Question:
6 months post-op...I'm having terrible carb cravings ....HELP!

Lately, right before "that time of the month", I've been having terrible carb. cravings. Both sweet and salty. Anyone have any suggestions on the best things to eat to curb those cravings? I feel like I could eat and eat and eat.... I DO NOT want to slide back into old bad habits. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!    — Leah H. (posted on October 11, 2002)

October 10, 2002
Leah- The same thing happens to me. I basically have to be sure nothing (chips, potatoes, etc.) or I will graze all day on them. One thing that does help is not to deny myself some of these when I'm in better control. The other help has been to find crunchy carb like snacks that aren't. Example, Soy Protein crisp (I but them at vitalady). Also, I still keep my freezer full of sugar-free tropical popcycles. I hope this helps
   — Cheryl S.

October 10, 2002
There is a simple trick that works for me: Protein only for breakfast. If I have carbs for breakfast, I crave them all day long. If I have protein for breakfast, I eat less and am less hungry all day. Examples: an ounce of cheese, an egg with cheese, cottage cheese, etc. Can you tell I eat lots of cheese? LOL
   — ctyst

October 11, 2002
I agree with Cheri. I am 10 months out from an open DS and still find if I eat all protein for breakfast, I have little to no carb cravings. Carbs go right through us so we are hungry faster. It takes protein longer to break down so we are satisfied much longer. For me, one slice of bread will make me want more all day. I usually eat some of whatever meat we had the night before for dinner and some cheese. By lunch I am still not hungry but will eat because I should. Good luck!
   — grammie5

October 11, 2002
Leah, I have a different opinion from the others. If you crave carbs, or crave anything, have a little of it. By denying yourself something, it just makes you want it more. Carbs are actually not bad for you. My nutritionist , who worked exclusively with WLS, said our diets should be balanced, and carbs are an important part of it. The key is to eat healthy carbs, like wheat/whole grain bread, popcorn, and beans. It is also not against the law to give in to your sweet cravings. there are SF treats out there, not carb free, but sugar free that are available. Endulge has these great peanut butter cups, SF. And protein bars, like Balance Gold are sweet and give you protein. Bottom line, I had this surgery to eat normally and not to deny myself treats now and then. Look at thin people. They eat carbs and sweets, just in moderation. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

October 11, 2002
I have to agree with Cindy. I am a little over 1 year out and I have lost a lot of weight and have had an occasional carb...good and bad. I had to find an eating routine that I could live with for the REST of my life, not just for the time it takes me to lose weight. I don't deprive myself of anything. Everything in MODERATION. A bite of something you crave once in a while is not going to hurt you. I HATE PROTEIN BARS..but those Balance Gold are YUMMY! A little high in Carbs...but I don't eat them everyday. Good luck!
   — Ilene M.

October 11, 2002
I think some of the posters got you wrong. the only reason I can tell is cause right now, I got those cravings thanks to being a girl, and it stinks. It doesn't matter that I had a protein shake for breakfast and been eating high protien all day,,,,I still crave when It's that time of the month. go to a store(this is what I do) and buy some lowfat lite popcorn and sugar free chocolate. Takes care of my cravings. I am not saying to eat all at once, but take a bite here and there when the craving is an itch you can't scratch if ya know what I mean. I hope this helps.
   — stacey1273