topic Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings? in Wellness

How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Plaid Pants2 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:06:12 GMT

I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

I really want to get my numbers down, but I also want to eat.

I'm trying to be good and do the right thing, but it's hard.

How do you deal with food cravings when you want to be healthier?

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Pook — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:14:53 GMT

I eat healthy a good bit -but only things I like and could never eat such boring food just to eat healthy. If it's not really tasty I won't bother eating it. I also am not strictly eating only healthy and eat good stuff often but not all the time. The foods OP mentioned can be healthied up and need not be avoided. Unless you make a steady diet of them there should be no problem eating them. I make fries in the air fryer and not greasy at all. I always use real butter as the alternatives don't cut it for me. I have gotten my cholesterol down by just limiting things and not cutting them out of my diet completely.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Jaspersmom — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:17:46 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

I really want to get my numbers down, but I also want to eat.

I'm trying to be good and do the right thing, but it's hard.

How do you deal with food cravings when you want to be healthier?

I am dealing with the same thing. It sounds to me like you aren't eating enough to help you feel full. I eat yogurt in the morning. I eat some soup, mostly lentil, each day. I also eat some whole grain bread with hummus with dinner. Dinner is usually fish or chicken with grains or rice of some kind and vegetables. I try to eat a salad every day. Dressing is olive oil based. For me, the cravings have pretty much disappeared, but only if I feel full.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

SandPiper — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:24:07 GMT

I've been there, done that and you're right it ain't easy. I can tell you that it does get easier as time goes on. You have to purge your body from the bad foods. Almost like withdrawals. After awhile you will not crave them anymore. I would drink a lot of water which helped my craving. I ate a lot of fruits. The natural sugars helped my sweet tooth.

I kept myself busy where I didn't have time to think about being hungry. I know I'm not much help, but I do understand. Fight with your willpower, it's worth it in the end. My cholesterol is normal.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

aprilskies — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:24:40 GMT

@Pook wrote:
I eat healthy a good bit -but only things I like and could never eat such boring food just to eat healthy. If it's not really tasty I won't bother eating it. I also am not strictly eating only healthy and eat good stuff often but not all the time. The foods OP mentioned can be healthied up and need not be avoided. Unless you make a steady diet of them there should be no problem eating them. I make fries in the air fryer and not greasy at all. I always use real butter as the alternatives don't cut it for me. I have gotten my cholesterol down by just limiting things and not cutting them out of my diet completely.

I agree, I think limiting how much you eat of the bad stuff instead of eliminating completely is the key. I am struggling with this myself and just recently realized that I need to keep certain things in a limited way because it seems I can be healthy for a few days and then just go overboard. Limiting is hard too though but you have to instill some willpower which I am currently lacking. However, I have started again today with eating better.

i am also trying to eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. So far, I have not been successful but this is where I would like to end up.

Can I ask, @Pook which airfryer you have? I have been considering one and have been holding off because I want it to be something I will use instead of a moment in time purchase because the last thing I need is another small appliance that I dont use. I currently have the Kalorik from Kohls in my cart. I have been trying to do some research, but with everything I get a bit confused. I suppose it is just buying one and be done with it

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

aprilskies — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:27:04 GMT

@SandPiper wrote:
I've been there, done that and you're right it ain't easy. I can tell you that it does get easier as time goes on. You have to purge your body from the bad foods. Almost like withdrawals. After awhile you will not crave them anymore. I would drink a lot of water which helped my craving. I ate a lot of fruits. The natural sugars helped my sweet tooth.

I kept myself busy where I didn't have time to think about being hungry. I know I'm not much help, but I do understand. Fight with your willpower, it's worth it in the end. My cholesterol is normal.

I agree, I do think fighting the craving and keeping busy are key as well. Probably moreso than anything. Stopping bad habits can be hard if you dont replace them with something.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Plaid Pants2 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:29:50 GMT

I bought a book titled "Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks - Without Prescription Drugs" by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN

In it, she recommends in addition to oatmeal, soy, almonds, beans, to also eat one clove of garlic daily, take Metamucil, apples, just to name a few.

It's a struggle.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

CinNC — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:35:47 GMT

I have the same issue. Decided last year that I would make one change - stop eating some foods/beverages that I binged on. As of Jan, stopped drinking diet soda - I was a long time diet cola drinker and at the max drank 2 six packs plus one 2 liter a week. Just focused on that one thing. Still have a lot of caffeine but very little artificial sweeteners and no sodas at all. It's the worst craving still.

In June, I decided to stop eating potato chips. So I've switched to popcorn and pretzels but am now realizing I need to lower the sodium content of my "treats".

It will be interesting to see what my cholesteral and AIC will be like in a few months. I still have issues w/cheese and chocolate. Not sure when I'll be able to tackle those. One thing at a time

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Carmie — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:47:56 GMT

If what you posted was your food for one day, I can see why you're still hungry. That diet lacks serious protein.

You should be eating lean protein at every meal. You will cut out the cravings if you eat more balanced meals. When you eat carbs without protein, you just crave more carbs.

When I want something and feel I have had enough for the day, I drink tea. I have many flavors to choose from. I drink cranberry tea when I have cravings, it satisfies my sweet tooth.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

151949 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:52:20 GMT

Everyone is different but - IMO - and I speak for myself only - One of the great joys God gave us in life is great tasting and satisfying food. I would rather enjoy my life while I have it, than to never feel satisfied by what I'm eating. In fact - portion control is important but I don't think depravation is likely to work over the long run. I don't have a fantasy that I want to live forever. I'd rather live well than live long.I have no desire to be a senile old woman in a nursing home.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Cakers3 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:56:58 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

I really want to get my numbers down, but I also want to eat.

I'm trying to be good and do the right thing, but it's hard.

How do you deal with food cravings when you want to be healthier?

@Plaid Pants2 You seem to need more protein. I would strongly suggest you get a recommendation from your PCP for some sessions with a qualified nutritionist.

If your cholesterol was high, your PCP should have given you some guidance.

Once you are on a steady course you will find cravings diminishing. It takes time.

You can do this.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

gmkb — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:06:11 GMT

I don't have this problem because I have a small appetite, but I had a friend that controlled her weight and cholesterol by eating everything, but in very small portions. If she wanted chocolate cake she would have 2 bites and move on. She never denied herself but used good sense about how much. She remained slender and in good health.

i don't think it is possible to eating like you are eating and stay with that very long. It is dull and also lacks protein and adequate calories.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

sidsmom — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:12:45 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

@Plaid Pants2

I'm assuming this is your intake for the entire day?

If so, it's not enough calories.....or satiating starch.

Clean, whole food plant carbohydrates is what will satisfy.

If craving/no satisfied, eat another bowl of oatmeal...in fact,

eat oatmeal for every single meal for the next couple days.

Make one meal sweet oats, another meal savory oats....

but just focus on unlimited oats. Supplement w/ unlimited non-starchy veggies, if you choose.

Hash browns are ok....just cook without oil. I take Ore Ida frozen hash browns, throw them on my George Foreman, and make

crispy, crunchy potatoes in about 20 min. Little bit of ketchup, yum.

Filling. Cheap. And I'm not rooting around for 'something else'.

Many times if people are eating sufficient calories & are still 'hungry',

it's just boredom. Those mental monkeys can talk, but just be aware

you have control.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Laura14 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:13:28 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

I really want to get my numbers down, but I also want to eat.

I'm trying to be good and do the right thing, but it's hard.

How do you deal with food cravings when you want to be healthier?

@Plaid Pants2 Everything that you listed with the exception of french fries and pancakes, in my opinion, are perfectly fine to eat as long as you keep the toppings/condiments which are usually the real culprits in check and aren't eating or overeating these things at every meal.

As others have said, you can find healthy french fries and other cleaned up versions. There are lots of natural options even in the supermarket freezer section these days. Just have it as a treat every once in a while.

And if you have the time and inclination, slicing up some sweet potatoes, spraying them with oil, tossing some spices on them, and throwing them in the oven for 15 minutes is quick and easy. Or pan fry them for your hash browns. There are tons of cleaned up recipes online.

In my personal experience, my cholesterol did not come completely down and under control until I got rid of sugar. It had nothing to do with the fat that everyone thinks it does, at least for me. I actually now eat a fairly high fat diet but from natural foods like peanut butter and cheese. Everything I eat is real and that was the key for me.

It was all about getting rid of sugar. And it is in everything. If you can do a week of fighting the cravings (it is like coming off a drug), you'll probably lose 5 pounds immediately from all the inflammation going down in your body and, in my case, it also lowered my cholesterol right down to normal levels. This included white flour which basically turns to sugar in your body too.

Do I have ice cream or a cookie every now and then? Yes. But I usually wait a week when I get a craving to make sure it is real. If it's still there after a week, I go ahead and buy myself ONE candy bar, ONE tiny single serving of ice cream, etc... so I don't start up unhealthy habits again. I found once I came off of sugar, I honestly didn't crave it much at all.

To specifically fight cravings while I have them:

Flavored teas if you like tea to satisfy whatever flavor your mouth wants,

Gum is tricky because I find artificial sweetners increase my cravings but a lot of people find it helpful,

Distraction (bath, brushing teeth, going to bed, take a walk, read, work a puzzle, etc) which works 99% of the time because I crave/pick when I am bored and not really hungry,

And the ultimate giving in but ONLY after a significant period of time.

I listen to my body and balance the 90% good with the 10% or so bad. You have to be human and the bad stuff your body can handle as long as it's a once in a while thing.

Have your pancakes and hash browns. Just have them on Sunday only and use real honey not the maple syrup sugar concoctions.

Sub sweet potatoes for your hash and fries and pan fry in good oils or bake, no deep frying. If you don't cook, there are all natural freezer brands but watch the ingredients to make sure it's natural.

Make your hamburger a turkey burger or get really lean beef and make sure your mayo, ketchup, etc is real eggs, pure oil, vegetables, etc and not loaded with sugar and not overserved.

Cheese has to be cheese only and cream cheese and steak can be treats to be eaten sparingly when you want something a bit different and not everyday staples.

As for real butter, I used to use Land of Lakes because I do the real food only thing but I had to use unsalted which was becoming hard to find.

For me, I found that salt was in the same category as sugar and kicked up my cravings immensely. I also got tired of fighting the hard spread on real butter which is why I finally switched to the oil based brands (Smart Balance) which are actually better for cholesterol fighters like me. I eat butter every day on my toast but have to be careful which brand I choose. You'll find one that works for you.

My bottom line advice: Limit, don't deny, and go as real as you can. In my opinion, when your body recognizes 90% of what you feed it, it does what it's supposed to do with the food and stops making so much cholesterol to patch up the damage from the sugar and other processed junk.

Congratulations on taking control of your health. I hope you find you feel better with a healthier diet too. Good Luck!

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

sidsmom — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:31:16 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I bought a book titled "Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks - Without Prescription Drugs" by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN

In it, she recommends in addition to oatmeal, soy, almonds, beans, to also eat one clove of garlic daily, take Metamucil, apples, just to name a few.

Plants are key...especially when wanting to lower cholesterol.

Eating/cooking w/ fats like oils will make it worse.

Animal products/byproducts will hinder cholesterol lowering efforts.

Eating lots of soy & almonds could slow efforts, as well.

I've seen some low-fat plant-based people still struggle w/ cholesterol.

Once they removed the nuts...cholesterol dropped like a rock.

Just that one single food made such a difference.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

software — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:12:12 GMT

Drink a LOT of water.

For me, it took writing down everything I ate in a day.

That was very revealing.

Don't try to change your entire habits in one day.

Pick a day......pick a craving and try to substitute something else.

And eat slowly! Chew chew chew chew

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

software — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:56:53 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I want and need to get my cholesterol numbers down, so I am trying to eat healthier.

For example, yesterday I had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal, one apple, 23 roasted un-salted almonds, veggie platter, a smoothie made with soy milk, two slices of high fiber toast with vegan margarine.

I am finding myself not feeling satisfied after eating. I am craving the foods that I know are not good for me, such as hash browns, french fries, hamburgers, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pancakes, real butter, steak.

I really want to get my numbers down, but I also want to eat.

I'm trying to be good and do the right thing, but it's hard.

How do you deal with food cravings when you want to be healthier?

To my earlier post, I wanted to add you crave what you eat.

Once you quit eating those "not good" foods, you will find you will no longer crave them. But it takes several weeks.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Fressa — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:32:20 GMT

I eat failry healthy but I also have some health issues. I find that if I eat a small portion of what I'm craving then I'm satisfied. If I don't then I'm just eating all this other stuff and still not satisified. I also only have certain foods in the house at certain times. I know that I have zero self control with ice cream, cookies and cheese dips. I have found a frozen yougurt "ice cream" which I like but again I have to ration myself. If it isn't in the house then I stick to what I'm suppose to have. I usually follow my list M-F and allow Saturday to be a "free" day and Sunday to be 50/50. This is what works for me.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

qualitygal — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:22:22 GMT

I'm trying to think Fruit first. But since it feels like sometimes something is lacking, if it's chips or popcorn, I get the little bags that allows a little bit, not a whole bag full. Portion control.

And (adding) if you have a little weight scale, do 1 oz. of nuts and store them in the small little lock and lock cups.

Find what foods you can munch on and make your own safe trail mix, also put in little containers. You feel satiated, and not cheated out of something you love. A little not a lot/or the whole thing. A little a day is a nice little reward.

Re: How Do You Deal With Food Cravings?

Ibby114 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:29:29 GMT

@gmkb wrote:
I don't have this problem because I have a small appetite, but I had a friend that controlled her weight and cholesterol by eating everything, but in very small portions. If she wanted chocolate cake she would have 2 bites and move on. She never denied herself but used good sense about how much. She remained slender and in good health.

i don't think it is possible to eating like you are eating and stay with that very long. It is dull and also lacks protein and adequate calories.

Some people can do this- others can't. We need to be realistic about our strengths and weaknesses! I bought Andrew Lessmans ChocoNuvo last December - he said to have 2 chocolate squares a day for optimal effectiveness. Only 2?? ! OMG they were absolutely delish... end result was my cholesterol went down but my weight went up!