How do you crush cravings?Especially during the first few weeks of your new lifestyle

[lovemyself]

Hi all, the title of the thread is pretty self explanatory. The two things that have held me back from reaching my fitness goals are 1.) CRAVINGS and 2.) EMOTIONAL EATING. I have decided to join this forum because I am ready to take accountability for my eating, and I believe that having SUPPORT from others will help me do that (I have very little support at home. My spouse is a handsome man who eats whenever and whatever he wants. At this point, I don't think he even believes me when I tell him that I want to lose weight). Anyway, I have tried substituting healthier habits for the emotional eating, but EASIER SAID THAN DONE. I know what to eat, I know when to eat, but for some reason, the cravings always get me! What helped you make it through those first few weeks? Because I know that they are always the hardest. Once you start seeing results, it is easier, but I need help for making it past the first few weeks/few months. Thank you in advance!

 

[ijustwannabefit]

Some strategies that I have used include finding a healthier substitute, have a glass of water or some fruit instead, distract myself with something else, if I REALLY want something I allow myself to have a small portion and I eat/drink it really slow to enjoy it more and I try to find out why I want something and then replicate the want with something better. I like chips because if the crunch, so I found eating crisp carrots or cucumbers at my desk satisfied my craving. If I want something sweet I can chew sugar free gum. I like Starbucks so I bought a reusable cup and make my iced tea in it for way less calories, then lie to myself and pretend I went to Starbucks. Lol!
What in particular are you craving? I find when I am craving sweets, I look on Pinterest at all the yummy food and then I usually forget that I wanted to eat something and get sucked in to looking at the healthy yummy looking food.

 

[lovemyself]

Thanks for your support and advice I think that I usually give in to my sweet tooth, or honestly, anything that comes packaged and allows you to eat more than one! I try to keep healthy things in the house, but sometimes I eat so much of them that it isn't even healthy anymore! Some of the things that I have binged on are cheddar cheese rice cakes and ALMMONDS (I don't even buy them anymore because I know that I will be tempted to eat the whole can!). I think distraction will be a good tool to use. Maybe I should make a Pintrest account and pin lots of healthy foods and motivational quotes. That is just one idea for creating an environment that supports my efforts. I really appreciate your help!

I was also wondering, how do you control yourself when it comes to eating meals? I find it really difficult not to get seconds when I know that they are available. Has anything in particular helped you? Feel free to give me any more advice on anything that has helped you to kick start your new lifestyle. I'm all ears (eyes)!

 

[ijustwannabefit]

For me, learning what a portion is and deciding a head of time how much I should have has helped. We also don't put the food on the table anymore, we just put our full plates at the table. Not seeing it makes it easier. We also eat at the table and talk. I try to have a big glass of water that I sip during the meal. If I really want seconds, I wait a while and then suddenly I feel full or forget that I wanted them. We also portion out the food to have for lunch the next day so sometimes there are no seconds available. If I am still hungry, I will have some fruits or veggies to help fill me up. It takes some trial and error, but the journey is part of the fun!