Fighting the snack attack

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4/7/13 4:23 A

One grapefruit pealed and cut in pieces and 1½ cm ginger(½ thumb size) blended together with some water is very strong, healthy and filling for quite a while. I eat it with a spoon.

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4/6/13 3:36 P

I have a lot of trouble fighting snack cravings. I learned that avoiding refined grains and sugar significantly reduces my cravings. When I do need a snack, I try to go for a piece of fruit, vegetables, or cheese and crackers. Sometimes I'll have pre-portioned peanuts or Goldfish or something, but frequently those don't quiet the craving.

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4/6/13 3:15 P

Not all Peanut Butter are created equal. I agree that some brand have added sugar, salt, and fat, but not all. One has to read the label. Adams 100% Natural unsalted contains only peanuts. When I first open the jar I pour off the oil on top making it even lower in fat. It has no salt, 2g of fiber, 7g of protein, 0 cholesterol, no transfat (which is the bad fat) with only 1g of natural sugar from the nuts.

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4/5/13 10:28 A

Doing so much better with the desire to snack! I'm staying strong with my weight loss and I'm very grateful for Dr. Mansfield and his assistance! I'm still taking the Adipex for now but only doing half a day now instead of a whole one!

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4/4/13 5:09 A

I agree totally with IMPALAGAL
When there is saturated fat and sugar in that peanut butter
Both fat and sugar is added... Both sugar and salt gives more appetite.
For some days ago I met a friend. He looked fantastic. He had lost 30 kg which is 66 pound.
Of course I asked how. He explained he does an effort to get enough vitamins and minerals.
In Nordic countries there is very little sun in wintertime. This gives a lack of vitamin D which means other vitamins and mineral can´t get obtained . Fish like salmon and mackerel and tun contain omega 3 and vitamin D plus vitamins.
So a focus on getting enough nutrition means not being hungry all the time.
And he also did an effort to get more exercise.

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4/4/13 2:00 A

I can remember back when I was taught that snacking in between meals is bad, but in reality when meals are spread out a part our body will send out a report that food is needed. I had to examine my own eating habits and realize my weakest time of the day is in the afternoons and if I did not plan to have a healthy snack I would be grabbing for any thing. I also keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter.

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4/3/13 11:25 P

I run to the freezer and grab 1 of these fudgepops w/no added sugar. Each one has 40 calories and I can break them in half so thats only 20.
It does the trick everytime. I guess because its so frozen! Just sharing
ginny

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4/3/13 5:53 P

How nice! I just had a tuna snack with some crackers and wanted more and more and more. I feel like the little girl in that commercial that keeps saying she wants more. Then I log on and the topic at the top of the list is... FIGHTING THE SNACK ATTACK! :) I need all the help I can get right about now!

Edited by: ILOVEFOOD590 at: 4/3/2013 (17:53)

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4/3/13 4:47 P

I find a hot cup of tea works often. I use liquid Stevia (0 calories) and almond milk (only 30 calories in one cup) or "Moo" creamer (10 in one serving). You have to sip slowly due to the heat, taking my mind off of food and filling the old gut!

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4/3/13 3:19 P

not all things are as they seem....I had been to a health specialist that states ORGANIC isn't necessarily the best for calories..here is a comparision :Kraft Whipped PB vs Kraft Natural organic PB


When you compare the nutritional information you can see where the Whipped Peanut Butter may look like a better choice:
•Lower in Calories
•Lower in Fat

Kraft Whipped PB Kraft Natural organic PB
Calories 70 90
Fat 6 grams 7 grams
Saturated Fat 1.0 gram 2.0 gram
Cholesterol 0 mg 0 mg
Sodium 40 mg 0 mg
Carbohydrate 3 grams 3 grams
Fibre 1 gram 1 gram
Sugar 1 gram 1 gram
Protein 3 grams 3 grams
so sometimes organic may not be the best choice...best to read labels for sure!!

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4/3/13 2:44 P

Yes - Let´s crave quality!!
Should we eat what other people consider being junk??
NO
For instance peanut butter can have sugar and oil added. This is cheaper for a jar. But what do you get?
So let´s crave pure organic peanut butter with only peanuts and a little salt. Then it can be considered healthy as it is the good kind of oil. In small amounts though.
And what we drink shall be without sugar and sweeteners.
And all meals shall have a lot of nice fruit and vegetables.
I remember when I was slender-before age 40- I sometimes saw fat people eat large quantities of ice cream and cake and chips and looked into their supermarket baskets and thought - Ohh there is a reason - or even How disgusting..
No - We shall not be that kind of entertainment.
For we shall crave quality!!

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4/3/13 12:49 P

I try to have fruit or veggies close or a 100-cal snack!

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4/3/13 4:35 A

My former love bought chips and stuff and put it in front of my nose on the kitchen table and forgot about it.
I would eat it till the bag was empty and feel really bad about it afterwards. He also got angry at me. Then I asked him to either put the bags in his car or hide it a secret place. He couldn´t understand me but found it a good idea to obey if he wanted peace in our home.

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4/3/13 12:01 A

Mixed nuts and peppermint tea

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4/3/13 12:01 A

I found the snack would sneak up a get me around 11AM and 3PM. I am finding the best way to beat this was to plan what I was going to eat around these times. One of my favorite snakc is 2 Graham crackers with small of peanut butter. This keeps me from looking for something to eat like candy.

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4/2/13 10:30 P

I'm staying away from as much of the chemical sweeteners as I can. Being diabetic I also stay away from sugar. Stevia is fine tho, so for now its home brewed green or white tea with stevia, air popped popcorn or protein powder. Or maybe an apple or whole raw carrot. Staying away from the triggers helps, finding something to do when I'm ready to gnaw an arm off from craving but not hunger. I guess a grrl's gotta do what a grrl's gotta do.

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4/2/13 6:37 P

one thing i did when i was going to weight watchers yrs ago i would divide my snacks up in a zip lock bag that way it was all portion control.

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4/2/13 4:10 P

I am a late night snacker. Anything salty even just plain soda crackers. If it is sweets I am craving usually nothing helps except peanut butter & chocolate (as in reese's cups or peanut butter fudge) I have not been able to find a subsitute for these the takes away the cravings. Like the alcoholic all I can do is abstain completely.Not an easy task. But I am still trying. When I give in to the craving I eat until there isn't any left.It doesn't even interfere with my regular meals. It is crazy! Trying to exercise more and go to bed earlier.

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4/2/13 1:21 P

At a sculpture workshop the teacher places a big pile of cakes and chocolate in front of us.
First time I went I had no defense.. I boarded it and ate more than anyone else and felt miserable.
2nd time I bought some SELF DEFENSE food with me. Which was a healthy lunch consisting of fiber rich bread I make myself and fruit and vegetables. I said to everybody this was my self defense food. I find if I take a bit of the forbidden food in the pile I cannot stop. I see it as an addiction like alcoholism.
Sugar, fat and alcohol have almost the same chemical substance so addiction is the correct word.
Other times people explain to me: - YOU ARE NOT FAT - I weigh 20 kg more than when I was 40. !! I feel this as disrespect of my goal of being healthy. I get angry and feel like showing my stomach. But it does not affect my knowledge BMI= 29 is indisputable. KNOWLEDGE is a clue - knowledge is a good wall to lean against. And good to those kind hearted people who say I am beautiful like I am etc.

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4/2/13 1:03 P

I find drinking a bottle of water is helpful. I get outside to take my mind off of my snack attack and it works. Keeping busy is the key.

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4/2/13 12:34 P

Like many others, I have learned to substitute healthier snacks when I get the urge. I have also used water to give a full feeling or chewed chewing gum (hate bubble gum). In the beginning the cravings are stronger but stick with it and you will start to have better control of the ones that do come but they come less frequently.

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4/2/13 12:19 P

I try to wait myself out to see if I can get the craving to go away, and I will drink a full glass of water also. To be better prepared for the snack attacks I make sure I have planned for some healthy snacks so that I don't go and grab something that is bad for me. Being prepared is the best thing I can do for me.

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4/2/13 11:10 A

Great idea! However does cheese and peanut butter not have a lot of fats?

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4/2/13 10:32 A

I plan the snack attack, I don't fight it. I work with it. I eat 6-7 times a day. But I am choosy about what I eat.

Three small meals + a healthy snack such as fruits, vegetables, or something with protien (hard-boiled egg, cheese, peanut butter on celery, nuts, raisins,popcorn, yogurt, etc.)

It works. Go ahead and snack, but keep the "sugar treats" and chips to a minimum.

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4/1/13 6:12 P

I always try just drinking water first.

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4/1/13 5:09 P

lately I have been eating an apple and peanut butter. Or a skinny cow dessert. Mainly, I stay out of the kitchen!

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4/1/13 2:51 P

This is my greatest struggle when it comes to weight loss! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a little snack or bite here and there will completely blow my calorie count off the charts. Although I'm still working really hard on fighting this particular demon, some things that work for me (when I make the effort to do them!) are:
- drinking flavored water or herbal tea
- distracting myself (I'll make phone calls to catch up with friends and family usually)
- snacking on sunflower seeds since they are salty, but slow to eat (the only problem here is that the sodium usually ends up causing bloating)

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3/31/13 5:20 P

Sometimes the urge to indulge is just overwhelming. I've found that I can give in to wanting something sweet by eating a vita top muffin top and drinking a little glass of milk with it. I tend to crave salty things more, and then I have a few Stacy's parmesean and garlic chips with some hummus. I don't even buy ice cream anymore, because it's just a food that I can't control my consumption of.

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3/31/13 4:14 P

Drinking the water is helping me. I add different flavors of Crystal Light powder to the water for a couple of the bottles. Its 5 calories and its the energy Crystal Light (with the vitamin B's)

I've always been an ice cream fanatic and for the last month, I have been eating the Healthy Choice frozen yogurt (comes in strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, vanilla bean, and honey/vanilla swirl). They're all delicious and hit the spot for 100 calorie containers.

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3/31/13 1:44 P

I use to do the chocolate syrup on banana however now do the whipped peanut butter instead, full of protein and a but healthier!

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3/31/13 1:40 P

Not sure what the limitations of your program are, but I absolutely have the most trouble with snacking potential between when I come home from work, and when I have to start working on dinner. First, I try to distract myself. This is "easy" on training days (Tuesday and Thursday) because if I'm going to get my run in before I have to be at the bus stop to get my son, I don't have enough time to snack. I change, I run, I collapse for a little bit, then go to the bus, start the home work process, and start dinner. The other days, I found some healthier options for snacking. A cup of chocolate almond milk gives me a boost of calcium and I get chocolate. Another favorite is to slice a banana and then put some Hershey chocolate syrup on it. Those two things seem to help me.

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3/31/13 8:27 A

Sugar free candy and try my best to stay to a serving of something sweet for th evening.

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3/31/13 7:37 A

I find chewing gum helps me not to snack. Can't put food in my mouth when I have gum in it.

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3/30/13 12:35 P

I know exactly how you feel even though I am retired now I can remember how I would come home and eat everything in site and then still have dinner and a night snack,so bad and my job was baking but never ate any of it at work and never brought any home,weird!!! so my soluation today is staying away from carbs and then I dont get all the cravings and if I do I have a blue bunny icream bar 60 calories at walmart and then make fat free sugar free cheese cake pudding and add berries on top and it is a half cup of pudding in a fancy little glass and then will have apples slices with a small amount of peanut butter.but do treat myself on special events and not feel guilty about it. so hope this helps I am new at this too.

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3/30/13 10:47 A

I usually save 150 calories at the end of the day to have my "Skinny Cow" ice cream sandwich or fudge cone, I really enjoy these and they help me to not feel deprived

Edited by: VALSPARK2013 at: 3/30/2013 (10:48)

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3/30/13 8:28 A

These tips are fantastic, especially the pasta one. I will try them all and thank you so much for sharing.

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3/30/13 1:36 A

I have snack attacks often. I get cravings for salt or sugar or certain textures. I have created some substitutes. If I crave pasta, I cook up mushrooms and sweet peppers and mix in an egg and top it with parmesan cheese. It's healthy and takes care of the chewiness I am craving as well as the salt. I keep some chocolate bars at hand for a sweet fix. They only have 150 calories and take care of the sweet that i often crave. I do this if fruit doesn't satisfy enough. I also will have strawberries with a wee bit of sugar and milk..so yummy! My biggest craving is for cereal of all things. I crave Fruit and Fiber or Muesli and I have trouble with keeping the recommended portions. So I have it only once in a while, maybe on weekends. During the week I have barley mixed with brown rice with raisins and pumpkin seeds and milk...delish! Sometimes finding lower calories substitutes help as well as keeping in mind why you crave. If I am sick, I crave carbs. If I am tired, I crave sweets. Oh and a cup of cocoa is great too for a sweet craving. May we all succeed at outwitting or beating our snack attacks!!

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3/30/13 12:26 A

New to this so please bare with me....snacks...lets see, I always have almonds around. Drinking water is great. I don't like plain water so what I do is cut up lemons, put a piece in each muffin tin, fill up with water and freeze. I pop them out and keep them in a zip lock bag in the freezer and when I have a glass of water, I put my lemon freeze in it! Great way to keep your water cold and have a lemon taste as well!

Edited by: IMPALAGAL at: 3/30/2013 (00:27)

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3/29/13 11:47 P

Food and myself need to learn to get along. Breakfast, midmorning snack, and lunch are fine for I work and have a set pattern I follow. But when I get home things get out of control more often then I would like.

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3/29/13 11:32 P

Water is a great idea to feel fuller. I add a touch of lemon to break up the taste. I have tried smaller, mini-meals, but I find that larger meals work better for me. I snack on a protein bar or shake.

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3/29/13 8:04 P

Lately I have been really bad about snacking on anything and everything. I will do that for a while and then go back being sensible. Especially If I haven't had a particular thing for a while I will go on a binge....bad. Most of the time I am good. Hopefully next week will get better. I will try some of the suggestions I have read. Thanks everyone!

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3/29/13 10:54 A

I always get snack attacks. However I found that its much better to indulge in a healthy manner than try to fight them off (because you won't always win). For example, when I crave chocolate I will have a small bowl of Special K chocolate cereal, or Sugar Free Pudding. If I'm craving carbs, instead of eating chips I eat air-popped popcorn (much healthier!)

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3/29/13 9:33 A

That was lovely! Thank you...

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3/29/13 9:33 A

This is my weakness, too. I crave salty chips more than sweets. I'm going to try some of the ideas here -- green tea, water, brush teeth -- and since my cravings come late at night, I'm going to make this week's goal getting to bed earlier. Maybe I can get to bed before the cravings hit! Thanks for starting this discussion. So many helpful ideas!!

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3/29/13 9:02 A

You aren't the only one... I get those cravings every once in a while too. I had taken adipex at one point, and even when I'm off the pills, I still have those cravings. And the funny thing is, I typically eat well balanced mini meals every 3 hours and I STILL get the cravings. I don't know what to do about them, but I'm going to try some of these tips on here. You should do the same and we can compare!

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3/28/13 1:03 P

Sometimes you just can't or don't have a snack with you. Make a list of healthy and accessible snacks that you can find easily for those times.

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3/28/13 12:38 P

thank you richarj

that's good advice deep breathing is good for your all around health, I am doing better with the evening snacking and think I havent been drinking enough water through out the day. now that you have helped me with that how about stress my husband is going through lots of health issues and is depending more and more on me to do things for him and around the house which I love doing but it can become overwhelming and have not had the time to exercise and suggestions?

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3/28/13 11:59 A

There is no other way to fight a snack attack then to have it with you already. Don't leave home with out a protein bar in the car, greek yogurt, fruit or veggie in the fridge at work or at home....something needs to be at arms reach at all times orf the day and night or its a problem waiting to happen....

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3/28/13 10:56 A

Having your healthier snacks available allows your to enjoy the celebration, rather than another opportunity to eat something you"ll regret later.

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3/28/13 8:59 A

I have found that making my snacks for that day really helps my avoid eating things I shouldn't. A co-worker brought cake this week and because I had my snacks handy, I was not even tempted to get a slice. I pack things like apples, grapes, almonds and greek yogurt.

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3/28/13 8:55 A

I've found myself losing 1lb a week by drinking water and when I want a snack at night I fix me a cup of bouillon. I also break my meals up and eat 5 to 6 times a day. It's actually working! But be sure to stop drinking fluids a couple of hours before bedtime or else you'll be up and down all night!

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3/28/13 8:31 A

I pack pre-planned snacks. I have them at my desk and have a planned time (10 am & 3 pm) to have my snack. It can't sneak up on me when I know what time I am going to snack.

Today, I have 2 Ryvita Whole Wheat Crackers and a Laughing Cow Light wedge with 10 cherry tomatoes. That's the morning snack. Afternoon is a half a cucumber sliced lengthwise, seeds scooped out, filled with half a Laughing Cow Light wedge and topped with a slice of Boars Head Light Cajun Turkey. Eat the cucumber light a boat. They are both crunchy snacks...and a snack HAS TO BE CRUNCHY for me to feel like I got a treat.

Plan ahead, and tell yourself what time your snack is. When the snack attack comes off time, then just tell the snack monster to hang on a bit and he'll be fed.

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3/27/13 6:24 P

If I let myself get too hungry, I really struggle with overeating. Sometimes I put off eating too long, then I'm ravenous, and it's hard to stop when I should. What helps me the most is eating all my fruits and veggies. If I do that consistently, I don't have the problems with cravings. Being consistent is a problem I have in all areas of my life. I'm working on it, but I'm not there yet.

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3/26/13 10:21 P

I've found a little edamame or a few almonds help, if you have the calories to spare. Also, a cup of air popped popcorn with a little salt is good. Just don't over do it, and make sure to drink water with it. That will help you feel fuller.

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3/26/13 3:44 P

I have started brushing my teeth instead of snacking, then drinking a big glass of water!! This has really helped me not to snack when I'm not really hungry!

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3/26/13 2:28 P

Thanks to all who have taken the time to provide such helpful answers!

-- This has definitely been my tripping point. I can't seem to have "just one" of anything I like!

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3/26/13 1:13 P

I have just started the spark diet and it is ok so far! but we do go out with our friends to dinner once a month and I never eat healthy when we do and try not to be hard on myself,my hardest time is in the evenings when I am sitting watching tv has always been a snacking time for me for years how do I get past the snack attack in the evening, you sound very sensitble and honest in your journey so please help me is you can.

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3/26/13 11:42 A

Lovin' the hummus suggestion, Limited Grace. And thank you for it. That's a healthy snack that I always liked but kinda forgot about. I will try it anew.

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3/26/13 11:01 A

I'm just starting this program and already feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed your comment and think i'm going to try this starting out..Thanks.

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3/26/13 4:18 A

A cup of green tea works for me.

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3/26/13 2:04 A

Fruit. My favorite right now is 1/4 cup cottage cheese with 1/3 cup Dole Tropical Fruit. It's a carb/protein snack. I also love a slice of whole grain toast with Whole Foods fresh ground peanut butter.

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3/23/13 3:46 P

Water - Water - Water - Water - Water
After reading and applying all of the helpful comments you've received so far...you should have a wealth of knowledge and choices to help you through your craving cycles.
So just for fun...here is another one.
For one week, try this option. Eat only snacks that are a bright or deep rich color!!
That means nothing white or tan or brown. Limit your yellows but everything else you can, for the most part, you can eat your fill. This engages your brain, so you can use your initiative and enjoy planning what you will purchase and prepare for the week you do this.
Remember, a train may have many stops, but if it stays on track (pun intended), it will get to it's destination. ;)

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3/23/13 12:48 P

I thought the 'snack attack' would diminish once I lost some weight. Not so much!
I am happy that some people have responded that those cravings have diminished.
With me? This will be a life long struggle I'm afraid.

But don't loose courage. This is where the resolve NOT to succumb to those cravings comes into play. I like those calorie conscious snacks that allow me to satisfy my sweet tooth once in a while, but it is also good for me not to stock my cupboard full of them because, . . . well, . . . that one was good, this one was good, . hmm, I bet I can have that one too.

You have to develop a plan for your own personal weaknesses. Face your weakness and make your them get off your weekly weigh-ins. So far I have managed to tip the scales in my favour (so to speak). You can do it too

current weight: 185.0

247 230.25 213.5 196.75

180

Posts: 472
3/23/13 12:33 P

I don't crave snacks often, but when I do it's bad. I try to keep a variety of healthy snacks available. I always have celery and carrot sticks on hand. These are great with peanut butter or nutella. Sliced apples are also good when I need a crunch. I also crave salty crunchy things so I keep 1 small back of chips on hand for snacking. I measure them out and record them before eating and NEVER eat from the bag. That's a disaster for me.

Pounds lost: 35.7

0 15.75 31.5 47.25

63

Posts: 136
3/22/13 11:39 P

Oooh I'm all about the special K protein bars... especially the chocolate and peanut butter. They call them meal replacement bars, but they keep you so full, are packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber.... all for under 200 calories! Love em!

current weight: 122.2

190 172.5 155 137.5

120

Posts: 597
3/22/13 10:12 P

If I have a craving for something sweet, I'll usually go with a granola bar (about 100 calories) or fruit. If I want something salty, I have some air popped popcorn or a little cheese or thin sliced meat.

Pounds lost: 65.2

0 20 40 60

80

Posts: 41
3/22/13 6:56 P

During workdays my routine is pretty set and some days (if I'm not especially busy), I'm SUPER hungry around 2:30/3pm. I generally don't get home until 5 and then with a workout I'm not eating dinner until usually 7pm. Some of my faves depending on what sounds good:

Cocoa Roast Almonds - Awesome way to deal with chocolate craving & get some protein. The Blue Diamond ones are 15 almonds for 100 calories. I make each one last as long as possible.

Greek Yogurt - I like the Yoplait Light brand. I know, it's not the most organic or whatevs but it tastes good, is 100 calories, and has a good dose of protein.

Sweet & Salty Peanut Granola Bar - Nature Valley Brand, 170 calories, yummy and better than eating a Snickers candybar.

Pita & Hummus - This clocks in around 150 calories, good for a savory craving with the soft pita bread and garlic-y hummus. It would be great with sprouts, but I never seem to have those around.

Mini Egg Salad Snack - Another great one that tides me over for quite a while is 5 ritz crackers topped with an easy egg salad: 1 hard boiled egg chopped and mixed with 1 Tbsp of Miracle Whip.

My husband loves celery with peanut butter and preps it for the week ahead. (Blech!)

Sometimes we indulge and have a sugar-free vanilla soy latte from SBUX and for 170 calories for the Grande, it's a nice treat.

And when you just really gotta have the real thing, what I do is buy mini candy or small things like Kisses or Andes Mints and freeze them. I have a mint and let it melt in my mouth and the damage is less than 50 calories!

current weight: 244.0

245 227.5 210 192.5

175

Posts: 18
3/22/13 5:39 P

Someone told me a long time ago that tea with a little sugar will kill a sweet craving. I always want to go over my daily calorie limit when I'm at work. My work is very boring as I work in the service industry. So, I can stop feeling hungry by drinking tea with a little sugar. Sometimes I bring plain popped popcorn, pre-measured.

Pounds lost: 20.0

0 16.25 32.5 48.75

65

SparkPoints: (2,641)
Fitness Minutes: (3,493)
Posts: 41
3/21/13 11:02 P

try sugar free/fat free hot chocolate
Personally I choose to not eat/snack after dinner because I think I would snack mindlessly.
I work out of my car all day...so I do eat often throughout the entire day- Peanut Butter & chocolate slim fast smoothie (love, love, love it- keeps me full in the morning and I feel like I am splurging on chocolate)
apple, banana, chobani black cherry yogurt, carrots, whole grain english muffin with black bean veggie burger and then dinner. By the time I am ready to sit down, I don't really want to snack.

current weight: 159.0

190 177.5 165 152.5

140

SparkPoints: (253)
Fitness Minutes: (320)
Posts: 5
3/21/13 10:44 P

Thanks for your advice about the snack attack. I love your common sense approach to keeping weight off. 90/10 is a good rule of thumb. I mean, if we don't allow ourselves to enjoy what we truly love, then what's it all about, anyway?! Good luck with your goals. I am just starting this journey with sparkpeople, and I am really committed to making a difference in my life. Bits of wisdom like yours really help. Thanks!

current weight: 184.0

185 172.5 160 147.5

135

Posts: 793
3/21/13 10:44 P

As you head to the fridge, cabinet, or candy bowl...sing an ancient song to yourself (or as you work out)..we change one word to "i" "I feel the earth move under my feet, I feel the sky come tumbling down, when ever "I"M around..."

Pounds lost: 16.9

0 13.5 27 40.5

54

Posts: 3
3/21/13 11:55 A

I am a Cadbury Creanm eggs person too! I limit it to 2 times a week during easter - but they also now have Cadbury Scream Eggs at halloween(same limit! I think they are worth the 170 calories.

Posts: 1,147
3/21/13 8:05 A

I eat salty nuts like pistachios and I make kale chips use snacks to fool my body love sweet tangerines and grapes

current weight: 165.2

179 168 157 146

135

SparkPoints: (14,527)
Fitness Minutes: (19,638)
Posts: 31
3/21/13 3:33 A

I usually crave crunchy or chocolate snacks. Veggies are great, but sometimes I need something else. I must have my popcorn in the evening, but I've also become a fan of puffed corn and puffed brown rice. They are really yummy mixed in with some raisons, pumpkin seeds, and a dash of cinnamon. I know that if I don't have anything, I'll just overindulge later on.

current weight: 137.0

141 138.75 136.5 134.25

132

Posts: 7
3/20/13 11:34 P

Chromium - the mineral - can be found in the local drugstore. Apparently it helps to ward off sugar cravings. I have tried this and it works. I am not a doctor so check with your doctor or a holistic specialist on how much to take.

It works for me!

Posts: 7
3/20/13 11:32 P

Chro

Posts: 4
3/20/13 6:48 P

I don't know about anyone else, but I for one refuse to live the rest of my life never having a candy bar or slice of pizza. A few others have said, moderation. That is the key to keeping the weight off. How do I know? Because I have been there, done that. I lost a lot of weight by being strict with myself, berating myself when I slipped up and frankly, "dieting". This time around, I have adopted the attitude of the 90/10 rule. I try to eat healthy and clean 90% of the time but 10%, I eat what I love. I do try to avoid attacks by eating enough all day and keeping my protein high throughout the day, but sometimes I want pizza for lunch with my friends. I eat it and I feel awesome about it. I still lose weight. Sure, it may be slower than others, but I never feel deprived or like there is no way I can live this way forever. I can do this. This makes sense to me. Find what works for you and go with it. Just be sure it something you can live with for the rest of your life. Otherwise, keeping it off will be hard. Good luck to everyone! We can do this!

current weight: 197.6

242 217.75 193.5 169.25

145

SparkPoints: (2,359)
Fitness Minutes: (265)
Posts: 273
3/20/13 5:03 P

I have a very sweet tooth and struggle to stop the cravings. I hate water although I know I must drink so I use sugar free cordial to flavour the water. Giving up chocolate has been difficult I have had only 1 bar in 10 days.
I nibble on rich tea biscuits if I realy need to pick you can't eat too many as they are very dry. Oranges are good as they take time to peel, cherry tomatoes are another healthy choice.
I do conceed there are sometimes when only chocolate or a sweet will do so I try to have just a small amount.

current weight: 304.0

321 309.5 298 286.5

275

Posts: 6
3/20/13 4:43 P

Like these lines of attack LOL I need them badly as, I work at night and sometimes when I get home... before I got to bed I tend to snack on things without even realizing it. So Im going to put up several signs in my room to remind myself to drink water....

Pounds lost: 5.4

0 15.5 31 46.5

62

SparkPoints: (7,760)
Fitness Minutes: (4,466)
Posts: 269
3/20/13 6:46 A

1st line of attack.... drink some water
2nd line of attack...exercise for 5 minutes
3rd line of attack...chew some gum
4th line of attack....give in (a little) and have some dark chocolate.

Pounds lost: 11.5

0 5.75 11.5 17.25

23

Posts: 5
3/19/13 9:36 P

The afternoon is my worst time of day. I just feel like I am starving from about 2-5pm every day. I am just doing my best to ignore it, or curb it with water, but when I can't I am trying to keep my snacking to healthier choices. Veggie sticks or a small salad are my first line of defense.

Edited by: MOMMABORCH at: 3/19/2013 (21:36)

Posts: 1
3/19/13 4:23 P

My weakness is salt. I crave chips (any type fritos, cheetos, potatoe chips, pretzels) when I'm watching tv. I have found that chedder rice cakes eating slowly helps alot.

Posts: 571
3/19/13 2:11 P

I, like pretty much everyone else, also get cravings - and mine are for sugar/chocolate 99% of the time. I do multiple things to deal with them. First, I drink water (usually 16-24 ounces)... then, I'll chew a piece of sugar free gum (chocolate chip mint is my favorite)... if I still want sugar then (usually 1/2 hour later), I'll have a mug of green tea. It is amazing to me how often these three things will eliminate my urge. If not, I'll have a little something (like a hershey's kiss size)... and be done with it. Put it from my mind and move on.

(I try to follow a no added sugar routine, so that is usually more than enough sugar to hold me for a day or 2.)

Pounds lost: 54.2

0 17.25 34.5 51.75

69

SparkPoints: (5,899)
Fitness Minutes: (39)
Posts: 27
3/19/13 1:46 P

I drink some water first then try to have some fruit. I'm not doing great with that right now.
The girls at work are keeping me straight. I went to get a small piece of a brownie yesterday and they wouldn't let me have. So one of them brought me an apple & orange. They are the best support group anyone could have.

current weight: 204.0

250 227.5 205 182.5

160

SparkPoints: (2,314)
Fitness Minutes: (758)
Posts: 6
3/19/13 12:27 P

I am a chocolate freak. Always after a healthy filling dinner I crave chocolate and then some salt afterwards....so bad. I usually find that a cup of instant hot coco after dinner feels like a big dessert. (I make it with water) so its only about 100 calories for a sweet chocolatey treat. Also for sweet snacks I eat several cutie clementines throughout the day.

Edited by: LILYLADY20 at: 3/19/2013 (12:29)

Pounds lost: 10.0

0 3.75 7.5 11.25

15

Posts: 133
3/19/13 5:14 A

Frozen grapes, tea or jello.

current weight: 171.0

177 170 163 156

149

SparkPoints: (1,951)
Fitness Minutes: (50)
Posts: 1
3/18/13 9:08 P

The best sweet snack attack snacks to 'curb the urge' I can give is a double serving of sugar free Jello w/3 tablespoons of light Cool Whip topping. Thats only about 30 calories and staves off the desire. Also great is Bigelow tea sells a great flavor of Vanilla/Caramel -- add two packets of Splenda and about 1/4 Cup of skim milk -- delicious!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 3.8 7.59999999999999 11.4

15.2

SparkPoints: (6,450)
Fitness Minutes: (3,777)
Posts: 242
3/18/13 8:43 P

I have been craving chocolate so in the morning with my coffee I use Swiss miss dark chocolate sensations n tonight I ate bout 2 tbsp of plain peanut butter.

current weight: 171.0

181 172 163 154

145

SparkPoints: (18,439)
Fitness Minutes: (12,437)
Posts: 200
3/18/13 6:20 P

I drink tea to stave off the munchies but today l had a snack size snickers, it was within the calorie intake but l wish l hadn't done it. Tomorrow will be better.....

Pounds lost: 35.0

0 9.75 19.5 29.25

39

Posts: 233
3/18/13 5:37 P

I found that a 3-day juice fast REALLY HELPED me to become more aware of my eating afterwards. My "cravings" were gone, and after the extreme exercise in self-control, saying no to junk was ridiculously easy.

Pounds lost: 3.8

0 4 8 12

16

Posts: 23
3/18/13 3:36 P

Thank you for that tip about the gum. I will try it and see if that helps curve my cravings. I tend to fall off track when I'm stress about certain things going on in my life. Maybe if I chew gum I can channel the cravings.

Pounds lost: 6.6

0 9.5 19 28.5

38