CRAVING

romeu85 · January 1

Today is day one, and I’m already craving chocolate and soda. And in the end, it's still not the end. I’m so frustrated with myself; I haven't eaten anything so far, but I am very sad mood.

Alatariel75 · January 1

There is absolutely no point getting frustrated and sad over cravings, they're just a part of your brain firing that way. Sad and frustrated are self defeating. Empower yourself by fighting them, making deliberate choices that are better than the ones you're resisting, and eat something! You're probably craving because you're hungry and your body is looking for immediate gratification.

lisakatz2 · January 1

There's a lot of unanswered questions here. Are you logging your food? Are you eating balanced meals which include adequate protein and healthy fats? Have you tried going for a walk outdoors when a craving strikes? Can you make a healthy substitution like flavored water (sugar free, including artificial sweeteners - I like Le Croix brand) and a piece of your favorite fruit?

Habits take time to build. The more you practice not giving in to cravings, the easier it gets.

EDIT: MFP is a great place for support. There is a thread here for 200+ lb ladies looking to lose that gets renewed every month. I like to post/hang out there. Also there is the NSV (non-scale victory) thread that is also helpful and inspiring.

nossmf · January 1

I've been doing this for 15 years. The other day, I gave in to a craving for dessert even knowing I did not have the calorie room on my day.

Failure? Nope, not at all. Just one day did not meet goal. Compared to the on-goal week before, that one day is outnumbered.

Looking back over that 15-year run (some 5500 days), I'm guessing I hit my goal about 75% of the time. In school that would give me a middling grade, but in life that gave me swapping 50 pounds of fat for 30 pounds of muscle, while enjoying birthdays, holidays, date nights, and random summer nights along the way.

romeu85 · January 2

Thanks a lot, everyone! It is indeed challenging, but I am trying. I think I'm feeling this way because today is my day one, just like everyone else starting the new year with renewed goals to care for their health. This time, I have to take it seriously. Unfortunately, the body pays the price when you don't take it seriously. That's my motivation—it's not just about wanting to, but more about needing to.

wahmx3 · January 2

Remember this is a journey and it's one day at a time. Do you have room for a daily treat in your plan/calorie goal? I'm never giving up chocolate or chips completely...will plan for it within my calories.

Adventurista · January 2

I started using chocolate whey protein powder (as part of my daily protein) in my morning coffee instead of candy later in the day, so it was an emotional compromise.

Another choice, i switched to dark chocolate, started low like 60% and moved up to 90 or 95% (for the possible health benefits of dark chocolate.)
So, I sometimes have a square melted with a tbsp pb, swirled a bit as a dip with fresh banana.

So i guess the point is? Why quit or have the goal.

Sometimes there are other choices to have some, not too much. Health considerations are also a big part of the reasons I choose certain foods (and leave off other foods.)

On the other hand, when i can not resist the urge to keep eating a particular food/treat, then it becomes a 'no go' food as long as i am having trouble resisting.

You are the person who knows you, and whatever you decide is ok. Stopping altogether can be tough, and if that is what you are doing, then hang in! It will get better...

YOU are always worth way more than any chocolate bar or can of soda!

springlering62 · January 2

And in the end, it's still not the end.

I’ve got news for you. There is no end. If you think you’ve reached the end and go back to old habits, the end schooches even further out of sight.

Weight loss is a lifetime effort.

I second everything folks above say. You’ve gotten advice from many of the best “old hands” at it MFP has to offer.

My advice, FWIW:

Give yourself grace when starting. OK, you had something that feels “forbidden”. Try having less of it, find a stopping point.

Now. What can you do to replace what you miss? For me, it was creating a breakfast smoothie that tasted like a Wendy’s Frosty. I actually went to bed excited and looking forward to my tasty breakfast. I had that smoothie for a couple of years til I finally tired of it and moved on.

Learn to weigh and log carefully and accurately. And honestly.

Finding an exercise you enjoy will help. There is not “just” exercise. Walking isn’t “just” waking. Your rebounder isn’t “just” jumping. Beginning yoga isn’t “just” yoga. Every movement has value. Every movement should bring joy. If not, move on.

You never “fall off the wagon”. The wagon may hit a bump and jostle your spine, but you didn’t fall off, and that bump should serve to remind you to hold on tighter.

CRAVING

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