Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

help I need solutions to solving my chocolate cravings



Recommended Posts

Well I have always been a chocoholic before the sleeve but after I still find myself searching the cupboards in the middle of the night for that chocolate rush can anyone help me with any suggestions for stopping the cravings thanx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you like dark chocolate? I have bought a bar of high quality Ghiardelli's and eaten it slowly, broken up into pieces, The pieces are fairly big and are approx. 70-80 calories. But chocolate isn't a trigger food for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My go to chocolate foods are Oh Yeah Protein bars (just like Snickers!), Starbucks skinny mocha frappacinos (130 calories), Fiber One chocolate chip Cookies (microwave for 20 seconds - yum), EAS carb advantage Protein shakes with added banana, ice and NF dried milk (23 grams protein), or if I need just a bit of chocolate that isn't meal sized, a Hershey Kiss. Sweets did not make me fat, so I can eat just one or two.

I cannot get myself any leeway on salty carbs, though. That's my downfall.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

chocolate can still be benefitial as a post op if you manage the consumption of it.

If you can eat chocolate in moderation, you might consider have a small portion of dark chocolate that is 80% cocao or higher once or twice a week. It will satisfy your cravings and also provide you with some additional benefits that come from eating dark pure chocolate.

If you are not so much of a moderation type (me), then you might think about satisfying your chocolate cravings with chocolate flavored Protein powder or perhaps hot chocolate with additional Protein. Find something with a good chocolate flavor that is not going to punish you in term of calories or spike your insulin levels to trigger even more cravings.

I never have really been into chocolate before VSG, but as a post op it is a flavor I have come to enjoy. Every night I make a double chocolate casein Protein shake and it satisfies me as a desert. The casein protein also is such it helps my metabolism keep burning until morning when able to eat again. I really do enjoy the richness of the double chocolate flavor.

I know cravings can be hard. I think the key with dealing with them is to first determine if you are a moderation person or an all or nothing person and then go from there, perhaps implementing one of the suggestions above into your post op plan.

Hope this helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I found this recipe earlier today for Protein and Peanut Butter Cookies - I haven't tried them yet, but was planning to make a batch after dinner.

http://freshlifefindings.com/2013/04/12/5-ingredient-peanut-butter-protein-cookies-working-for-the-weekend/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tried the sugar free Hershey's dark chocolate at Wal-Mart. I thought it tasted really good.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tried the sugar free Hershey's dark chocolate at Wal-Mart. I thought it tasted really good.

I agree, very good...if you don't mind dark chocolate.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you take Calcium? My Doc wanted me to take Citracal twice a day, they make chocolate chews I have one after Breakfast and one after dinner, they taste like a tootsie roll, and satisfies my need for desert. Also, some of the chocolate Protein Shakes aren't bad, and Unjury makes a Protein hot chocolate that is really good and filling.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The reason why we like chocolate is the little bit of phenylethylamine that it contains. This nuerotransmittor releases norepinephrene and dopamine into the blood stream, the "feel good" hormones. Unfortunately, the 1/2 life of phenylethylamine is only 5-10 minutes which means the cravings come back quickly for more chocolate. It is better to find a food that triggers the release of the hormones with a longer 1/2 life. Caffeine in coffee might be a good example because it tends to stay in the body a lot longer before being metabolized. Just something to consider when thinking about the chocolate cravings.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How far out are you from surgery?

After surgery my go to was chocolate fudge sugarfreee pudding. I put in a scoop of chocolate or unflavored powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder and it packed 16 grams of Protein with about 150 calories. It was my meal sometimes and in the beginning it helped me get in the much needed calories. I still will make the pudding sometimes but don't put in as much Protein Powder. Its a good before bed snack.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Right now I am drinking a Unjury chocolate splendor Protein Shake with a few drops of the Cherry extract. Tastes like chocolate covered cherries.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My NUT offered this solution, count out chocale chips (yes the baking kind) and eat them slowly...you can work them in daily.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I purchased the unsweetened semi-sweet chocolate. I put it into the unflavored Protein Powder from Unjury and sweeten to my liking. I find some of the shakes too sweet. Th s has a deep rich chocolate flavor with minimal calories. I don't have an addiction to chocolate. I'd be in the cabinets looking for a carb in the past. ;-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×