How I Handle A Craving

[Esorami 2]

I sometimes crave Cheetos so when I finally give in, I chew some up and get the best taste out of them and then spit it out. By then it is nearly liquid! So far that is the only thing I've craved. I haven't told my dietitian yet, she may frown a bit.

:w00t: :sneaky:

[WrenBird 11]

:sneaky:

If I'm craving sugary food and if I haven't had my Vitamin for the day, I'l have that - it tastes very sweet and it's cherry flavoured! Its actually sugar free but it does the trick nicely.

If I am craving junk food or savoury food I think abot how sick I'll feel afterwards and go for a walk.

[ElfiePoo 109]

I sometimes crave Cheetos so when I finally give in, I chew some up and get the best taste out of them and then spit it out. By then it is nearly liquid! So far that is the only thing I've craved. I haven't told my dietitian yet, she may frown a bit.

:w00t: :sneaky:

She probably will because chewing and spitting out is considered an eating disorder. From one of the medical sites:

"People with this disorder can experience swollen glands, mouth sores, cavities, cracked teeth, sore throats, and irritated or ulcerous stomachs. This is because when a person thinks about or begins to eat the salivary glands and stomach acids kick into action. The salivary glands work on the food in the mouth to break it down into simple sugars and make it easier to digest.

Some argue that the breakdown allows the sugar to be absorbed through the mouth into the body, thus causing actual calorie ingestion. Others argue that this would be minimal as the food does not stay in the mouth long enough for this to happen. When the salivary glands and acids are frequently working it can lead to the complications mentioned. It can also cause a spike in insulin levels, which regulate blood sugar, and make it harder to lose weight.

It's a warning sign of self-destructive behavior that may worsen. If you or someone you know practices this behavior consider getting some professional help. "

.

[ElfiePoo 109]

Ways to lessen or eliminate cravings:

Reduce the carbs in your diet. I did a 2 week Atkins induction (no carbs except for 2 small salads with my meals) to get the carbs out of my system fast. The first week was the hardest because I was literally going through withdrawal. The 2nd week was better and by the end of it, I had to actually remind myself to eat. Now I'm trying to keep my carbs below 30-35. Over that and I start craving again.

Quit watching tv in the evening. Record whatever it is you want to watch so you can fast forward through the ads. The food ads would actually start the saliva flowing in my mouth and studies show that this actually causes insulin spikes which affects blood sugar, making it more difficult to lose weight.

Try delayed gratification. Tell yourself you can have it tomorrow if you still want it. Generally you'll wake up the next morning and not want it. If you start craving it again that afternoon or evening, again tell yourself 'tomorrow'.

.

[Humming Bird 275]

Eeewwww! ABC Cheetos :sneaky:

I think just doing that one time would cure me from the cheeto craving. I get too grossed out from seefood.

I do understand the thought behind it. I have heard some bandsters say they have done that with meat because it gives them much trouble.

I like the delayed gratification idea and will have to put that one to use.

Edited October 28, 2010 by Humming Bird

[Angera 2]

I was craving sweets. I attributed it to the mashed potatoes that had come back into my diet during the mushy food stage and the small amount of bread creeping back in.

I decided to go cold turkey again with those carbs and it's gotten a lot better!