Well, I went and done it now...

I haven't gotten completely over my cravings either, but it has gotten better. I buy the Baked Lays and just eat the serving size. I still have issues with sweets, but I try very hard to decrease the amount I eat. When I do eat sweets, I always stick with one serving so it won't be as bad. Stay encouraged!

I did that yesterday, only it was cookies.. so today I'm trying to be more careful. I think it's something that will happen off and on to everyone. I did find a nutritious snack that i liked that had some chocolate in it. Next time you're craving chocolate, have a Rice Cracker (35 calories) with a Tablespoon of Nutella(100 calories) spread on it. It gives you the hint of chocolate without crazy on calories.

I don't think grabbing for a few "tempting" foods is all bad - just add it in your food diary and account for it. Or do an extra 10 minutes walking. The more you deprive yourself the more likely you are to slip up.

I couldn't agree with more with the above statement! You had some junk food- big deal. You ate it, you enjoyed, now move on. Don't beat your self up. The further you get into this lifestyle change the easier it will be, but it takes time! You can't go from all to none and think you won't miss it!

I find that when I do eat something I've been craving or indulge in dessert, I can't eat as much- it's either too sweet, or too salty, too greasy, etc. I end up with a nasty tummy ache most of the time too which is a big deterrant and reminder the next time I want that item

You are doing a fantastic job- keep up the good work! There is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.

I eat hamburgers at home, I fit it into my allotted calories. If I am out I usually choose chicken instead. I do occasionally eat chocolate or dessert. I do it on a day I have extra calories for it, either because I ate less that day or because I exercised more. By allowing myself to have it sometimes, then I don't feel deprived. Just watch the portion sizes and fit it into your calories for the day. Last night my son informed me there was ice cream in the house. I checked my calories and decided I was too close to my goal, and I didn't feel like exercising. So today, I'm making sure to leave some calories so I can have some. It is all about choices.

I will never get over the cravings... what I do do is allow myself to have some from time to time in within serving size. No food is 100% bad what is bad is not having self control as in how much of it you are really putting in to your body. A serving of chips is 28g ab 18 chips depending on the chips of course... if you have the taste for it measure it out and make sure you tell yourself that is all I am having and no more... enjoy them, take your time eating them - almost as an affair with them, lol...

It is easier to eat in moderation than it is to not eat what for so many years you have eaten... there will come a time that eating other things will just become more satisfying... but it is all baby steps...

When I get a craving, I immediately start looking for its healthier alternative. For instance cheesecake - I love it, I suddenly began craving it, I began searching for low cal/fat versions of it.

I made a cheesecake Saturday that is 171 calories a slice (8 in a cake). It's not the real thing, but it's close enough to make me feel "naughty" when I eat it.

I could not resist any longer and had a bag of potato chips today (putting me well above my allowed calories for the day). The sad thing is: I really enjoyed it.

I wonder if I will ever get to the point where I see junk food and go YECH.....I can't imagine how that could happen...I find it so so so difficult to stay on track because I love all the things that we now identify as "bad for you": chocolate, potato chips, hamburgers and mostly desserts.

Has anyone gotten completely over these cravings? How did you do it? Please let me know that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.

No, you will never look at junk food and not want it. Sorry, but that's the way most people are (myself included).

However, you will find that your desire to "eat the whole bag" does diminish. Your body needs time to adjust to your caloric intake, and you need to take the time to work out foods that satisfy you without wasting your calories on empty stuff.

And whoever told you that hamburgers and chocolate are "junk" foods is full of, well, this is a family-friendly forum so I won't say it. In MODERATION, decent lean beef is an excellent protein source, and chocolate (again in MODERATION, and the darker the better) is full of good stuff. Even potato chips are not unhealthy, if you can manage to eat about a dozen of them and fit them into your calorie budget.

But if you can't resist the whole bag, don't keep them in the house!

My usual dessert every evening is 5 ounces of red wine and about 15-20 Ghiardelli 60% chocolate chips. Suck on the chips one at a time to savor the flavor, and sip the wine. I can usually make it last about a half hour, sometimes longer. Best-spent calories of the !@#$@# day, I tell ya.

I'm at the point where fast food and junk makes my stomach turn for the most part, but once or twice a year, Taco Bell or a bag of puffy cheetos call my name. I think what helps me is knowing that the reason it tastes "good" is because it's been horrible processed, modified and altered from anything that resembles food. I think about all the fake junk in it and it turns me off.... except those few times... and then.... on those days... it still tastes amazing! Hah

I don't know that you ever completely lose the cravings for the foods that you like, but I think we can mitigate the potential "damage" and more importantly, guilt, from the occassional indulgence. As so many have suggested, the key is to eat them in moderation and be accountable for them.

In addition to moderation and accountabilty, I would add, eat them with purpose. In other words, know what you are doing, be mindful of the food, and be ok with your decision.

For me, my favorite indulgence is definitely pizza! I LOVE pizza - I know that it's not healthy and I know there are ways to "lighten" it up - but truth be told, I like a good, greasy, pepperoni pizza. So, if I am going to have it, I take every purposeful precaution to minimize the damage. I burn extra calories at the gym, lift a little more, have a giant glass of water and salad to start and then savor the 2 pieces of deliciousness that I am going to allow myself. I eat it with purpose, fork and knife, slow - and know what I am doing and am ok with it.

I know it sounds corny and like I am playing mind games - I am. That's how I get by without feeling guilty - and know that it wasn't my downfall and that I didn't ruin everything I have already worked for.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Hell no!!! LOL I have to have my peanut butter and chocolate.