Since on meal plan all I crave is SUGAR!!!!
photorach
Posts: 8 Member
I feel like I’m going crazy. I’ve been on a meal plan for about 2 weeks now to reset my metabolism which includes high protein high carb (rice carbs only) and no dairy or breads and low sugar. But since I’ve started all I want is sugar and it’s getting really frustrating!!! I’m not sure if it’s because I cut protein bars bought from the store, my nutritionist said those can be loaded with the fake sugars. But can someone maybe help me on how to fix my sugar cravings before I eat a whole box of cookies dipped in buttercream icing 😭😭 thank you in advance
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Replies
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When I get a sweet tooth, I will grab a piece of fruit or a diet soda.3
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What does "reset your metabolism" mean, exactly? Is this why the nutritionist told you cut out dairy, breads and reduce sugar?
Anyway, when you cut something out, it seems either your body OR your brain crave it more, which is why I typically wouldn't do it (I actually am now, but nothing to do with weight loss, and it won't be permanent). It typically gets worse before it gets better. It seems by 2 weeks the cravings may have subsided by now, but maybe it's still peaking. Or, is it the thought that you "can't" have anything with added sugar that's making you want it more?
For me, the only way for me to actually reduce sugar cravings is allow myself a little bit here and there, but reduce the amount of added sugar I'm eating overall. Typically for me, the less I have, over time the less I start to crave it. It doesn't happen right away, but after a few weeks I notice a difference.
Whenever I've set out to lose weight and typically now that I'm maintaining, I know I'm not going to cut out added sugars completely, but allow myself treats. I also view it as more of a health decision as opposed to a weight maintenance issue, which changes my mindset about it.8 -
I feel like I’m going crazy. I’ve been on a meal plan for about 2 weeks now to reset my metabolism which includes high protein high carb (rice carbs only) and no dairy or breads and low sugar. But since I’ve started all I want is sugar and it’s getting really frustrating!!! I’m not sure if it’s because I cut protein bars bought from the store, my nutritionist said those can be loaded with the fake sugars. But can someone maybe help me on how to fix my sugar cravings before I eat a whole box of cookies dipped in buttercream icing 😭😭 thank you in advance
Along with the observation that Speakeasy said about, "resetting the metabolism," I'd have to ask how "rice carbs" differ from bread carbs? Spoiler: they don't.
I know many people have trouble with wheat and dairy in general, they add a lot of calories and are easy, go-to foods that have quite a few calories. When I was in weight loss mode I cut back on wheat a lot. My self-made rule was, "If you're having wheat, it has to be cooked by you." That stopped me from buying snacky foods like dry cereal, crackers, pretzels and French bread, baked goods etc. It's a good strategy, but wheat and rice are pretty equal in general, carb-wise....all I want is sugar.
I hear that! Sugar is a very hard one to break. I agree with L1zardQueen, fruit is the answer there. However, I'd have to have some Greek yogurt with that usually. And nuts.
I hope you find an answer.6 -
Is a high carbohydrate, high protein diet low fat? I have personally found that when I eat low fat, it can trigger cravings for me. Maybe see if eating a more balanced diet helps with these cravings?5
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janejellyroll wrote: »Is a high carbohydrate, high protein diet low fat? I have personally found that when I eat low fat, it can trigger cravings for me. Maybe see if eating a more balanced diet helps with these cravings?
Yeah, good point. Sounds like it's basically rice and meat and veg, classic body builder diet (bro science version). That would trigger cravings in me.
I'm another who goes to fruit if wanting something sweet, most of the time, and it seems like that should be compatible with the diet, but I'd also figure out if there's really any need for the diet, especially if it is making things harder for you.5 -
Does this "nutritionist" have any recognised qualifications as it sounds like a very weird concept, with weird rules to achieve something that isn't actually possible? Beware that depending on where you live the title nutritionist can mean something or very, very little in terms of dietary knowledge or education.
Fruit would seem a reasonable choice for your sweet craving but that breaks the very peculiar "rice carbs only" rule. Not that it seems like a worthwhile rule to me!
What is the reasoning behind excluding all fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses and other grains?
What does "fake sugars" mean in this person's context and why should they be avoided?
The ingredients will be listed on the protein bars you are now avoiding, either they contain whatever it is you are trying to avoid or they don't - I'd check rather than exclude somethng which you think helps you.6 -
Rice always makes me crave sugar. How ‘bout you?1
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One thing I wanted to add is that since I can have plums and dates, I've replaced my after-meal candy with one of these (only ingredient is plum or date). I'm someone who likes to end my meal with something sweet, although lately Haven't felt the need to do so as much.1
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I forgot to add that I do eat vegetables and fruits as well. Vegetables are unlimited. He put me on rice because I wasn’t eating enough, and the amount of exercise I do I burn myself out and just don’t have enough fuel causing a low metabolism. He said rice will help my glycemic index. Since starting his plan my energy levels are better and my appetite is back, so something is working. Since I made this post my sugar cravings haven’t been as bad so I think I’m finally over that hump. And by fake sugars he means the artificial refined sugars that are in those protein bars I was eating. I think cutting those protein bars is what made me crave sugar so much- it’s crazy how the body feeds off of that stuff and it will be better for me in the long run not to always have a protein bar as my go to. Before I started fueling right I would sometimes just have a protein bar for both breakfast and lunch which isn’t good, then would go to the gym after working all day1
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Just to unpick some of this.....
I forgot to add that I do eat vegetables and fruits as well. Vegetables are unlimited.
Fruits and vegetables are carbs. That's why it's confusing when you said "rice carbs only".
He put me on rice because I wasn’t eating enough, and the amount of exercise I do I burn myself out and just don’t have enough fuel causing a low metabolism.
Not eating enough is a problem, introducing random food restrictions is a weird way to address that. There's really no good reason to eat rice but exclude bread and pasta. Still no idea why dairy has been excluded, it's a brilliant food group for mammals. Unless you have a specific problem with dairy I think you really need to ask why. Behind cravings is often an inappropriate calorie level as well as food choices.
He said rice will help my glycemic index.
You don't have a glycaemic index - your food does. If you want slower releasing complaex carbs then again there's no good reason to exclude breads, pasta or other grains.
And by fake sugars he means the artificial refined sugars that are in those protein bars I was eating.
Refined sugar isn't fake, it's just a refined version of a naturally occurring sugar which will often be coming from sugar cane or beet normally. Your body really doesn't care if you ingest white table sugar or suck on a sugar cane.
I think cutting those protein bars is what made me crave sugar so much- it’s crazy how the body feeds off of that stuff and it will be better for me in the long run not to always have a protein bar as my go to. Before I started fueling right I would sometimes just have a protein bar for both breakfast and lunch which isn’t good, then would go to the gym after working all day
Yes eating proper food is a positive step. It would also be a positive step to eat varied food without pretty random restrictions.
I would suggest as regards your overall diet first start what to INCLUDE rather than take the approach of what to EXCLUDE.
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How do you really feel, Sijomial?
Love ya, I agree - but dang buddy. That's some serious picking.
To photorach, If I was trying to eat protein bars for breakfast and lunch and then gave them up I'd have a habit to break and I would likely have sugar cravings for a while too. I think protein bars have a place, but they do have a lot of added sugars and they aren't usually enough calories to sufficiently cover a meal. Plus all the other things you miss by subbing what's basically a cookie for a real meal.
I use a whey protein powder, and I have a scoop every day, but it's mostly just protein, very few carbs and low fat. I find I can't get enough protein with meals and still hit all my other goals (like low salt, sufficient fiber, and stay in calories.) So protein powder might be a thing you could consider. I never thought I'd ever use a protein powder, but to stay low salt I really need it. I used to just eat a lot of dairy and meat but I can't do that, keep my salt low, and still get to have a slice of bread.
Don't let us scare you away. We're really nice, if a bit pedantic.
(**edit - aack - and I mistyped "pedantic." LOL)
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Yeah to reply to the bottom of your comment I kind of regret making this post... 🥺4
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