What to do when cravings hit - JP Fitness Forums

somewhattossedup · 03-10-2006, 05:59 PM

I was wondering what tips you fine people had on beating cravings. I try to drink some water to make sure it is hunger and not thirst. I also take some fiber and drink a protein shake before I go out to eat so I won't over eat. Any other tips on not overeating or beating cravings? If there are enough replies please make this a sticky.

Cynic · 03-10-2006, 07:18 PM

Hunger cravings are easy if you keep yourself fed and watered properly. Now, a craving for sweets, I can curb that with a home made meal replacement shake (their plenty sweet and I've had a couple kudos for them).

I tend to analyze my cravings to see what is at the root: a craving for something salty, sweet, etc, and see what you can sub in that is clean and healthy. NAT for a salt craving, a ff protein shake/smoothie for a sweet craving.

nyguy · 03-10-2006, 07:32 PM

Always keep your healthy veggies ready for consumption, cravings can be the best recipe.

Lost Dog · 03-11-2006, 04:16 PM

Your protein shake before going out is a good one. That helps me, too.

Brush your teeth as soon as you're done eating. This sorta kills the taste buds, but also just makes you not want to ruin your hard work by eating again. Especially useful after your last scheduled eating of the day.

I don't buy into that "being thirsty making you think you're hungry" thing. When I'm thirsty, I don't think I'm hungry.

Water doesn't make me feel full, either. It makes me have to pee. Flavored broth is better to head of those cravings. The taste helps with the illusion that your actually eating something real.

I keep bouillon cubes around for a quick "snack" at times. You must be unafraid of sodium, for this trick to work...

tossedup · 03-11-2006, 11:26 PM

Good tips so far guys. I really need to keep the veggies beside me at all times. I will have to try the brushing your teeth trick. My cravings are usually for sweets so I picked up some sugar free jello. It is pretty good with some cottage cheese and a splash of milk. Any other ideas?

On a side note I wonder why this posted under my login name that only has one post??

Lost Dog · 03-11-2006, 11:42 PM

It looks like it has 210 posts to me. With the name "somewhattossedup."

Blackjack · 03-12-2006, 11:22 AM

I've found that for some reason, when I get hungry, the cravings for junk food increase. I don't know if it's a hormonal stress thing or what, but I find that if I eat every 2-3 hours, I never get hungry and am in much better control of what I put in my body.

Anyone else find that Hunger = Junk Food?

Marykaa · 03-12-2006, 11:46 AM

I only noticed recently that I have trouble differencitating between hunger and thirst.. water doesn't fill me when I'm really hungry.. but Iwas used to eating as soon as I find that anything is missing.. These were times when I was hungry "for an orange" "for watermelon" "for veggies with liquid in them"

I guess those times I'm actually thristy, not hungry.

I'm trying to pay more attention to that.

galya_1 · 03-12-2006, 02:19 PM

Yogurt with cinnamon is a savior for me.
Sometimes I make hot "diet swiss miss" late at night, if it's a chocolate type craving.

Lost Dog · 03-12-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galya_1

Sometimes I make hot "diet swiss miss" late at night, if it's a chocolate type craving.

I drink choc protein powder, heated up to be like hot chocolate. With 1 packet of Splenda to sweeten it up a bit.

The Smaniac · 03-12-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackjack

I've found that for some reason, when I get hungry, the cravings for junk food increase. I don't know if it's a hormonal stress thing or what, but I find that if I eat every 2-3 hours, I never get hungry and am in much better control of what I put in my body.

Anyone else find that Hunger = Junk Food?

Definitely gotta agree with this one. I find that I get the most cravings when I'm working in a calorie defecit. That said, I find that the cravings, especially for junk food, happen much more when I am eating TOO little, pushing my body toward starvation mode

. Usually, if I get cravings I try to hold off until my next meal and eat more then, or if I do eat something I make sure to note when I get the cravings and stop em' before they start by eating more the next day.

I like pickles or celery sticks with salsa. I know the sodium can be bad, but usually regardless of what the craving is a good dose of veggies w/ some salt will do the trick. If I really need sweet, I keep some flavored waters around (powerade option, propel etc.). They've got some sweeteners in them, but not too much. You can even go for the calorie free artificial sweetener waters (fruit-2-O, dasani etc.) or something like that.

galya_1 · 03-13-2006, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost_Dog

I drink choc protein powder, heated up to be like hot chocolate. With 1 packet of Splenda to sweeten it up a bit.

Sinful.

Ogedei · 03-13-2006, 07:29 AM

Frankly my addiction to junk food is just that as far as I can tell. I crave it when I am hungry or not. When I am thirsty or not. I just plain want it.

I feel if I can go awhile without it I can break this chain, but I am having a huge issue managing this.

I can eat great all week, but underneath it all I craze the crap, it's always there.

These days I am lacking motivation in alot of departments, despite my best efforts. I need winter to be over, maybe it's just an excuse, I don't know.

meh.

Og.

Lost Dog · 03-13-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogedei

Frankly my addiction to junk food is just that as far as I can tell. I crave it when I am hungry or not. When I am thirsty or not. I just plain want it.

I feel if I can go awhile without it I can break this chain, but I am having a huge issue managing this.

I can eat great all week, but underneath it all I craze the crap, it's always there.

These days I am lacking motivation in alot of departments, despite my best efforts. I need winter to be over, maybe it's just an excuse, I don't know.

meh.

Og.

I'm right there with ya! I drive around all day for work. Oh, look! $1 tacos! Over there, 4 bbq sandwiches for $5. Free cheese on your burger!

Then, I get home and there's a huge box of cookies sitting there, taunting me.

Ogedei · 03-13-2006, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost_Dog

I'm right there with ya! I drive around all day for work. Oh, look! $1 tacos! Over there, 4 bbq sandwiches for $5. Free cheese on your burger!

Then, I get home and there's a huge box of cookies sitting there, taunting me.

That would kill me....er make me fat.

It dosen't help that I was feeling pretty good after being a little off last week, and now come Monday, I am feeling sorta ass like again. Tired, worn out, was super cold last night. I don't think I am better yet. Damn it.

I would call in sick but damn it I have ART today.

Lost Dog · 03-13-2006, 08:04 AM

I don't eat it. I just want to. Always.

Ogedei · 03-13-2006, 08:19 AM

Having cookies at home would do me in.

Faol · 03-13-2006, 01:27 PM

I think it's a great point (already made) that the junk food market is structured to get us just when we're vulnerable (way too hungry, way too tired, etc.).
I know that's my problem. When I do cave in, it's like I turn stupid, and just go for the convenience...