how to cut down craving for sweets?

bodychaos · 06-04-2006, 05:59 AM

I guess it's not so wise to go against the nature, but I was wondering if there is any way to cut down craving for sweets just before the period.
I noticed that when i was in good condition, mentally, especially, without any stress, I go without feeling for any sweets during the period. I don't have any problem at all, and I go through the period.

But after much stress, a couple of days before the period, I feel sluggish, almost walking and sleeping, and have almost endless cravings for sweets.

That deduces, in my novice's eyes, malnutrition and stress might cause sweet cravings.
So, I was wondering, when I had much stress out of work, and all that, is there any way to cut craving for sweets? I can't make up all the malnutrition caused by stress for a few weeks before the period over night, I know. But still, no harm done in asking.

Is there any miracle pill that resumes the state of my body?

Any comment/information/opinion?
Otherwise, I will have to control my stress. But one can never be in the bloody perfect state of mind and body all the time, can he?

I will just have to go through ups and downs, on my weight as well as my stress. That's now ... boring. I passed the tiresome phase.

JennP · 06-04-2006, 06:36 AM

I just read last night in an article in Shape magazine that if you're craving something sweet, it may help to have a small portion of something spicy, like salsa. That somehow it tricks the tastebuds and makes the craving less intense. I know what you are going through...I have the same problem around my period.

I hope this helps.

bodychaos · 06-04-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennP

I just read last night in an article in Shape magazine that if you're craving something sweet, it may help to have a small portion of something spicy, like salsa. That somehow it tricks the tastebuds and makes the craving less intense. I know what you are going through...I have the same problem around my period.

I hope this helps.

Great! Will check it out!
Thanks a lot! I will try anything!

mommy*2*3 · 06-04-2006, 04:21 PM

Honestly...the way I've been able to beat sweat cravings is to just stay away from sweet things...not even a bite. This works maybe 80% of the time....the longer I don't eat it the less I remember what it tastes like. Our taste buds adjust and change. These days I like things that I never liked just 5 yrs ago and that nasty sweet craving is virtually gone. This is coming from a person that liked to have a sweet something after every meal...seriously...you can beat it!

...and on for the reamainder 20% of the time I try to save my sweet craving for a cheat meal or a tiny piece of 72% dark chocolate, sugar free fudgsicles work too, especially on a hot summer day when the kids are eating ice cream cones (ice cream happens to be one of my biggest temptations BTW).

wildriver7 · 06-04-2006, 09:27 PM

I also just stayed away from sweets and other high carb foods for a long time, this allowed me to "kick the sugar habit". I still allow myself to have sweets now and then - because deprivation for me leads to a massive breakdown later. But since I'm no longer addicted to sweets I can stop after a certain amount and not totally pig out.

I know it sounds impossible but if you focus on eating healthy it becomes a way of life. You also find that there is an incredible number of healthy sweet things out there and once you dump sugar you really taste the natural sweetness in veggies, fruits, etc.

I've also found a good brand of Stevia (a natural calorie free sweetener), called Stevita. It has very little aftertaste. I make a chocolate cake several times a week using mostly egg whites, wheat bran and oat fiber with Stevia as the sweetener. It is high protein and satisfies my desire for sweets.

Some people don't like Stevia but after several years of using it I am use to the difference in taste and the lack of sugar rush

At this point of my life I get a natural high just knowing I'm eating healthy! And it shows in my body and my attitude and my skin!

sherdi · 06-05-2006, 04:03 AM

I know EXACTLY what you mean! I also have the same cravings happen to me, especially when I am not so balanced with my eating.

A major thing that has really helped me is supplementing with chromium. I take chromium every day and it really helps with sugar cravings. Cravings for sugar is really just your body telling you that your sugar levels are not balanced, this is very true for me as I do suffer low blood sugar, and this is always enhanced 1 week before TOM.

I find sipping herb tea like peppermint, fennel, chamomile, etc really help with the cravings as well as green tea. So when that feeling hits, I make myself a BIG cup of tea, and let that fill me up. I also chew on raw veggies as they seem to help...I know they are not a chocolate bar, but they do help with the chewing factor.

Another thing you could do is increase your complex carbs a tad as that might help stop the cravings...sometimes our body just needs a little more food. Also make sure you are getting enough good fats, so make sure you are eating about 0.3 -0.4 grams of fat per lb of body weight to help stabilise blood sugar.

Hope these suggestions help! good luck!

emmie · 06-05-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildriver7

I also just stayed away from sweets and other high carb foods for a long time, this allowed me to "kick the sugar habit". I still allow myself to have sweets now and then - because deprivation for me leads to a massive breakdown later. But since I'm no longer addicted to sweets I can stop after a certain amount and not totally pig out.

I know it sounds impossible but if you focus on eating healthy it becomes a way of life. You also find that there is an incredible number of healthy sweet things out there and once you dump sugar you really taste the natural sweetness in veggies, fruits, etc.

I've also found a good brand of Stevia (a natural calorie free sweetener), called Stevita. It has very little aftertaste. I make a chocolate cake several times a week using mostly egg whites, wheat bran and oat fiber with Stevia as the sweetener. It is high protein and satisfies my desire for sweets.

Some people don't like Stevia but after several years of using it I am use to the difference in taste and the lack of sugar rush

At this point of my life I get a natural high just knowing I'm eating healthy! And it shows in my body and my attitude and my skin!

Wildriver7, could you share your stevia choc. cake recipe with us? Sounds yummy! Thanks!

- Emma

karate_girl · 06-05-2006, 04:34 AM

I can totally relate - esp with the stress and food issue (going through exams at the moment, struggling to stay at my desk and away from the fridge!) Anyway, when the craving is strong it is dificult to replace it with something that it is not - ie - carrots for a mars bar. However, chewing on something, does help somewhat. Also, i try and eat and apply slowly, maybe with some cottage cheese or some nuts (however if i eat nuts i find it hard to control my serving of those too in times of stress - so i stay away). A diet soft drink is also good, equally is a warm drink on a cold day - warm milk with some cinnaman or diet hot choc.
Re wanting to sleep - i hate sleeping during the day but if i feel really ****ty and have the occasion will try a rest -even 20 mins can be of benefit.
Hope it helps

twinnett · 06-05-2006, 04:44 AM

I have found that now that I've added more good fats to my diet, my cravings have been cut back SEVERELY

Chunk Tiger · 06-05-2006, 04:49 AM

I don't really have cravings for sweets anymore now that I am eating right and 6 times a day. I just don't have the desire (and I love chocolate).

I get really sugar high and all fatigued when I do try, now my brain and body are telling me they don't want it. heh.

I think it may be because I have everything I need in balance in my body at almost all times.

I am no expert, yet I think it may be because you're lacking carbs in your system? I dunno. I just know that I magically don't want them anymore since I've been eating right.