Help I can't stop the sweet craving!! and the snacks

baby74
baby74 Posts: 5 Member
edited October 1 in Food and Nutrition
I use to be so great when it came to saying NO to sweets when they were near by or right in front of me. I would have something once in a while, but I am craving sweets. I am now beginning to stop carrying cash on me to stop visiting the vending machine. I live within walking distance to a grocery store (ice cream). Ice cream I crave the most, I have had to tell my boyfriend that we can't have it in the house all the time anymore, I use to good will power!!! Anybody have some tricks to help when craving a sweet thing or to stop the cravings? I have noticed alot of times I am a snacker or eats when I am bored, or depressed. Mainly bored.

Help!
Sweetooth
«1

Replies

  • moprincess76
    moprincess76 Posts: 37
    chew gum..... lots of gum ......
  • Corby86
    Corby86 Posts: 43 Member
    chew gum..... lots of gum ......

    You could try chewing gum, although studies have shown that artificial sweetener will make you crave more carbohydrates. . .artificial sweetener causes your leptin (a chemical signal made by fat cells to tell your brain to stop eating) sensitivity to decrease.
  • SpaceMarkus
    SpaceMarkus Posts: 651
    I drink Shakeology. Chocolate milkshake in the afternoon really makes those cravings go away.
  • Christinichka
    Christinichka Posts: 171 Member
    I'm starting 30 days with no sugar tomorrow.
    I had some good luck with doing the South Beach diet phase 1 with overcoming a sugar addiction it's restrictive but works. This time around I'm just cutting out refined sugar, and white flour. But I am going to allow myself to have fruit every now and then and yoplait. For me it's easier to just not have any at all. If I have one sweet, I will likely have more.
  • itsirk1978
    itsirk1978 Posts: 31 Member
    I agree with Gum. I have become addicted to orange and apple tic tacs. The other thing I do, I have a scale and I eat the ice cream but i weigh it so i can hold myself accountable. :) I also like fun size candy bars instead of the regular size ones.

    I keep the 100 calorie pack cookies on hand. I figure that I love the sweets it is harder to deprive myself. I work it off it I need to. :)
  • bmmadden
    bmmadden Posts: 499 Member
    Im really bad on this too and Ice cream is my weakness as well, do not deny yourself treats just buy yourself healthier versions such as low cal fudgesicles, I really like the 90 cal fiber one bars and brownies they taste like your eating a candy bar. When your bored go for a walk (preferably in the opposite direction of the store) or do some sort of activity to keep you busy
  • Leola2011
    Leola2011 Posts: 192
    What's your favorite fruit? That sometimes helps me. Also, green tea help curb my cravings. I have a very POWERFUL sweet tooth so I feel your pain.
  • avsingleton
    avsingleton Posts: 98 Member
    chew gum..... lots of gum ......



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  • darlilama
    darlilama Posts: 794 Member
    Hi baby74… I live on the NE side of Indy! :) I do chew a lot of gum. Lately I've been using diet sodas when I want something sweet… typically I'm NOT a soda drinker. Do you just need "something", or are you the type of person that you have one "drink" and pretty soon the entire "bottle" is gone? ;0) If it's the former, try finding healthier sweet snacks… maybe fruit, or I really like the Newton Fruit Thin cookies… they are lower in sugar and actually have whole grain and fiber! I'm not saying they are "good" for you, but certainly they are less bad. One or two will satisfy me. This week I'm going on the limb a bit. I bought one of the Dove bars that's make up of about 12 little squares. Each square is maybe 30-50 calories. I haven't had one YET - I haven't had chocolate in 5 weeks - but the craving is coming … I can feel it. So one square and we'll see if that's good enough. If not… I have a few co-workers who would be more than happy to take the rest of my hands! lol
  • skeeweemc
    skeeweemc Posts: 6 Member
    I used to have the same problem. I'm a teacher and I keep treats in my classroom to give my students. I used to find it very hard to resist sneaking one all the time. I'm not a fan of fad diets, but in reading up on South Beach, the Phase one of their diet really makes sense - cut refined carbs and sugars to stabilize blood sugar. I gave up bread and rice about 3 weeks ago. Since then, after about a week doing it, I find my cravings have deminished to almost none. And when I do indulge, I can stop after just one. It's made a huge difference!
  • Corby86
    Corby86 Posts: 43 Member
    If it's affordable to you I would see a naturopath or nutritionist. . .sweet cravings can indicate certain deficiencies.

    One that springs to mind for me is tryptophan (an essential amino acid). .. .you could try to supplement with 5HTP which will help your mood & sleep as well as the carbohydrate (sweet) cravings.

    A herb that springs to mind is Stevia which will help to stabilize blood glucose levels and could help stop sugar cravings.
    Another herb is Gymnema - it is known traditionally as the "sugar destroyer". . .this herb is used to help sugar cravings
  • skeeweemc
    skeeweemc Posts: 6 Member
    I'm starting 30 days with no sugar tomorrow.
    I had some good luck with doing the South Beach diet phase 1 with overcoming a sugar addiction it's restrictive but works. This time around I'm just cutting out refined sugar, and white flour. But I am going to allow myself to have fruit every now and then and yoplait. For me it's easier to just not have any at all. If I have one sweet, I will likely have more.

    What she said! :-)
  • babs23
    babs23 Posts: 86
    Try not to deny yourself, just keep it under control. When we start denying ourselves, we start to binge. So, just have a little if you want it.

    Have you ever tried Skinny Cow ice cream products? They are really good, low in calories and portion controlled. Give them a try. If I'm having a sweet craving, I grab one of those.

    At the end of the day, you can't let empty calories win. You're in control and you have to want to change. You can do it, and you can do it well!

    Good luck!
  • Natley
    Natley Posts: 58 Member
    try edys light ice cream. french silk is my fav ;)
  • xMissAprilx
    xMissAprilx Posts: 143 Member
    Oh I am with you on this. However, if I have fruits around I will go for that because I know it is much much better.
  • gunther0013
    gunther0013 Posts: 15 Member
    Try Skinny Cow ice cream, most are only 150 calories, or even the Fiber-One brownies at 90 calories. They satisfy your cravings but don't ruin your day.
  • Ajaay
    Ajaay Posts: 70 Member
    I like sweets too. I usually keep some fruit strips (50 cal) or 80 cal popsciles on hand. I also always have fruit on hand. I don't have any particular sweet cravings though. I just like something at night.
  • starwhisperer
    starwhisperer Posts: 367
    I occasionally give up all sweets (other than fruit) for a month or so like the lady before me. It really is a great way to get that need under control.
  • louisvillelady
    louisvillelady Posts: 54 Member
    I agree with madden above ^ Low cal sugar free fudge pops are a good choice also minute maid has frozen ice . Kroger has carbmaster yogurt that is only 60 calories and a variety of flavors .
  • MamaDee2
    MamaDee2 Posts: 843 Member
    Bump
  • thornbee3
    thornbee3 Posts: 3 Member
    I buy the Skinny Cow Ice creams! The chocolate fudge bar is DELISH and only 100 cals...its a good amount too! I also drink Slim fast shakes 1-2 x a day. I but the powder and mix it with skim mile. Its like drinking chocolate milk which I LOVE! Im a sweet addict and these two things have really helped me with the cravings!
  • Nanadena
    Nanadena Posts: 739 Member
    chew gum..... lots of gum ......

    You could try chewing gum, although studies have shown that artificial sweetener will make you crave more carbohydrates. . .artificial sweetener causes your leptin (a chemical signal made by fat cells to tell your brain to stop eating) sensitivity to decrease.

    I know they really make me hungry! I can go for hours after waking up without being hungry, until I drink a cup of tea with artificial sweetner in it. Then watch out!
  • tauny78
    tauny78 Posts: 180 Member
    First, when you're bored, try to find something, anything, to occupy your mind other than eating! I like to get on MFP and read posts and success stories that help motivate me! Message your MFP friends, or start a fun thread! Or exercise! That will burn calories, and it helps curb your appetite!

    Second, try to find some healthy "sweets" to help with the cravings. I have a major sweet tooth, and I have to have something from time to time or I'll go insane, and take my family with me!! (just ask my hubby! lol) I like strawberries with cool whip or even chocolate cool whip, bananas with just a little hershey syrup, or a low cal ice cream treat (like philly stix-kinda of an Italian ice popsicle). I find if I try to go without, I will end up giving in in a bad way! And if you like bananas, freeze a couple and throw them in a blender or food processor until they get creamy and have some faux banana icecream! Yum! Good luck to ya!
  • ShreddedOne
    ShreddedOne Posts: 2
    To stop the cravings, you have to go (I think it's 21 days) without it. This will break you of the habit. I went through the same thing. FIRST, you must have the discipline to fight the cravings and say "no". Do that for about 3 weeks, and you won't need so much discipline anymore. The cravings will go away or greatly diminish. By the end of the three weeks, the body will have broken the habit AND you'll have the added willpower and confidence that comes from saying "no" and seeing the results.

    I think the problem many of us make is listening to the slackers that say, "oh treat yourself once in a while ... once a week, cheat ..." Frankly, in my earlier more gung ho days, I didn't WANT to cheat. If I don't feel like eating grease and fat, then why should I do it just because you tell me to??! People were telling me to eat unhealthy once a week; I resented that. I ate perfectly all week long, I saw results, significant results. I wasn't tired of the healthy food; there are plenty of tasty healthy options. One really bad cheat day would erase half a week's discipline -- AND bring back cravings I had previously beaten -- which brings me back to my point. The biggest mistake we make once we have beaten the cravings, is allowing ourselves to be talked into cheating. The cravings come back after that. Don't have cheat days; there are some foods you should swear off of for the rest of your life. Say no, go through withdrawal for a little while, never relapse.

    Don't listen to the weaklings who don't know what they're talking about with their "cheat days". Be strong. Be disciplined. Remember your goal and what you want. Say no. Break the habit. Take pride in your results and your discipline.
  • eksb
    eksb Posts: 93
    If you have a Trader Joes nearby, they have really great small desserts like mini ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches that are about 90 calories each (but you have to be careful and not eat all of them at once). I also love their 100 calorie dark chocolate because it's the perfect amount and only 100 calories (and delicious!). They have milk chocolate, too. I've never been good at just breaking off a square and being happy, it has to be the whole bar. I find that the dark chocolate is good because it's so rich that it takes care of my craving without making me want to binge on more. The TJ bars only have 9 grams of sugar because the higher the cocoa count, the lower the sugar. Also, if I eat things high in sugar, it causes me to crave more so if I can hold off for longer, I crave sugar less. I don't bring sweets into my house often anymore except for the chocolate bars and occasionally the mini ice creams. If they are there, I'll eat them. Have you tried substituting natural foods like apples when you get a craving? Try to stay away from the artificial sweetners and diet sodas, studies have proven that they make you gain more weight.

    Finally, my accupuncturist said that when you have a sugar craving, you should drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water to negate the flavor craving. It's not too bad...
  • Corby86
    Corby86 Posts: 43 Member
    chew gum..... lots of gum ......

    You could try chewing gum, although studies have shown that artificial sweetener will make you crave more carbohydrates. . .artificial sweetener causes your leptin (a chemical signal made by fat cells to tell your brain to stop eating) sensitivity to decrease.

    I know they really make me hungry! I can go for hours after waking up without being hungry, until I drink a cup of tea with artificial sweetner in it. Then watch out!

    Yeah tell me about it! Artificial sweeteners are really unsafe as well in my opinion.
    Try a Stevia type alternative which is a naturally sweet herb. . .this should be easily accesible nowadays
  • ShreddedOne
    ShreddedOne Posts: 2
    I'm starting 30 days with no sugar tomorrow.
    I had some good luck with doing the South Beach diet phase 1 with overcoming a sugar addiction it's restrictive but works. This time around I'm just cutting out refined sugar, and white flour. But I am going to allow myself to have fruit every now and then and yoplait. For me it's easier to just not have any at all. If I have one sweet, I will likely have more.

    Oh man, if you drop the sugar for a month, you will drop tons (not literally) of fat. But expect to be kinda lethargic as your body burns the fat for fuel. Drink lots o' water.

    Totally agree with, "... it's easier to just not have any at all. ..."
  • Rowann
    Rowann Posts: 86
    I have a major sweet tooth, and do give in to it from time to time. However, what I've found really helpful the rest of the time is green tea. When I'm drinking that I really don't want the sweet stuff (especially ice cream).

    You have to make it quite weak though otherwise I find it can be quite bitter (I'll happily draw through the same leaves/bag a few times), so even if you end up paying quite a bit for the tea it can work out quite cheap per cup.

    My danger period is in the evenings after I've put my son to bed, so before I even think about reaching for some treat or other I put the kettle on, and then just keep refilling my cup.
  • revnica
    revnica Posts: 50
    Try fat free chocolate pudding, or turkeyhill vanilla bean ice cream light recipe. Both are pretty low in calories!!!
  • Christinichka
    Christinichka Posts: 171 Member
    I'm starting 30 days with no sugar tomorrow.
    I had some good luck with doing the South Beach diet phase 1 with overcoming a sugar addiction it's restrictive but works. This time around I'm just cutting out refined sugar, and white flour. But I am going to allow myself to have fruit every now and then and yoplait. For me it's easier to just not have any at all. If I have one sweet, I will likely have more.

    Oh man, if you drop the sugar for a month, you will drop tons (not literally) of fat. But expect to be kinda lethargic as your body burns the fat for fuel. Drink lots o' water.

    Totally agree with, "... it's easier to just not have any at all. ..."

    I will still have limited whole wheat bread, pasta, or rice. And I will be eating fruit. So it's more like phase 2 of south beach. But I don't think it'll be bad. I did pretty good on South Beach as long as I ate enough protein and made it a point to eat six small meals throughout the day. That's what I'm aiming to do. I loved what you said in your post. It's so good to just say no. If you are truly having a problem with it. I know this is going to help me break the cycle I've been in. I'm not saying I'll never have a sweet treat again, but I am at a point where I am thinking I may need to say goodbye to some foods forever. Chocolate may be one of those that need to just be gone...oh how I love it but it's bad news for me. I'll reassess after 30 days. I did give up Chocolate for 9 months about 5 years ago and I have to say after about a couple of weeks I really didn't mind it was gone. That would feel better than wanting it all the time :)
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