorry if tmi) and I feel crap mentally for eating so much. Do I regret it.......maybe lol but it’s back to just light hot chocolates for me whenever I’m craving crap and that usually does the trick to curb my cravings2
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I feel your pain and to be honest they (cravings) never go away. If you really want to get over your sweet cravings I would say don't eat them at all. I think eatting sweet items only keeps the craving alive and over time you will loose the desire for them if you cut them cold turkey. If you do have a piece of something sweet after a long abstinence you will be surprised at how much you don't like it anymore, it may also make you feel sick, especially if you are eating a healthy diet. I even try to cut my fruit intake because that too can stimulate a desire for sweets.
Everything u wrote is true. Bit when I cut them cold turkey, my skin loses it's firmness, I look older. I'm not sure if it's because of sugar or something else. I'll find out what exactly causes that some day
I'm thinking this could be because reducing carbs also reduces the amount of stored water in your muscles temporarily. If this is what's causing your skin to lose firmness, it should return to normal after an adjustment period. Also, eating more fruit or other nutrient-dense and less calorific carbs would prevent it.4 -
If it's not in my house, I can't eat it. Although I have a terrible weakness for baked goods, I have not yet wanted a cookie so badly that I've made a special trip to the store to get one (or two or a dozen NOM NOM NOM). As long as I don't keep them in the house, I'm safe--the hardest part is walking on by when getting groceries LOL.
There are quite a number of protein bars that are sweet and have a good protein to calorie ratio. Right now, I'm loving the dark chocolate peanut butter Nature Valley protein bars. I account for them in my food plan so I can eat them guilt free and they satisfy my sweet tooth. Halo Top is also another go to for me. It's sweet, there are a lot of different flavor options and it has a decent protein to calorie ratio. The higher protein content might help compared to the sort of sweets you are permitting yourself to indulge in now.
I ate A LOT of diet Jello when I was first starting out too but that seems to have passed for whatever reason. It's a good option if gummi bears and such like are your thing.2 -
Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
This probably doesn’t help your problem but have you ever had chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast? It’s hands down the most amazing thing ever lol sounds right up your alley! I’m a big sweets person too, I just make room for them every day. I’m healthy, my bloodwork always comes back perfect, I have good teeth, just don’t see a problem with it. My great Grammy lived to be 100 years old and she ate mostly chocolate for her meals, theres gotta be something to it right?!
3 -
Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
This probably doesn’t help your problem but have you ever had chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast? It’s hands down the most amazing thing ever lol sounds right up your alley! I’m a big sweets person too, I just make room for them every day. I’m healthy, my bloodwork always comes back perfect, I have good teeth, just don’t see a problem with it. My great Grammy lived to be 100 years old and she ate mostly chocolate for her meals, theres gotta be something to it right?!
I can't manage biscuits with my diabetes but I had a chocolate-based breakfast this morning - Greek yogurt with cacao powder and fresh raspberries (along with bacon and eggs.) Cacao powder is only 20 calories a tablespoon and turns anything into a chocolate festival.4 -
I eat chocolate every day.
I have chocolate for breakfast almost every morning: Greek yogurt mixed with chocolate PB2, chocolate protein powder, and fiber cereal. Mmm.
I also have a piece of chocolate for dessert almost every evening. My husband and I buy nice chocolate bars and we share one after dinner.
I usually keep chocolate protein bars around too. Currently I'm enjoying Quest double chocolate chunk bars.0 -
Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
@gelo33 different things work for different people when it comes to cravings for sweets. My were gone in about 4 weeks after I cold turkey stopped eating all foods containing added sugar and or any form of any grain. That was over 4 years ago after 40 years of over the top cravings and they have not returned yet. Without understanding what I was doing I naturally morphed into a Way Of Eating (WOE) where most of my calories came from fats and protein. I do eat a lot of 100% Cacao Chocolate bars because I love it and it is relative carb free. A 4 oz bar contains a net of 8 grams of carbs and eat one a day often. I only eat stuff that I crave but unlike before I get stuffed and would now gag if I tried binging anymore on my now favor foods.
There is no one magic WOE so just work to find one that works for you over time.
Best of success.
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Often times I find that I crave sweets and carbs when my protein and veggie intake is low. Try switching it up a bit and you might actually find they decrease.5
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I would have a quarter cup of ice cream with nut almost every night. I also have some licorice (which I love) or a chocolate bar. I eat one piece of one square at a time. I'm fine with that.1
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Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
This probably doesn’t help your problem but have you ever had chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast? It’s hands down the most amazing thing ever lol sounds right up your alley! I’m a big sweets person too, I just make room for them every day. I’m healthy, my bloodwork always comes back perfect, I have good teeth, just don’t see a problem with it. My great Grammy lived to be 100 years old and she ate mostly chocolate for her meals, theres gotta be something to it right?!
This cracked me up as I eat 1340 cal maintenance and 1200 to lose. I was curious to know the calories in this breakfast.
-1 -
fiddletime wrote: »Hello everyone.
How do you all manage sweet cravings? I always do well but cave in when it comes to chocolates and biscuits.
I previously never had a sweet tooth so I can’t understand what is going on.
Does switching up protein and fats help to bring sugar cravings down?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Forgot to add I try to factor them in my daily calories but end up having extra 🙄
Eg I factor in one chocolate (12g) for after lunch and 2 biscuits for the evening but end up doubling the quantities.
This probably doesn’t help your problem but have you ever had chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast? It’s hands down the most amazing thing ever lol sounds right up your alley! I’m a big sweets person too, I just make room for them every day. I’m healthy, my bloodwork always comes back perfect, I have good teeth, just don’t see a problem with it. My great Grammy lived to be 100 years old and she ate mostly chocolate for her meals, theres gotta be something to it right?!
This cracked me up as I eat 1340 cal maintenance and 1200 to lose. I was curious to know the calories in this breakfast.
You know what they say, if you’ve gotta ask you probably can’t afford it 😂! In all seriousness though it’s not actually that bad.. this recipe is 90 calories for the gravy and it’s similar to how I make it. Add a couple biscuits probably 100-200 cal each depending on the recipe... I think it’s worth it 😊2 -
Protein Fluff "Ice Cream" Parfait
Servings
1
Ingredients
1 scoop whey or plant based protein powder in flavor of your choice (or I use 1 tbsp. of cocoa power - only 10 calories)
10 oz unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter (only if you want...I don't use this however I might sprinkle a few tbsp's of PB2 powder just before consuming)
2-3 large ice cubes (I use lots more than that)
1/4 cup fresh berries of your choice
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, add whey protein, milk, xanthan gum, and nut butter.
Blend on a high-power setting, stopping to scrape around blender occasionally to get the ingredients mixed well.
Add in 2-3 large ice cubes and blend again.
If the mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is achieved. It should look like a thick pudding once blended. If it is runny, add more xanthan gum.
Layer the berries and mixture in a bowl or a fancy ice cream dish if you have one.
Garnish the top with fresh or frozen berries, coconut flakes, cocoa powde
I like to freeze it up for a few hours first
Works really well for my sweet cravings1 -
Protein Fluff "Ice Cream" Parfait
Servings
1
Ingredients
1 scoop whey or plant based protein powder in flavor of your choice (or I use 1 tbsp. of cocoa power - only 10 calories)
10 oz unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter (only if you want...I don't use this however I might sprinkle a few tbsp's of PB2 powder just before consuming)
2-3 large ice cubes (I use lots more than that)
1/4 cup fresh berries of your choice
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, add whey protein, milk, xanthan gum, and nut butter.
Blend on a high-power setting, stopping to scrape around blender occasionally to get the ingredients mixed well.
Add in 2-3 large ice cubes and blend again.
If the mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is achieved. It should look like a thick pudding once blended. If it is runny, add more xanthan gum.
Layer the berries and mixture in a bowl or a fancy ice cream dish if you have one.
Garnish the top with fresh or frozen berries, coconut flakes, cocoa powde
I like to freeze it up for a few hours first
Works really well for my sweet cravings
What are the total calories?0 -
Protein Fluff "Ice Cream" Parfait
Servings
1
Ingredients
1 scoop whey or plant based protein powder in flavor of your choice (or I use 1 tbsp. of cocoa power - only 10 calories)
10 oz unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter (only if you want...I don't use this however I might sprinkle a few tbsp's of PB2 powder just before consuming)
2-3 large ice cubes (I use lots more than that)
1/4 cup fresh berries of your choice
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, add whey protein, milk, xanthan gum, and nut butter.
Blend on a high-power setting, stopping to scrape around blender occasionally to get the ingredients mixed well.
Add in 2-3 large ice cubes and blend again.
If the mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is achieved. It should look like a thick pudding once blended. If it is runny, add more xanthan gum.
Layer the berries and mixture in a bowl or a fancy ice cream dish if you have one.
Garnish the top with fresh or frozen berries, coconut flakes, cocoa powde
I like to freeze it up for a few hours first
Works really well for my sweet cravings
What are the total calories?
I guess that is totally dependent upon what one puts into it...mine is pretty low considering I don't use many of the items listed above...
0 -
I try to eat healthy sweets if I absolutely cave. Like tonight for dessert I sliced a banana and crushed some walnuts and topped it with cinnamon as my desert. Its not chocolate but it was still really satisfying when I get those sweet cravings. I also really like ants on a log, as well as I do a fruit salad with mandarins,pineapple and banana topped with chia seeds. I also just have one piece if I am going to cave and have chocolate. It satisfies the chocolate craving before you over indulge.
I've noticed that changing your eating habits is a lot like when I quit smoking. The first few weeks are the worst for cravings and usually if you can distract yourself for about 15 minutes or so while your in the middle of the craving you'll notice it goes away.
Good Luck!3 -
I set my calories 100 under what they shoul be to help for time when I go over Bc I’m more awar and it sets me up better for mistakes when I log1
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It won't work for everyone, but I found my cravings for less nutrient-dense sweets (cookies, cake, candy) became much more manageable when I started making it a point to eat servings of fruit every day.
I started with 3 servings minimum, but found that after a while doing it (1) I could be more flexible, and (2) quite a few lower-quality baked goods and candies started seeming too simple and "just sweet", without other satisfying aspects. I do still eat some less nutrient-dense sweets, but don't so much crave them; and I tend to save the calories for extra yummy ones that seem truly worth it.
Like I said, it won't work for all, but I've seen others here report experiences similar to mine. Could be worth a try?
This week I stewed 5 apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and some almonds. I tended to have around 70g apples and 6-8 almonds either on their own or with some yoghurt/cottage cheese. I like to make smoothies with frozen cherries, chocolate protein, and almond milk too. A banana and chocolate PB2 is a nice treat, sometimes with some seeds or wholemeal toast for crunch. I buy Halo Top when it's on sale.
These are treats that taste sweet but deliver enough protein or fibre that I'm satisfied and less likely to binge on them (I have a history with bulimia so I have to be more careful than most). I still eat normal sweets too, but less often.
4 -
Protein Fluff "Ice Cream" Parfait
Servings
1
Ingredients
1 scoop whey or plant based protein powder in flavor of your choice (or I use 1 tbsp. of cocoa power - only 10 calories)
10 oz unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter (only if you want...I don't use this however I might sprinkle a few tbsp's of PB2 powder just before consuming)
2-3 large ice cubes (I use lots more than that)
1/4 cup fresh berries of your choice
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, add whey protein, milk, xanthan gum, and nut butter.
Blend on a high-power setting, stopping to scrape around blender occasionally to get the ingredients mixed well.
Add in 2-3 large ice cubes and blend again.
If the mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is achieved. It should look like a thick pudding once blended. If it is runny, add more xanthan gum.
Layer the berries and mixture in a bowl or a fancy ice cream dish if you have one.
Garnish the top with fresh or frozen berries, coconut flakes, cocoa powde
I like to freeze it up for a few hours first
Works really well for my sweet cravings
What are the total calories?
I guess that is totally dependent upon what one puts into it...mine is pretty low considering I don't use many of the items listed above...
I mean what’s pretty low? You’re giving no tangible number examples to even gauge an estimate.0
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