HELP!! CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS!!

I've been really fighting hard, I am not one to dump easily, which makes it even harder!! OREOS, RECEES PENUT BUTTER CUPS, M&MS, HERSHEY KISSES, it's like everywhere I look I see chocolate, yeah, it's that time of the month, but I'm sick of blaming it on that, I've noticed myself slipping alot latetly!! The other day I had 5 oreos (not in one sitting, but through the whole day)!!! Not to mention the 2 Recees I grabbed!! I feel shame!!! What is wrong with me???!!! This has really hit me hard, and I don't know how to fight back. I've bought the SF cookies, but if I'm not carefull I'll inhale those too!! SOMEONE PLEASE STOP ME!!!

Perhaps a really good chocolate protein powder could suffice??? "Step away from the Chocolates!" (((HUGS))) Karen G

Karen, Awww, thanks for the hugs, they were really needed!! and I've tried the chocolate protein powder and I don't know if it was just the brand I tried or what but it tasted like a dogs behind!! It really made me step away from the chocolate!!

How about S/F Jello Chocolate Pudding, with the protein powder hidden in it?? That might help to hide the bad taste of the protein powder and to calm your chocolate cravings. S/F Jello Chocolate Pudding is not too bad, as an occassional treat. Karen G

How about planning to have chocolate every day. Give yourself permission to have ONE piece of rich, decadent, high quality chocolate. Its said that dark chocolate is actually good for you and is more satisfying than milk chocolate. Then, nibble at it, savor it, truly enjoy it. I think when we don't give ourself permission to have something we are truly craving that we sabotage ourselves by "sneaking" and even inhaling choices that don't even meet our cravings' need so we keep trying to satisfy that craving with junk. (I know that because I've been there--too often!) Once a week my DH and I go to a Carribean restaurant for dinner. Almost everything on their menu is delicious and healthy and fresh. And then there is that super decadent, absolutely to die for dark chocolate-chili flourless cake. We always order a piece (even though I take home at least half my meal). The wait staff, who knows us after weekly visits for 2 years, brings a fork for DH and an expresso spoon (a tiny spoon) for me. I take three spoonsful and it takes me as long to eat that as it takes DH to eat the rest, because I take time to entirely enjoy it. Chocolate won't make or break us; too much of anything will. Anewme

Anewme, Your words of wisdom really hit me, and I hope you are right, I will try that. I plan on this weekend throwing out every single little piece of chocolate that is just so-so or the really yucky stuff that my 8 year old loves to hang on to for his just in case stash from Christmas or even some left over from Halloween!! I'll just throw all the junk away and keep only 1 top notch worthy chocolate and put it out of sight so that way I'm not always tempted by it. Hopefully that will work, and hopefully I won't wolf down the SF cookies instead of the other stuff!! I'm crossing my fingers!!

Sometimes, I try the extra dark chocolate (80% cocoa)... there's very little sugar in it and it is so dark and rich... just one square will do me fine for a few days.... I find that it's not so much the chocolate that is a "gateway food" for me... its the simple carbs like sugar or refined crackers..... This was news to me... I always assumed the chocolate was my weakness.... Devil's in the sugar and simple carbs for me..... I also use sf hot chocolate, Carb Countdown Choco milk (tastes like melted choco ice cream to me).... then once it heats up here on the cold wet Oregon coast... I go get some sf fudge pops.... On Valentine's day my Hubby got me four small bags of sf Almond Roca... I loved it but wheehie... our house stunk for a week!! I guess you can tell... I like chocolate and have managed to work it into my healthy eating life..... Good luck finding what works for you..... Laurie - minus 176 lbs!!

WOW did thi**** home for me. I have been awful for the past few months..have even gained 3 pounds. Can't seem to get in control again. So seeing everyones response to you has helped me as well. Take care and good luck with getting the Chocolate Gremlins under control. Best wishes Alfie

Hi Amanda, I have found in the past 1 1/2 years that I go through cycles or these really bad cravings. First it was cashews.... had to have them all the time... then that away. Then it was PB&J sandwiches, then that went away. Then it was chocolate then that went away. I agree with the other posters: substitute something like chocolate to get that taste in your mouth. I find that if I stop obssessing over things I stop craving them. Treat your sweet tooth with a healthier option and maybe it will pass! Michelle

I too go thru cravings. Right now I am on Shortbread cookies! There isn't much sugar in them and boy are they great. Can't find a Girl Scout around here though when you need one. I have been eating the Lorne Doones'. Too many, too frequently. This will end tomorrow as it is just too much for me to think about all the time -- SHORTBREAD! However, I like the thot of maybe a half PB&J sandwich. Perhaps for lunch today!