Craving Sweets

This is probably the wrong way to approach cravings for sweets or carbs, but it's worked for me. I allow myself to have whatever I'm craving -- without limits. I usually feel so bad (physically) afterwards, I never want to go near the item again. My cravings have been more for breads than sweets, and I've tried pizza crust and sandwiches. Both have made me feel really icky, like a weighty blob is in my stomach. I don't want to be around either anymore. Kim SW 306 CW 179 GW 150

Kim, I usually do the same thing, where sweets are concerned. I don't usually crave bread, etc. When I have a craving I usually have a piece or two of what I want and move on. If I try to eat other things instead to satisfy my craving I usually eat more than if I cave in to the craving. The reason this bothers me so much is because I can't seem to go one day without a piece of chocolate. It's part of the addiction and I hate it! Thanks ~ Chrsitine

Hi Christine, Do you think you're craving just the chocolate or the sugary chocolate? Have you tried having either a cup of sugar free cocoa or a piece of sugar free chocolate to see if that will satisfy you? I don't have chocolate cravings daily, but have them from time to time. I keep a box of Lite Harvest Sugar Free Enchantments Double Chocolate Walnut cookies handy. I know this would be hard, but perhaps you could talk to your coworkers (with the chocolate on their desks) about your struggle. They hopefully would be really understanding. Next time you grab a couple, you could say something like "I have to confess I'm really struggling to stay away from chocolate and I'm worried about undoing all the work I've done since my weight loss surgery. Would you consider keeping these out of reach or switching to something I can easily resist, like hard candy? (with a smile) Or you could just slap my hand if I start to reach for one! I could really use the support." If they cooperate, you could reward them with a flower and a thank you card about how you're grateful for their understanding and support. Even if they do so grudgingly, this would hopefully show them how appreciative you are and help smooth things over. Hugs, Kim

Kim, Thank you so much for the support! I do appreciate it. I do not think my co-workers would mind at all if I asked them to move/remove or change the candy selection. They actually have been very supportive. If truth be known I could have done that sometime ago, but the fact of the matter is I liked that it was there, just incase.....I know wrong approach. But on an up note -- I have not had a piece of candy yet today! Also, I bought a box of the South Beach bars last night on my way home. I decided not to wait until the weekend shopping excursion. I got the Peanut Butter flavor, they are good. They didn't have any of the chocolate, but I want to try them as well. Thanks again ~ Christine

Christine, We are miles away but I swear this is my job. I've been out of work for over 4 months cuz of the hurricane. I just knew I'd come back to work and eat less cuz I wouldn't have time to think about eating. No way, people bring king cakes, snacks, and there is a big candy dish right at the front desk, so whenever I go to the bathroom I pass it and get some each time. It is horrible to lose control like this. I weighed 270 the beginning of the month. By 1-15 I was 264, then I went up to 270 th eother day. I am back at 266 but it is a horrible feeling to lose control like that and it is scary. I almost wish sweets made me so sick I wouldn't eat them, but I don't get sick at all. You are not alone in this. Good luck to both of us.