Question:
How do I handle PMS??

I am trying to make sure I don't gain any weight before I have surgery. The toughest part of the new diet I am following is that I gave up chocolate. I do really well until I am having PMS. I have to have chocolate then!! I can't seem to be able to ignore my cravings at this time. When I have surgery, this won't be possible anymore, so I am trying to get used to not having it now. Are there any ideas out there so I can learn to not give in to those awful cravings????    — Saababy (posted on August 19, 2008)

August 19, 2008
Have you tried a chocolate protein drink? Max Protein (from GNC) is a good one with no protein taste or smell and very chocolately even made with 8 oz. of water....try some crushed ice to make it colder....or use with 1 cup milk (or what you use for milk) with 2 scoops of the protein, a scant tsp of vanilla favor...whiz it up good and frothy in a blender and then pour it into the bowl of a counter top ice cream maker and freeze...it tastes just like chocolate soft serve from Dairy Queen. My hubby loves it!
   — Gena L.

August 19, 2008
Liz, I was terrible with PMS prior to my surgery, I would crave chocolate like you wouldnt believe. After the surgery you are only able to have sugar free things and I think because of the huge reduction in how much sugar is being intaken, I dont crave it anymore. I dont miss it. I bought some sugar free peanut butter cups because I was missing candy in general I think, I took like two little tiny bites out of it, and even though it actually tasted pretty good, I had no desire to eat anymore. There was something about knowing all that I have gone through to have this surgery, that I decided that I didnt actually miss it all that much to risk jeopardizing my weight loss. Of course I have heard that in the future, it is much harder to keep control of cravings, but if you find something to do when they hit, you will be fine. Good Luck!
   — jenniknowles

August 19, 2008
I satisfy my monthly chocoholic -attack with s/f choc pudding, s/f fudge cycles (40 calories) Chocolate low carb protein drinks. I use slimfast low-carb. It's a little harder to find than the Optimim. Think....what CAN I have, instead of what CAN'T I have! Good luck on your weight loss journey!
   — lesleigh07

August 19, 2008
When I crave chocolate, I do everything to distract myself to see if I can overcome it and just not do it. Go for a walk, make a call, etc. If after doing that and I still fell like I just can't make it through another hour without it, I will have a piece of a sugar free choco perfection bar from Livinlavidalowcarb.com. They have milk and dark chocolate with and without nuts. I also buy sugar free mini chocolate chips from the same site for sugar free cheesecake (recipe bariatriceating.com). Sometimes a teaspoon of them will hit the spot with a teaspoon of peanut butter when I have to have a Reese's peanut butter cup. I also like chocolate protein pudding from Snack & Slim or Instone's. Both have 20 gms protein and only 2 gms of carbs. You can also make your own protein pudding by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to a box of sugar free fat free instant jello pudding mix. I will substitute soy milk or an actual atkins protein shake for the milk in the recipe on the box. It doesn't set up quite as firm, but it is yummy. Great way to try different flavors... hard to keep my kids out of it when I make vanilla pistachio or chocolate butterscotch puddings. Keep in mind I have been at this a couple of years now and I RARELY eat these things.... they are a rare treat if I believe I am suffering and have to have something sweet. If you have a Smoothie King near you, they have low carb smoothies... the chocolate banana is yummy with only 7 carbs... I will do one once in awhile as a meal replacement, not a snack when I'm on liquids after a fill. Remember though, I had LapBand, so I'm not exactly sure of the gms of sugar in what I have recommended... I watch carbs closely and try to watch sugar as much as possible. If you have RNY, you'll have to be diligent about that to prevent dumping. Good luck to you, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

August 19, 2008
I use the Atkins Advantage Drinks (premix) they have 16 grams of protein, 2 net carbs and 1 sugar and they taste great. I just love the chocolates and it satisfy my chocolate cravings. You can buy them at Walmart, or some other pharmacies. Good Luck, I am a big chocolaholic
   — dyates2948

August 20, 2008

   — phyllismmay

August 20, 2008
Just so you know I have not had the surgery and do not know if this will help after your surgery. A long time ago I read an article in a magazine saying if you crave chocolate that means you are craving magnesium. Which Broccoli is one food that also has magnesium. I used to crave chocolate soooo bad!! I was pregnant and could not walk by chocolate without buying it. I really do like broccoli. I started to eat 1 cup of cooked broccoli a day. That helped so much. I do like to eat chocolate every once in a while, but it's not like I "HAVE" to have it. Usually a week before my period I eat a lot of broccoli. That way it will prepare me for my period. It also helps with being Anemic(I know there are foods which are higher in iron, for being Anemic, but not really sure which ones they are). I know some people say they would never replace chocolate with broccoli, but I don't think they truly understand how bad my craving was. I really believe your body tells you what you need when you need it.
   — ready4me_now