How do you deal with head hunger?

I have, in the last couple of days, been craving all kinds of foods that really aren't good for me.  I have, on a couple of occasions, given in.  What does everyone do to get past those cravings?  I could really use some advice.  I don't want to jeapordize all the hard that I have done so far.

Thanks

Suzette

Hi Suzette,

Your question is a great one.  I know you'll get many insights that I look forward to reading.

Back On Track and staying on track is my focus andmy passion for myself, my clients and our BOTTers. 

It sounds as though you're in the cycle of sugary, salty foods.  The more you eat the more you want.  It is a vicious cycle.  Once you're off for even a day, you've already created the momentum to continue into the next day and next day.  It is making the decision to make the change. 

The sugar and salty foods never fill you up.  We never get the sense of satiety in our pouches so we're hungry very quickly and for more sugar or salt foods.  When you replace dense protein in your food intake, you will be satisfied for much longer.  In fact, so much more satisfied that you may find it hard to get in all the other healthy foods in your day. 

I also got into that cycle.  I decided I didn't like the way that I felt physically, mentally I wasn't as clear in my thinking and my self-esteem was suffering.  You control your food, not your food control you. 

I do a lot of different things because I know that if I outlast the cravings and not give in that they will pass....and they do.  So in that contest between myself and the cravings, I do things to distract myself.  I will call a friend, write an e-mail, post on BOTT and interact with the BOTTer on the board, take a shower, change my environment into another room or outside, brush my teeth, try on some of my small clothes, etc. Come up with a list of your own and add to it and refer to it often.

I hope this helps.

Cathy

Sounds silly but the first thing I do is...drink water(usually 16-20 oz)...9 out of 10 times it fills me up...the 10th time...I'm still hungry and give in to the craving.

Try keeping yourself and your mind busy. Find something you enjoy doing and throw your focus into that. I noticed that when I keep my day full of things planned, I'm less likely to think about food and cravings.

Right now, if I want something sweet/salty, I've been doing protein balls. I put the recipes on my blog :)  

You're doing great Suzette! Just don't let your head get in the way of things!! Try journaling or even come on here and blog.
Love ya!!!

Thanks so much for the great tips.  I am beginning to realize that food has had control over me and learning that I have the control is turning into something more difficult than I anticipated.  With some planning and support from ya'll I do believe I can get through this stage. 

Thanks

Suzette

Feelings are great, but when we run on feelings when it does not make sense to our head, it is as though we have searched far and wide for a 2 year old so they can tell us what to do.  Now, none of us would do that so we need to do something to plug in our "thinker" and disconnect our "feeler"  What I suggest to clients is that they start with 100 and count backwards by 7.  Most of us don't know our 7's forward very well and we sure don't know them backwards - so we have to think.  That invites to step back and think about what we were about to eat.  There's nothing that says you can't do this a gazillion million times a day if you need to.  Just DON'T EAT while you're counting. LOL

Let us know if this helps