Still A Struggle

I came across this on someone's profile and just thought, MAN this is exactly how I feel right now! "DEMONS: I can snack, snack, snack. I started to feel that "I want something but I don't know what I want" syndrome. So I try some fruit and think no thats not it. Then I try some baked chips--NO that's not it... As usual I'm not the typical case! I read these profiles and it seems others have no more hunger. Why do I feel hungry all the time? Yes, it's true I can't eat as much as I used to but if I wait 5 or l0 minutes I can eat again!!!!!!!!" WOW this is me to a T!!! I mean exactly down to the fruit. In fact just the other day I was craving (God knows what) and had some mandarin oranges and nope...that wasnt it...then tried a piece of beef jerky...nope that wasn't it either...then went onto a sugar free piece of chewy candy...nope not that either. I, finally, after a couple more tries, just gave up and had some tea and just still felt miserable and unsatisfied. (oh yeah I did try protein first. Some chicken...but nope) then went on to the little oranges... I swear the struggle continues. I have been getting better with each day since my little "struggle" started but wow, I am just plain scared! I am SOOO afraid that my old habits are going to come back full blast and that I am going to be able to eat just as much as before. Its so darn scary! I know its all up to me to beat this and I think I am starting to. I just wanted to get it out, vent, just to have it out there. I know it doesn't magically dissapear. I decided to try baking some cookies over the weekend and came out with one really nice cookie recepie that was made with splenda. I am going to make some more cookies that are sugar free and keep them on hand for when I get that "bakery" craving. More sugar free candies and such. I need to totally ween my body of this sugar! It sure is hard once its in your system. OK I am done blabbing. Elizabeth M

I know that feeling so well Elizabeth. The difference is that I found out years ago when I started doing Atkins that this feeling of searching for that thing you want is based in carbs. I was a skeptic about it until I tried it, but when I stuck to it for 2 weeks, I discovered that I no longer had cravings. I didn't wander around looking for whatever it was that was supposed to fill my void. I guess what I would suggest when you are starting to feel that way is to cut back to protein and veggies minus any low-carb or sugar free treats. They may be okay to have, but they can still stimulate cravings. Even fruit can cause problems if you have too much of an insulin reaction. Doing Atkins was what enabled me to stop snacking years ago. I didn't realize why I was such a big snacker back then, but I found out it was a physical urge, not emotional. Dina

You're not alone. I feel real snacky lately too. I have a sweet tooth generally. Here's a few things that seem to work for me that aren't too damaging. 1/2 grapefruit or 2 Mt. Olive No Sugar Added Sweet Gerkin Pickles or Sweet Freedom No Sugar Added Fudgecicle if I crave something salty I have a few Wow Ruffles and some french onion dip. (I know that these are my best choices, but sometimes there is nothing to replace them for me) Smiles, CP 309/179.8/144

Yeah this sugar in my system is driving me insane. It doesnt help to have to bake for a cookie exchange party heh. I know, just the carbs period! I need to kill the carbs! Even the fruit for a little while. I will just stick with my pumpkin seeds to stop me from "grazing" on the sugar stuff. I am just miserable right now and feeling like I am not going to loose anymore weight and just failing. It sucks. BUT I know what I gotta do! Elizabeth M

Count me in on the carb crazy crew, too! The more refined carbs I eat, the more I want to eat. I'm thinking sugar-free ain't a great thing after all.