Lately I've been having trouble dealing with cravings, and have found myself obsessing about food in between meals. I'm pretty sure it's head hunger, and not real hunger, though even at 5 months post-op I have trouble telling the difference.

The usual suggestion I hear is to find something to distract yourself, like going for a walk. The problem is that when I'm at work, I'm pretty much chained to a desk for 8 hours, so finding something to get my mind off the big sugar Cookies in the breakroom, which are calling my name even right now, is pretty hard.

So, any suggestions on how to get past cravings when your choices of distractions are pretty limited?

sometimes brushing your teeth helps. It makes you not want to eat anymore.:wink:

I'd like the answer to your question too. I may just try the brushing teeth idea - I'm sure my dentist would approve.

I think that we can't completely ignore cravings, but the hard part is to keep the indulging to a minimum. I know I'm stalled in my weight loss - is it this philosophy?

I am trying to change my behaviors that got me fat. When I start craving something I shouldnt, I will go exercise. I started this after surgery when the hunger started.

Retraining myself is much like training a dog. I need to be consistent. The minute that craving hits or that thought about eat, I get up and move.

Now, with that said, lately I have been craving citrus really bad. I bought some sugar free lemonade at Chic-fil-a and have been drinking that. And loading my iced tea up with lime juice. Since citrus isnt as high in calories or fat as say, ice cream, I havent worried about it. But if I suddenly stall, I will know what I have changed in my diet. Usually, it isnt just one thing but an overall lax attitude that causes stalls. Last time it was refried Beans, but I was slipping in several areas also.

I like the brushing the teeth idea. I checked around, and on some other boards I've noticed people mentioning those listerine breathe strips as a way to curb cravings.

I ended up getting some "Ice Breakers" sugar free mints, and if I definitley need to snack, I'm keeping a bag of almonds at the ready.

I chew gum.

How about the good old rubber band around the wrist. You snap it enough to smart each time you are craving something. You know the whole Pavlov's dog theory.

It's trying to condition yourself that cravings are associated with something unpleasant. And h*ll, it's cheap!

I eat sonic ice. I stop every morning after dropping my kids off at school and get a route 44 ice water with extra ice.