Ugh, here I've lost 150lbs and want to lose about 35 - 40 more. . . of course the going is really slow and I've started literally dieting . . . following a 1000 calorie ADA meal plan but now guess what satan is doing to me. . . HEAD HUNGER This is really bad now, guess cause the diet has me eating carbs or something. . . but i stop everytime it happens and "listen" if my gut is really hungry or not. . .if not good. I used to be able to say "deal with it" but now it's so bad that if i don't get the food i'm craving (usually black licorice) I feel like i'm going to die! Literally! I drink TONS (not ounces) of water to help combat this with no relief. . . I am so blessed that i haven't gained weight but i haven't lost either anymore and that is a sign of things to come for me and it's usually not on the good side. I try to stay busy by crocheting, vacuuming, housework or going to the gym when I'm home, and typing and patient care at work. . . but the minute i stop there it goes. . . even in my dreams it's there. . . errrrrrr it's really irratating. . . any suggestions?

You have done such a great job...look at you, almost there. I wish I could say it never happens to me, but it is just a battle.

I wonder if we are self sabotaging like we don't deserve to lose these last few lbs? The reason I say that is i lost 2 lbs and ever since I find myself looking toward things I shouldn't have. I'm not at goal, but I act like I am. I sometimes succeed in spite of myself.

I am so thankful for the restriction though. And for the fact that if I eat something like a Baby Ruth (did that) I feel sooooo sick like too much sugar/want to vomit. I can nibble, but not gorge on sweets.

But I need to stop nibbling too!!! I'm not at goal.

thank you for sharing that. . .I know I feel badly for myself sometimes too. . .I'm so close I can taste it (no pun intended) and like you say is it self sabatoge? I guess we have to remember we ARE worthy and we deserve this. . . it's just so dang hard! Those blasted old habits! That dang carb monster. . . . we will overcome!

The main flavoring in licorice is Anise--maybe if you added a little anise to some greek yogurt or something similar it would satisfy your craving in a good way. Worth a try...

Hey Thin,

this might be conter productive... but ... JUST KICK THOSE CRAVINGS TO THE CURB!!!!

My God you have done sooooo well... really well.... a true inspiration to us all!!

Look, you have done so well.... so what if the last few pounds take another 6mths to a year.... who cares!!! You have lost another person!!! Just enjoy the new you, and be kind to yourself! xx

OH did I say how well you have done...lol

What a fantastic group of people you all are! Thank you so much! Seniorsleever what an excellant idea! To put anise into greek yoghurt! Splendid suggestion! I'll get some tonight for sure!!!!!

coops! your a blast. . . I don't think i could get through the day without you! you make me laugh, thank you! and yes I believe you mentioned it a couple of times!

Is the anise a powder or does it come in extract as well?

McCormack makes an anise extract. I have also seen anise tea. Try on Amazon.

You all are an inspiration to me!

Yes, you are sooooo close!!! I think they make anise tea, too!!! Although in a greek yogurt, I bet it would be more of a "treat." I hope that works for you!!!! Maybe also try going low carb for a while; I am amazed at how few cravings I have when I keep the carbs low. So weird!

There is an after dinner treat in India that is a mix of seeds, mostly anise or fennel seeds with a few little sugar pearls (really small ones like cake decorations) and sometimes toasted coriander seeds. Really yummy and you just put a few bits in your mouth and chew on them till they are dust, great flavor- no carbs to speak of. Try a Indian market...

"It's actually a mixture known as MUKHWAS (which literally translates into breath freshner) & it aids in digestion as well.

Mukhwas is a colorful Indian after-meal snack or digestive aid made primarily of fennel seeds, anise seeds, coconut, and sesame seeds. They are sweet in flavor and highly aromatic due to added sugar and the addition of various essential oils, including peppermint oil. The seeds are often also coated in sugar and brightly colored. Plain Water drunk after chewing and consuming mukhwas tastes extremely sweet. There are lots of varieties of mukhwas."

heres one kind:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/franticfoodie/archives/129494.asp

There is an after dinner treat in India that is a mix of seeds, mostly anise or fennel seeds with a few little sugar pearls (really small ones like cake decorations) and sometimes toasted coriander seeds. Really yummy and you just put a few bits in your mouth and chew on them till they are dust, great flavor- no carbs to speak of. Try a Indian market...

"It's actually a mixture known as MUKHWAS (which literally translates into breath freshner) & it aids in digestion as well.

Mukhwas is a colorful Indian after-meal snack or digestive aid made primarily of fennel seeds, anise seeds, coconut, and sesame seeds. They are sweet in flavor and highly aromatic due to added sugar and the addition of various essential oils, including peppermint oil. The seeds are often also coated in sugar and brightly colored. Plain Water drunk after chewing and consuming mukhwas tastes extremely sweet. There are lots of varieties of mukhwas."

heres one kind:

http://blog.seattlep...ives/129494.asp

YES! I have those (DH is indian) and I'll have some when i get home! I love those! I just never thought of having them to solve a craving. . . hubbie uses them for indigestion and bloating! thanks! EXCELLANT suggestions everyone! Thanks so much! I'm doing better today had the carb withdrawl splitting headache yesterday but it passed and it's ok! Thanks again all!

YES! I have those (DH is indian) and I'll have some when i get home! I love those! I just never thought of having them to solve a craving. . . hubbie uses them for indigestion and bloating! thanks! EXCELLANT suggestions everyone! Thanks so much! I'm doing better today had the carb withdrawl splitting headache yesterday but it passed and it's ok! Thanks again all!

Cool! I lived in India for a while, there are some great different recipes for this stuff, some very delicious.

What a fantastic group of people you all are! Thank you so much! Seniorsleever what an excellant idea! To put anise into greek yoghurt! Splendid suggestion! I'll get some tonight for sure!!!!!

coops! your a blast. . . I don't think i could get through the day without you! you make me laugh, thank you! and yes I believe you mentioned it a couple of times!

Hey Thin, the feeling is mutual... I often look out for your posts, you speak sense and wisdom and without knowing it, you've got me through some tough moments here in (not-so) sunny Wales... keep your chin up 'cos you've done sooooooo well...lol... xx

Many teas that are commonly available in grocery stores have anise as an ingredient. The popular tea, "Tension Tamer" by Celestial Seasonings is a strongly Anise tea and widely available. I am having serious head hunger issues right now, I'm 7 months out, and even though I am struggling and not always winning if it weren't for my gum and flavored teas it would be even worse!!

I just made myself a soy chai latte this morning using a chai masala spices I bought in an Indian grocery... yum!

one cup unsweetened soy milk

1/2 cup Water

one decaf black tea bag.

1 packet of stevia

1 level tspoon of masala

bring all to boil except soy, add soy and heat till hot, pour into cup and drink.