Can we talk food cravings?

[hellonurse]

OK. So, I'm a long time soda drinker. For the past 10 years or so, I could easily drink up to a 2 liter of Coke a day. On top of that, my eating habits were pretty poor.

Early this month I had a health scare which landed me in the hospital for several days. During this time, I was unable to eat or drink anything. On the plus side, I was so inspired to change my eating habits, and doing so cold turkey was made easy by the fact that I didn't have a choice. I've totally changed my eating habits, and haven't had a soda or junk food in 27 days. When I say junk food, I mean the old stuff I was eating on a daily basis- chips, candy, fast food. I've started eating sugar free 60-cal puddings when I have an urge to eat sweets, pretzels and string cheese have helped for the salty cravings, etc. Also, I'm drinking a gallon of water a day. So my diet isn't perfect but it's SO MUCH better. I'm also down 16 pounds, but still have a long way to go.

The last few days, I've been wanting a Coke so badly. Like, daydreaming about driving to the store, buying a cold one, and sitting in my car to drink it before I go home. I won't do that, I would be so disappointed in myself. But the cravings are so strong. It's driving me crazy. I can't even walk down that aisle at the grocery store.

When does the craving for foods go away? Anyone have any tips or can relate?

This will be a bit of a post and run while I get the kids to school. Thank you in advance!

[wambam]

When I was getting over the hump of quitting soda, I drank club soda with a quarter of a lime squeezed in. I still sometimes drink it just because it's so darn refreshing.

For other food cravings, I eat the opposite of what I'm craving. So if I'm craving something sugary, I'll eat more protein and fat.

[ebeth]

I really like seltzer with lime/lemon. or even a splash of some kind of juice.

but I guess I'm not clear about what is wrong with having one coke. this isn't a cigarette we're talking about. can you hit up a convenience store and just get one can? I do this from time to time when I want a coke. then I don't have the extra laying around the house.

[hellonurse]

May 28, 2013 9:40:01 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I really like seltzer with lime/lemon. or even a splash of some kind of juice.

but I guess I'm not clear about what is wrong with having one coke. this isn't a cigarette we're talking about. can you hit up a convenience store and just get one can? I do this from time to time when I want a coke. then I don't have the extra laying around the house.

I am afraid I won't be able to stop at having just one occasionally. I know it seems silly, but I have zero self control in this area. We did buy a soda stream recently, so maybe I'll try some flavored carbonated waters.

[mollyrunner]

I will make a half-caf coffee (some sort of flavored coffee) and drink it cold. You are more in control of how much you drink by how much you make at once. It is one of my favorite "treats."

[Deleted]

Do you have enough protein in your diet? I know I crave sugary things when I don't eat enough protein. Eating sugar free snacks can also trick your body into preparing itself for a big sugary snack, which can slow down your digestion so it might be more beneficial for you to actually enjoy a small sugary snack every once in a while.

I also enjoy club soda with a squeeze of lime.

[hellonurse]

May 28, 2013 15:13:07 GMT -5 doglove said:

Do you have enough protein in your diet? I know I crave sugary things when I don't eat enough protein. Eating sugar free snacks can also trick your body into preparing itself for a big sugary snack, which can slow down your digestion so it might be more beneficial for you to actually enjoy a small sugary snack every once in a while.

I also enjoy club soda with a squeeze of lime.

I have been working on uping my protein intake, but I know there's room for improvement.  Thank you for the suggestions everyone!