https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 08:53:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-893611 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:21:27 +0000 ironkurtin 893611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You can be hypoglycemic like me.&nbsp; When sugar makes you feel weak, shaky, jittery, and confused, your craving for it dies really, really fast.<br /><br />Also, I will note that having a basically paleo diet does give me more tolerance for the occasional bite of cake.&nbsp; I do like cake - I just can't eat very much of it.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-893592 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:03:28 +0000 velvetychocolate 893592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're doing well dianthus! <i>Woo hoo</i> for getting back on track, even though I know it's *tough*. I just wanted to say though, that you might want to consider blaming the food, and not the person (ie. you) or behaviour. Just as we try to remind ourselves here at YLF that it's not a person's body/shape, but rather the clothes that aren't the right fit - I think the same is true with food as well. <br /><br />Food for thought: maybe it isn't that you're an emotional or so-called "binge eater", but perhaps certain types of food are extremely addictive. In fact, I remember reading an article in the New York Times magazine recently about the process of making manufactured food/snacks as addictive as possible. Let me go look it up....<br /><br />Here it is: <b>"The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food"</b> (warning: long, but still a fascinating read)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/magazine/the-extraordinary-science-of-junk-food.html?pagewanted=all&amp;_r=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02.....ewanted=al</a><br /><br />In the meantime, love the soup idea. It's an excellent strategy to have something "go to" like this on hand. <br /><br />Just as an aside, here are a few other strategies that have worked for me over the longer haul:<br /><br />#1 - <i>Don't test my own willpower too much</i> - if I'm going to a party or a fancy restaurant, I eat something 'small-ish' before I leave, so I'm not ravenous or tempted by too many things. A handy-dandy small snack has been few bites of olive-oil packed tuna. I might add green onions to it, or dill relish or a bit of mustard. Doesn't need mayo because of the olive oil, and it's 'moist' enough to not need any mayo anyway. Love this stuff - particularly tasty in a green salad at lunch too with some kalamata olives, tomatoes, green onions, grape tomatoes etc. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.starkist.com/product/yellowfin-tuna-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil" rel="nofollow">http://www.starkist.com/produc.....-olive-oil</a><br /><br />Quick alternative is a small portion of nuts (ie. macadamia nuts) or perhaps a couple of tablespoons of almond butter. Even a hard-boiled egg or something, if I've been organized enough to have some in the fridge. <br /><br />#2 - <i>It's not reasonable to expect that you'll never eat dessert or cake again</i> - I just don't have it in the house, unless I'm having company - and further, a little tip is to "use it up" . You can get past the cravings that such an item triggers faster by burning it off - that's what the carbs are for! Someone that has toast or a bagel for breakfast and then walks to work, or walks to a transit stop may not find these foods as 'addicting' - because the fuel is being used up/burned off before anything goes too haywire. Something to keep in mind when it's your birthday or some other celebration - you *can* have a slice of cake or dessert, but you might want to go on a power walk later that evening or first thing the next morning. Doing so will shorten up the after-effects of feeling sluggish and/or cravings. Note: if you suspect that gluten makes you feel ill, I'd recommend g/f stuff on these (hopefully) rare occasions. The other night I had a slice of gluten-free, flourless, hazelnut chocolate torte during our anniversary dinner out at a nice restaurant. Went nuts on housework next day, and there are no&nbsp; dire cravings hanging around.<br /><br />#3 - <i>don't go out shopping (of any kind - groceries, clothes, hardware store) without eating something first, no matter what </i>- I know it seems ridiculous, but I have noticed that I spend more and make more shopping mistakes if I'm hungry! Weird eh? Plus, there's the "temptation" factor if shopping for a few hours - easy to get sucked into a restaurant or the food court. I remember meeting up with my Mom and one of her friends for a vacation in Palm Springs. The three of us women were all excited about going to a local outlet mall...they had coffee and were raring to go. I insisted that I needed something to eat before leaving the house. There was some leftover cold chicken salad in the fridge, so I had a scoop of that, plus half an apple sliced up. After three or four hours of "power shopping" - we ended up at a fast-food/diner type place. Mom and friend ordered breaded zucchini, burgers, fries etc. I wasn't 'starving', so was able to just get myself a nice salad with some shrimp on it. Interesting tidbit - they were tired after lunch, and I was ready to keep shopping <br /><br />Ok - enough of the novel....clearly, the topic is one I'm passionate about. <br /><br />Good luck everyone - the sugar addiction can be resolved or at least minimized, I promise! <br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-893396 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:17:41 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 893396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am on day 3 of no gluten or sugar and think I am past the worst of it.&nbsp; This totally reminds me of when I quit smoking.&nbsp; I hadn't realized how much it affected me until I had gone a few days without and then used a nicotine patch that was too strong for me.&nbsp; I quit cold turkey after the reaction and it has been well over 20 years.<br /><br />I have been making a big pot of chicken vegetable soup every few days and eating that when I feel like eating (as compared to when I am hungry) and it really helps.&nbsp; Other than the chicken breast, I add celery, carrots, onion, and diced tomato.&nbsp; I also put 1/3 cup of brown rice but this is into at least 3-4 liters of soup so not much.&nbsp; <br /><br />It is interesting that I rarely actually feel hungry and even when I do, I don't feel a great urge to eat.&nbsp; I am clearly an emotional and binge eater.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-892147 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:14:06 +0000 Suz 892147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do often feel lousy the day after eating refined flour now, if I eat it in a large enough quantity. (E.g. pasta) It's rare for me to eat that, these days, and typically I pay the next day somehow. I wouldn't even dignify this with the name "gluten intolerance." It's just a yucky, hungover feeling. But whether it has a name or not&nbsp;doesn't really matter, since I just try avoid meals that are high in refined carbs, period.&nbsp;<br /><br />Mochi, the way I interpreted the LE habits, it was pretty much a primal diet. <br /><br />I think one habit that has changed is the carb habit...when I began in the program they said "starchy carbs post-workout only" but now it's "choose carbs wisely." <br /><br />I think the new habit is a better, more realistic&nbsp;one -- one that allows for individual variation, and one in line with the view that there's no such thing as a "bad" or a "good" food -- just better or worse choices. I think in the past there was a danger of people demonizing carbs,&nbsp;going <b>too</b> low with them, ignoring their own bodies' needs, etc.&nbsp;<br /><br />But the advantage of the earlier formulation of that habit&nbsp;was that it probably had more immediate and drastic effects. I ended up eating mostly vegetables, a few fruits, meat/ eggs/ fish, and healthy fats.&nbsp;And I still eat that way for the most part, though I do eat more healthy carbs than I did when I was actively trying to lose weight.&nbsp;<br /><br />What I know for myself is that a regime of mostly vegetables, enough lean protein (and for me, that's quite a bit) and healthy fats, plus a small complement of whole foods carbs, seems to keep cravings at bay for the most part -- and prevents me from feeling that awful hungover feeling I can get now from too much refined anything.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Having said that, I still seem to be able to manage small and occasional&nbsp;amounts of refined flour/ sugar/ white rice, etc.&nbsp;without any problems at all. But "occasional" is key. It can't be my daily habit.&nbsp;<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-892104 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:33:37 +0000 velvetychocolate 892104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hope you're feeling better too Mochi - what you're experiencing is pretty normal - it's very hard to just change everything up all at once. There are bound to be some fits and starts along the way. <br /><br />In the meantime, I hope that as you work through things, and figure out your own friendly foods (that don't trigger ridiculous cravings or cause you to feel 'ick') - you can come to a place where things are comfortable and don't feel "strict."&nbsp; <br /><br />When you try something new, and are in the midst of trying to nix cravings, lose weight, feel healthier or what have you - it does feel very strict, but I think this is mainly because everything is a bit different and requires attention, thought and planning. The good news is that if you just keep going and work out your own best plan, the entire process will become a whole lot easier. It won't seem like so much of a challenge, because it won't be 'brand-new' to you, if that makes sense. The feeling of 'strict' will go away! I guess I'm just saying that it only feels strict because it's new, and there's a lot of work, planning and prepping going on. Soon, it will become 'old hat'. <br /><br />Hang in there and I hope you're feeling better! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-891290 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:37:52 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 891290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for the feedback.&nbsp; <br /><br />Raisin, it is interesting that in the past when I have tried no carb (atkins) I would feel that "flu" but I had been eating fruit and whole grains (mostly brown rice and quinoa) and did not get that feeling at all.&nbsp; In fact, I was feeling pretty good.<br /><br />VC, I think you might be on to something.&nbsp; The headache was sinus related which is consistent with an intolerence or allergy.&nbsp; I have lots of allergies and more develop as I get older.&nbsp; I also try to avoid the substitutes for everything except the occasional aspartame but I am trying to cut back on that too.<br /><br />Mochi, I am sorry to hear you too fell off the wagon and are suffering for it.&nbsp; I think I started going downhill when I weighed myself and saw that not only had I not lost weight, I had regained a pound or more.&nbsp; It is hard to change the focus from weight to health management but I am working on it.<br /><br />Since I had already blown it and was feeling unwell, I gave into the craving and had ice cream last night.&nbsp; I am going to try to get back on track today.&nbsp; We have a four day weekend for Easter and I am thinking I will start a barre class on Monday.&nbsp; I bought a two month pass and haven't activated it yet.<br /><br />Enjoy the easter weekend all. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-890647 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:05:49 +0000 Mochi 890647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi. First, there is no thread hijacking because I don't consider this "my" thread; it's everyone's and only underlines the problem of pervasive sugar and carb addiction....I expect that this thread will never become completely dormant (for better or worse), but I hope we all benefit from exchanging info or even venting.&nbsp;<br /><br />I have to admit that after about a week of very clean, no-sugar, extremely low-carb eating, I've been off the wagon for the fifth day...but am definitely getting strict again tomorrow, when I'll have time around the house to get back to food prep and better meal planning. I was away visiting family over the Passover holidays&nbsp;and while that's not an excuse, my eating always goes haywire for some reason...even when the food's not anything that special. I have to figure out how to work around this better (not asking for advice--it's more a psychological issue, really).&nbsp;<br /><br />But anyway, I've been feeling progressively more like I have a sinus-y cold...pressure in my nose and sinuses, tense, mild headache, overall feeling like crap. I am pretty sure it's NOT a bug but my body on toxic overload. Funny how this is not carb withdrawal (which would have been last week, when I felt pretty good) but now a few days after a week of eating clean. So now I really feel the impetus to get back on track. I just am not enjoying this, even in the immediate moment of eating something I used to enjoy a lot.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-890541 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:35:00 +0000 velvetychocolate 890541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dianthus,<br /><br />It could be a bug, you never know. That said, both my husband and I are gluten intolerant. My symptoms are more along the lines of classic celiac (gastro intestinal distress, bloating, stomach ache, nausea cramps etc.), whereas my husband experiences "rheumatoid-like" arthritis flare-ups. My so-called "IBS" went away upon going gluten-free, and my husband's advancing arthritis practically disappeared. He used to get these severe arthritis flare-ups where his joints would swell up and sometimes it was hard to move. Me? I was experiencing stomach and gastro-intestinal type issues. All cleared up as long as I stay away from gluten. <br /><br />Both of us will experience that lethargy that you're describing. I've never gotten a headache, but I think my husband has. <br /><br />Going gluten-free wasn't easy, and it still isn't - but we don't do it for fun or because it's some kind of fad. We do it because we both feel 100% better. <br /><br />In terms of the thread topic - and avoiding cravings for sugar/sweets (or anything else really), I've personally found that replacing old wheat-based foods with new-fangled "gluten free" versions does *not* help in terms of reducing or eliminating the cravings. Gluten-free cookies are just as addictive as their regular wheat-based versions, imo. This is why I follow a "Paleo-ish", low-"ish" carb diet 99% of the time. Don't get me wrong - birthday rolls around, and you can bet there'll be some fancy treats (gluten free of course). Flourless chocolate cake comes to mind :)<br /><br />Meanwhile, as far as I can tell - it's not gluten itself that triggers the cravings. Getting back to what rachylou was saying earlier - it's probably the&nbsp; combination of carb+fat+salt/sugar creates those oh-so-addictive qualities of certain foods. <br /><br />Hang in there, and I hope you feel much better soon! <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-890530 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:24:23 +0000 Raisin 890530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dianthus it's totally normal to feel lethargic the first while off sugar. &nbsp;But it seems like you were already adapted to not eating sugar and the sugar sort of have you the high, then&nbsp;the lethargic crash. &nbsp;They do refer to it as "carb flu" the first few weeks your off carbs and sugar though....your bady has to detox and get off the sugar highs and lows. &nbsp;I often get a headache the first few days I quit eating sugar.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/3#post-890376 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:44:37 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 890376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't want to hijack this thread but also didn't want to start a new related one.<br /><br />I didn't eat any sugar or white flour type of foods for about two weeks.&nbsp; Last night I made a few tea biscuits and ate one and a half of them before chucking them in the garbage.<br /><br />I woke up this morning feeling lethargic and headachy.&nbsp; I also feel a bit nauseous and am extremely tired and low energy.&nbsp; I am fighting the urge to go buy a bagel or cookie and instead have eaten 2 oz of nuts and an orange.<br /><br />Is this a bug or has anyone else felt physically from eating white flour products after a few weeks of clean eating? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-887861 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:59:49 +0000 Raisin 887861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad to read your post Joy, not that I'm glad you're diabetic. &nbsp;But I am sure that's the road I am or was headed down. &nbsp;Except in my family there is a strong history of diabetes. &nbsp;You're right though, being thin has nothing to do with it, and doesn't give (me) carte Blanche to eat every sugar in sight. &nbsp;I've been off track for a couple weeks now, so it's very motivational to me to read that to get back on track. &nbsp;Gosh, it's so hard to give up though! &nbsp;Now, I have to try to keep away from my kids Easter candy for the next week.....lol https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-887640 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:48:59 +0000 Anonymous 887640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mochi, I&nbsp;just found this post and can't answer very completely now, but want you to be very strong. &nbsp;You&nbsp;<b>don't&nbsp;</b>want to have diabetes to get serious about this and carbs like rice and pasta are just sugar in disguise. &nbsp;In fact, as a diabetic, rice is about the worst thing I can eat. &nbsp;For others it's potatoes, etc.&nbsp;<br />i've always been a sugar addict and didn't worry because I was thin and none of the disease in the family. &nbsp;I was a&nbsp;<b>fool.</b>. Now when I crave something I have to balance it against having my foot or functioning kidneys or eyesight, etc. &nbsp; that's motivation. &nbsp;<br />It gets easier. &nbsp;Your palate adjusts so that cinnamon tastes sweet. &nbsp;I don't use artificial sweeteners at all as they add to the craving. &nbsp;Instead I mix cinnamon into plain yogurt, oatmeal, etc. &nbsp;Fiber is your friend for controlling blood glucose. &nbsp;It also helps to eat a practically no carb meal of fish and green veggies, then allow myself about three slow savored tiny bites of something like dark chocolate. &nbsp;I don't feel deprived and stay on track.<br />i'd highly recommend seeing a dietician because eating low carb can be complicated. &nbsp;If not, the South Beach diet is close and healthy. &nbsp;Count carbs, not calories, and everything falls into place. &nbsp;I meal for a woman is 30-45 carbs with a couple of 15 carb snacks with about 10 G protein so it stays with you. &nbsp;Nuts or low carb yogurt is good. &nbsp;<br />Wishing you the best with this. &nbsp;The cravings will always be there, but in time I found the idea of the craved food more powerful than the actual taste which wasn't as good as I remembered it being. &nbsp;Hardest thing to give up...wine and beer. &nbsp;No carbonated beverages for you, even diet. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882388 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:37:01 +0000 velvetychocolate 882388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad to read that this seems to be working for you Mochi!<br /><br />Also wanted to say that I think what rachylou says is very wise. I *do* get my 'sweet' fix, just that it comes in the form of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries etc. I think rachylou might be onto something by saying that a lot of sweet treats are high in fat and sugar/carbs. Same is true of stuff like onion rings or whatever...high fat + high carb seems to be a difficult combination to resist. <br /><br />I suppose this might be why different approaches work - a lower fat approach will work because you're not combining high fat with higher carb items, and likewise, a lower carb approach will work because - you're doing the same thing, only in reverse...higher fat, lower carb intake. <br /><br />I had a "treat" on Valentine's Day - my husband brought me some fancy schmancy sorbet from Whole Foods. It was Talenti Roman Raspberry. Definitely higher in carb than would be acceptable "on plan" - but the thing is, I just had a half cup serving and the rest of the container is still in the freezer! Unheard of (for me). I wonder if that's because it wasn't "high fat + high carb" all at once. It did stall my weight loss for a day or two, but did *not* trigger ridiculous sweet cravings that I'd be battling for days and days. To me, that's a real win!<br /><br />Just something to file away for future reference - rachylou's most likely 100% right that the most craving-inducing foods are those that combine high fat and carbs together. I've never been particularly inclined to overeat blueberries :)<br /><br />Hang in there, and I'm so glad to hear that you're finding a way to beat the sugar cravings - YAY! <br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882303 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:53:57 +0000 Transcona Shannon 882303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Finally getting around to adding to this thread - great discussion Mochi (and everyone) with a wealth of information and ideas.<br /><br />Before anything else, I'm wondering Mochi if you have had your hormone levels and insulin levels checked? When my insulin is out of balance (part of my endocrine disorder), I can eat sweets until I'm literally sick to my stomach - can't seem to stop myself and the craving is overwhelming. I have been known to eat an entire bag of Oreo cookies in one sitting. Now I'm not saying there's anything physical wrong here, but it might be worth ruling out a physical connection to the craving before delving into other possibilities? Just a suggestion.<br /><br />Part of maintaining a healthy endocrine balance for me involves eating quite a low glycemic diet - very little in the way of simple carbs since my body processes those incorrectly. I have found this to be very helpful in the way of sugar cravings.&nbsp;<br /><br />Coffee is a definite appetite stimulant for me so I now have a cup in the car on the way to work but don't drink it at my desk, otherwise I might want to head to the cafeteria (which is dangerously close) for a cinnamon bun or piece of fudge to go with it.&nbsp;<br /><br />Adding the lean protein and veggies to my morning smoothie has helped alot with my mid-morning snacking. The sweetness of the fruit and almond milk in the smoothie seems to make my brain think I've already had something sweet and I don't need anything more.<br /><br />You'll find what works for you Mochi - I know it! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882229 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:44:51 +0000 MsMary 882229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Keep going, Mochi!&nbsp; It gets easier!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882203 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:30:11 +0000 Raisin 882203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay, so glad to hear you're doing well Mochi! &nbsp;Hope you get the results you are after. &nbsp;It does feel good just to have a steady flow of energy all day and not be riding the sugar roller-coaster, though.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882145 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:33:02 +0000 Mochi 882145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's great hearing all the different approaches. Thanks! I started doing the Primal eating plan about four or five days ago and it seems to be doing something. I am not craving sugar--haven't had any at all, or wanted it very strongly. At this point, I'm definitely eating high fat. That's what is recommended and it truly does help eliminate the cravings. I feel satisfied. I've been delving into the Primal blogspot Raisin recommended and people have been having astonishing results, really trim and athletic and healthy and vibrant-looking. It seems trustworthy and science-minded. I will give updates if the weight starts coming off for real. To me it's not a hard way to eat at all (I am used to cooking from scratch). We'll see how it goes.&nbsp;<br /><br />And I'm still having my daily coffee. With light cream.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-882111 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:45:35 +0000 rachylou 882111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just a thought... if weight loss is your goal, I believe the thing about where they say some people do better cutting carbs and some cutting fats. I'm a cut the fat person when it comes to weight loss. The thing about *sweets,* though, is that sweets often come high both in fat and carbs. So if it's just the sweet taste you're after, you might find success eating things that taste sweet but which are low in fat. Also how sweet a thing tastes is not related to how high it is in carbs, so it's possible to have the sweet taste and lower the carbs.<br /><br />Oh, also, increasing fiber helps slow down the sugar rush that goes straight to fat.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-881790 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:45:13 +0000 TraceyLiz65 881790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I attribute my 40lb weight loss using Weight Watchers directly to curbing my carb addiction. &nbsp;These days I have&nbsp;&nbsp;2-3 fruits a day, which seems to help curb the desire for other sweets. &nbsp;About every other month when PMS is setting in I do crave and indulge in one piece of dark chocolate for about 3 days... Funny that I don't crave it every month... I do not feel the cravings at all. &nbsp;<br /><br />That said after returning from my trip to Grand Cayman, I could not stop eating every carb I could get my hands on including sugar... My WW leader said this was common. &nbsp;Funny since I ate really well on the trip, but the addition of alcohol nightly is what probably triggered the carb monster!&nbsp;<br /><br />Good Luck and I hope you don't have to give up the coffee! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-881619 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:42:26 +0000 JulieJohn 881619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, this is certainly a fun thread! And my worlds are colliding, as I am a great lover of Mark's Daily Apple, and the primal / paleo way of living.<br /><br />Mochi, I will not reiterate things others have already covered. I will just add that for me and my husband, the detox from sugar and bad, high-glycemic carbs, took a good three weeks. During that time we felt yucky, we missed the carbs and sugars, and the critters living in our guts craved them desperately. Then one day we woke up, and we felt ... WONDERFUL. No cravings, zesty, grounded. Those three weeks of flu symptoms were totally worth it.<br /><br />As a previous sugar addict, I can honestly say after that I didn't crave sugar (or breads).<br /><br />Raisin has lots of great info, and I agree with her assessment completely. It's very hard to master the primal diet, but it's absolutely wonderful to keep returning to it, even if I never master it.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-879052 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:14:58 +0000 rachylou 879052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Short answer: No, no luck in kicking the habit.</p> <p>Long answer: I've done well when other people have planned or prepared my food for me. I did eDiets for a long time - both where they just plan out all your food for the day and the program where they actually prepare the food and send it to you. But the latter is expensive and my life is too much of a crush for me to do all that cooking these days. So, at this moment, I'm out of luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-879034 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:55:11 +0000 Gaylene 879034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think different approaches work for different people, especially if a person has a particular health issue or needs to lose excess weight fairly quickly.</p> <p>But, to me, making major changes in your current diet makes sense only if you can realistically maintain those changes for years, not just weeks or months, otherwise the health issues or extra weight will return as soon as you start eating "normally" again or give in to "temptation". </p> <p>What people chose to eat is an individual choice but, after living through half a century of weird food trends, I get leery of magic solutions that will solve everyone's health and weight issues. Eat, or don't eat, sugar, fat, dairy, red meat, processed food, salt, wheat, and their ilk--but also take the time to figure out what is right for your body and will work in the long term for your lifestyle. And do your own research before you make your choices. The Internet can be a wonderful source of information but it also can popularize a lot of weird and dubious claims. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-879015 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:19:46 +0000 Mochi 879015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I was just thinking about this today. Dark chocolate holds the same appeal as coffee grounds. Well, practically. A "darker" milk chocolate (35-40% cocoa) is what really does it for me., and semi-sweet chocolate isn't too bad either. </p> <p>But I'll eat Hershey's kisses too. I did grow up on cheap, second-rate Christmas and Easter chocolates.</p> <p>ETA: when I think of what my sister and I used to crave as little kids, this die-hard sugar junkie gets a little queasy. Cadbury Eggs, all sorts of scary treats...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878996 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:34:52 +0000 Janet 878996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like the only person in the world for whom dark chocolate holds very little appeal. Most of it is just too bitter for me. </p> <p>My hopelessly pedestrian tastebuds could go to town with a bag of Hershey kisses though. I guess that's the sugar talking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878891 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:36:17 +0000 Mochi 878891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm getting a huge shot of varied and valuable information too, dianthus. It will be cool if gradually more and more people find the thread because many people out there have successfully gotten off sugar (which to me sounds nearly impossible) and many of us who haven't, probably need to cut back. </p> <p>I also have colon cancer in my family history (no surgery yet--had a few polyps removed). That's the only thing about Primal/Paleo that concerns me; the orthodox view is that we should abstain from, or eat much less, fats and animal products. I'm sure Primal devotees can find studies that counter this. I don't want them to turn out to be wrong! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878799 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:28:21 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 878799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is a wealth of knowledge and I come back daily to read the new posts. Mochi, thank you so much for starting it and to everyone for contributing such detailed information and guidance.</p> <p>I find that a glass of diet soda will curb my occasional craving for a sweet but for me it is the taste that I occasionally seem to need. i agree that artificial sweeteners are not healthy in any way but then neither is refined sugar and the cup of diet orange soda doesn't trigger a binge like a scoop of ice cream would.</p> <p>I started eating "clean" last week and have made a pot of chicken vegetable soup every few days. I use chicken breast with the bone in and add an onion, carrots, celery and diced tomato to the mix. When it is done, it is half vegetable and very thick and hearty. Last night, I wasn't hungry but had that need to eat so I had a mug of soup and it satisfied the craving while adding a few ounces of lean protein and some good veggies to my daily intake.</p> <p>Because I had to have a large portion of my colon removed and am high risk for colon cancer, my doctor suggested I target 35 grams of fiber per day. I use quinoa and brown rice in my meals. I am not sure I could make it without the healthy grains.</p> <p>What I find most fascinating about this discussion is how the dietary needs and wants vary so much. It really highlights the importance of tracking what you eat and how you feel to determine what is best for your body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878659 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 04:27:06 +0000 Carla 878659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shout out to Zapotee...ice cream is my Kriptonite! I try not to even have it in the house, but rather if the family wants it, we'll go for a walk to the local dairy bar for a treat.</p> <p>I only eat 'real ' food, and I cook from scratch. I grow some of my own veggies, and lots of herbs. I source the best quality food I can get. We rarely eat out, and pack lunches for work all the time. There aren't any food places within 5 miles of where we work! </p> <p>I don't think there is anything I won't eat, but I do try to keep portions reasonable. A little wine, a little chocolate, is ok. For a feeling of satiation, I volumize with lots of vegetables. I do try to get a little protein at breakfast, even if it is just a dab of PB on toast, and I get most of my carbs earlier in the day. Like several folks who have posted, I would rather eat less and higher quality. </p> <p>Food is such a hard thing! With most addictions/temptations, you can just abstain. Not food. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878612 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 03:10:56 +0000 velvetychocolate 878612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm the worst when it comes to sweets - always have been. Several years ago, I started with Atkins and then veered into "Paleo-ish" - managed to ditch about 110lbs in the process. </p> <p>I would *highly* recommened a Paleo-ish/Primal style eating plan to help you nix those sweet cravings. By the way, if you're not a fan of red meat, you don't need to eat it - you just want to avoid the most processed/highly refined "fluffy" carbs (as I call them). </p> <p>My general rule is all the fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs, meat and fish I want. I'll occasionally throw in half a baked sweet potato, and sometimes I even eat those Larabars (if I'm going to the gym or something like that). </p> <p>Because of starting out with "low carb/Atkins" - I have a bit of a bias in that I choose lower carb fruits and vegetables most of the time. This isn't to say that I don't eat the odd bit of higher-carb fruit, just that I don't choose bananas day in and day out - favouring blueberries instead. Usually just one fruit 'serving' per day is my limit. </p> <p>In my experience, it'll take a good three to five days of solid "lower-carb, Paleo-ish, Primal-ish" eating to nix those sweet cravings for good. Try not to eat fruit all by itself - have it with a meal that contains protein and fat. My breakfast this morning was scrambled eggs with a 'side' of fresh blueberries. </p> <p>Also - hate to say it, but diet drinks/pop are awful when it comes to keeping the cravings for sweets going. I used to be a Diet Coke fiend. Ditched it in favour of real brewed unsweetened iced tea with a lemon wedge, and when I crave that 'ahhh' of pop, I'll have an ice cold mini bottle of Pellegrino instead of Diet Coke. Another nice treat is Knudsen brand Just Juice Pure Cranberry (extremely tart and concentrated) - splash just two ounces over ice in a tall glass, top with still water or Pellegrino and a lime wedge. Extremely refreshing in the summer months - and doesn't trigger the sweet cravings. Warning: it's tart - but sooo good!</p> <p>If you want to speed up the process (ie. get away from the sweet cravings sooner, rather than later) - skip the fruit for the first week. Go low-carb, Paleo-ish,Primal-ish for three to five days and the cravings will literally be gone. After that, you can ease into a more sustainable plan (Primal Blueprint/Paleo or other favourite plan). Don't skimp on the fat that first week - it's the key to feeling satisfied and not going nuts looking for dessert-like foods. </p> <p>Also - if you're going to eat dairy foods, choose only the smallest portions of the highest fat dairy items. The low-fat dairy foods contain higher sugar (lactose is milk sugar) and will keep those cravings going. Real cream instead of skim milk. Seriously good cheese - but just a tiny portion. Put some high quality grated asiago or parmesan atop roasted green vegetables (ie. asparagus or broccoli florets) - treat the cheese as a condiment. </p> <p>I'm just getting back on track myself, and have managed to lose three pounds since Sunday...here's what I've been eating:</p> <p>Breakfast - scrambled eggs, 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (not together, just a small bowl scrambled eggs and a mini bowl of berries)</p> <p>Lunch - big salad: organic baby romaine lettuce mix, chopped up green onion ends, sliced English cucumber, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, olive-oil packed tuna, homemade creamy balsamic dressing - all whisked together in a big mixing bowl and transferred to salad plate</p> <p>Dinner - some sort of meat/fish/chicken with a pile of veggies - eg. Greek lemon marinated boneless pork chop (olive oil, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, grated lemon rind, marinate for as long as you have, then bake in the oven on a rack for about 35 minutes), roasted baby carrots and broccoli florets. Might goop on a bit of the homemade creamy balsamic dressing.</p> <p>Because it's not "low fat" - I don't really feel like I'm on a diet, if that makes sense. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I've been at this for a long time, so am trying to remember what it was like before - and thinking back - I think it would be important to go fairly low-carb, higher fat for the first three to five days to get rid of those nasty sweets cravings. It'll totally work. Omelet for breakfast, tuna salad for lunch, meat/fish and a lower-carb vegetable dish for dinner. If having a tough time with cravings, throw in some macadamia nuts for a snack if need be. </p> <p>I was well over 250 lbs. when I started, and it was important to go "luxe" at first - brie and asparagus omelet for breakfast, tuna salad with mayo at lunch, steak, mushrooms and broccoli for dinner, topped with blue cheese! Insane, but it worked (cravings disappeared completely). Over time, I graduated over to a more Paleo/Primal diet. I find Paleo to be healthier and I feel better on it, but in terms of nixing those sweet cravings - you might be wise to try an Atkins-style variation just for the first week. If you don't like steak, have chicken or fish instead. </p> <p>Having said that - there is a good chance that starting with Primal Blueprint/Paleo-ish will work just as well - it's just that when I started there wasn't much info on Paleo, and it seemed soooo strict to me back then. It's actually not that strict at all - much more generous than Atkins, as far as I'm concerned. </p> <p>Nixing the sweet cravings involves eliminating sugar and eliminating those other things that keep the cravings going - for example, diet yogurt, diet pop, pretty much the 'diet' version of anything, come to think of it. Much better to eat less of the non-diet foods, imo. When thinking of carbs - choose those that are whole/natural. There's a world of difference between some carrots or blueberries compared to macaroni or other 'fluff'. If the carbs are 'natural' (ie. they came that way from the earth) then you're good to go. Big difference between cinnamon-dusted, roasted butternut squash versus whatever Lean Cuisine comes out with. </p> <p>In the meantime, I'm thrilled to read that you tried some ideas from Mark's Daily Apple/ Primal Blueprint and noticed that you felt just fine all day long - woo hoo!</p> <p>Just keep going - it'll work! I can tell that you're determined and I *know* you'll be successful at this whole thing, no matter what plan/eating style you end up with. Speaking of which, my "plan" is kind of a hybrid of all sorts of things - and I think that's what ultimately happens to most people who embark on a new journey to health. I guess it's kind of like fashion/style too? There is no set formula that works for every single person, but there is all kinds of amazing experience, advice and help available. I think the same is true of diets in general. </p> <p>I'm excited to read that reading Mark's Daily Apple blog helped - because it's just this type of thing that has been working for me too. Keep reading, experimenting :)</p> <p>...sorry for the novel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878563 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 02:27:58 +0000 MsMary 878563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am absolutely convinced that the best, easiest-in-the-long-run method is to cut out sweets entirely. I once went a whole year without sugar and it was surprisingly easy once I had detoxed.</p> <p>Failing that, what I do these days is indulge, but only in sweets that are REALLY REALLY SUPER SUPER GOOD. No Snickers bars for me -- if I'm gonna eat chocolate, it's going to be the best, most amazing chocolate I can get my hands on. I plan it, I savor it, and when it's over, it's over. I don't keep it in the house, I go out and get it and plan how, when and where I am going to enjoy it. E.g. a decadent dessert while out to dinner, or one or two pieces of candy from my favorite candy store down the street.</p> <p>Another suggestion is to eat a few squares of very very dark chocolate every day. Satisfying, not too sugary, and feels very decadent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-serious-sugar-addicts-manage-to-quit/page/2#post-878420 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:17:09 +0000 Nicole D 878420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Mochi<br /> Sweets are a big problem for me. I can't say I've been able to give them up completely but I need to do several things to keep it in check:<br /> 1. Keep my environment super clean. Sorry,kids, we do not keep ice cream, cake, cookies or candy in the house. Except for about 3 or four days a year.<br /> 2. Plan ahead. DO not sabotage myself by saying things like: "Well, I'l just go to this bakery around lunch time and see what happens." I know what will happen.<br /> 3. Take a pile of supplements including green tea extract, cinnamon bark extract, chromium, vitamin d, and omega 3. Take them before you eat each meal with a big glass of water. Seems to help.<br /> 4. Cut out caffeine. I stopped when I got a gastro bug about 6 months ago. Miss it once in a while,but herbal tea is amazing and it really does seem to cut my cravings.<br /> 5. Eat dark chocolate every day. I actually eat chocolate that is made of cocoa and acai berry juice, so no white sugar. SO satisfying and packed with antioxidants. EVery. day.</p> <p>It's very hard. but it actually took me a long time to admit that I was almost powerless over sweets, and it was a big step.</p> <p>Best of luck! </p>