Replacements for food cravings (yoga, syrup, tooth, diet)

[Back to NE]

I've been gaining weight lately due mostly to eating sweets at night. Can anyone suggest a replacement (even if just mental), when thoughts turn to food at night? Maybe I'm somewhat addicted to sugar as well. Do any sophisticated dieters out there have any advice so that I can just slip these somewhat superficial cravings?

[Laura707]

I have a huge sweet tooth! Sweets are my weakness.. I can tell you about my experience. I decided several years ago to start eating healthier and have done a great job at it (still sneaking in my sweets now and then).. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave. If I can make it through ONE day without anything sweet, I do not crave them the next day. If I still eat the sweets, just in a lot smaller amounts, I will crave them the next day, just not as bad. So, the more I eat, the more I crave, the less I eat of them, the less I crave them the next day.. So give that a try. Don't deny yourself, just cut back..... then cut back some more.... and cut back some more.. see if that works for you! It worked for me. AVOID artifical sweetners. My belief is that a little real sugar is better for you than ANY amount of artifical sweetner.

[Ohiogirl81]

A small amount of bittersweet chocolate works for me. Not a lot of sugar, and the chocolate is so rich that you don't need a lot.

That and a dinner with lots of protein and vegetables. The protein and veggies fill you up enough so you don't want anything else.

Stay busy after dinner. Take a walk; do some yoga. Go to bed earlier if nothing else -- can't eat while you're sleeping!

[Six Foot Three]

Usually a high protein snack helps on that as it keeps your Insulin levels from swinging which can cause cravings. Some cheese or walnuts/almonds or even a whey protein shake an help.

[JenLee]

I agree with all of the above posts. Swinging insulin levels which shows up as fatigue seems to trigger my night-time cravings. A small protein snack (usually 1 oz cheese on 4 saltine crackers) and going to bed earlier helps me control my weight.

[Back to NE]

Originally Posted by Laura707

The more sugar you eat, the more you crave. If I can make it through ONE day without anything sweet, I do not crave them the next day.

This is fascinating Laura! I can totally beleive it, it does seem like the more sweets I eat the more I want. I will start thinking of sugar like a drug for now on. Thanks for the helpful response!

[songinthewind7]

What works for me is a protein bar; I use one from Herbalife.
During the day if I get hungry, a can of sardines or oysters fills me up.
The more protein and fiber, the better. (IMO)

[songinthewind7]

Originally Posted by Laura707

I have a huge sweet tooth! Sweets are my weakness.. I can tell you about my experience. I decided several years ago to start eating healthier and have done a great job at it (still sneaking in my sweets now and then).. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave. If I can make it through ONE day without anything sweet, I do not crave them the next day. If I still eat the sweets, just in a lot smaller amounts, I will crave them the next day, just not as bad. So, the more I eat, the more I crave, the less I eat of them, the less I crave them the next day.. So give that a try. Don't deny yourself, just cut back..... then cut back some more.... and cut back some more.. see if that works for you! It worked for me. AVOID artifical sweetners. My belief is that a little real sugar is better for you than ANY amount of artifical sweetner.

I was a huge sweet craver too. I started taking chromium supplements and it has helped me to keep my cravings under control but what you said is very true. The more sugar one eats, the more cravings. A big fat ugh on artificial sweeteners.

[rubyskye]

Originally Posted by Back to NE

I've been gaining weight lately due mostly to eating sweets at night. Can anyone suggest a replacement (even if just mental), when thoughts turn to food at night? Maybe I'm somewhat addicted to sugar as well. Do any sophisticated dieters out there have any advice so that I can just slip these somewhat superficial cravings?

Stop eating sweets at night.
Why be complicated and "sophisticated" about it?
If the craving are superficial as you stated and you don't have an addiction, eating disorder, etc. just knock it off.
I wouldn't say that to someone who had a real disorder but from what you said in your post, you do not.
My general rule is to not eat after sun-set. This optimizes digestion and prevents weight gain as well. You're body should not be working to digest and assimilate food at night during sleep. That time is for rest and regeneration.
If you're eating due to boredom address that issue. If it's emotional, address that issue. If you're lonely, address that issue. If you're anxious, address that issue. Work on becoming aware of why you're eating when you're not hungry.
I've had sugar addictions on and off all of my life. When i make the decision to stop eating sugar i always feel better after the initial withdraw. Then the cravings just aren't there. And other foods begin to taste sweeter as well.

[southward bound]

All very good suggestions. Laura, your post sounds like what I would have said - almost to the word - I agree completely. The more sugar one consumes, the more one craves it. Be careful, too, of beverages and processed foods - there is high fructose corn syrup in just about everything. Read the labels!