sugar/carb cravings

i'm wanting to get back on track and lose the 70 pounds ive put on over the last 3 years.  i have terrible  sugar and carb cravings..im just wanting to know if anyone has any tips on how to do this other than the 5 day pouch test?

My surgeon suggested the South Beach Phase 1 for 2 weeks or the Atkins induction phase. I have less cravings if I up my water intake. Good Luck.

Best for me is to have a few days (3-5) or no limited qty or x a day food - but only selected food: meat , eggs, fish, cheese, non starchy - no sugar veggies; cucumbers, pickles (NSA) celery, lettuce, any greens, green beans.  No milk or yogurt, fruits or tomatoes. Some limited green peppers, (the yellow and red peppers have to much sugar during the induction phase) 

Unsweet coconut milk or almond milk. I also try to limit artificial sweeteners.  I will use some stevia for my coffee because I can't drink black coffee. 

Usually after 2-3 days - I am back to not want to eat. 

The first few days I do not limit how much I eat - I eat as much or as often as I fell I am hungry. And try to drink a lot of water... and green tea. I don't limit how much salad I eat - but only flavor that with vinegar (not balsamic - too much sugar in that one). 

I was tough with myself: made sure I have enough "allowed food" for verity (hard boiled eggs, precut veggies, salads) and when I feel I was hungry - I would eat.  If I did not wanted to eat the food that I had prepared - I knew that I was not really that hungry - that I craved carbs. 

Real hunger you will eat food - almost any food - "cravings" - you want special food... so you are really not that "hungry"

BTW: I am dealing with this nasty viral infection that do not want to go away.  It has been almost 2 weeks now and I am sick and tired of it.  I also gained 10-12 lbs... during that time... the only foods I was able to tolerate were carbs... anything else I would throw up while I would start coughing... Only sliders or crackers would stay down.  And since I deal with hypoglycemia and RH - I had to eat non stop to keep the medicine down and keep my BS from crashing... fun fun fun...  I know majority of that weight is jus****er retention.. but I probably put on 5 lbs real weight (holidays + illness)

I am de-toxing starting today... Last night was a first "real food" (meat) that I ate and was able to keep down.  So I am on a right path.   

I have cold cuts, cucumber, pickles, and lots of green tea ready to drink. 

Join me in detoxing. 

Hope your viral infection goes away soon......hard to take care if nutrition when you feel miserable.   Take care !!

thanks babe, I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired... but I can see progress... 

Hala.  I sure hope you get over that crud soon.  I went yesterday and took a flu shot.  We have had 14 deaths related to flu in Mississippi.  You do what you have to do now to feel better.  I know you will be able to get any weight gain back off later.  Take care of yourself.

Thanks Tess. It is not the flu... had it tested.. At the same time I think I may have allergy to eggs (hives and itching)  - and unless I know that for sure.. and get better anyway - no flu shot for me in the next 4 weeks.. or more. 

Have an appointment with allergist Feb 11.  I developed some new allergies (horrible itching and hives) and I suspect eggs and dairy to be one of them... Add gluten, and soy... and I am really "screwed".  Meat fish and more meat... right..

Great advice on detoxing, H.a.l.a. and Tess, especially knowing hunger from pure cravings.  Feel better soon, H.a.l.a. :)

Thanks Shelia.. I do hope this is over soon... 

Hala....I am sending healing vibes for you to get the "crud' behind you!  I was sick with "it" for 3 weeks all during the holidays and it's a bear to get over.  It's such a treat to not be coughing constantly now!  Feel better soon!!!!!

Gaby