Sugaraddict

[Hinen]

I posted this a couple of days ago, hoping for enlightenment and clarification, no response so I'm trying again. < is very trying

Hmmm, still trying to make sense of this.. ok?
If I eat something that has sugar in it, it will make me crave more sugar?
Even if the amount of sugar is tiny, like 0.2 % per 100 grams, .2 grams.
Does my body know the difference between things that taste sweet and real sugar?
If I eat creamcheese and splenda will I want to eat more creamcheese and splenda?
Whats the difference between sugar cravings and wanting something sweet to eat? Or are they the same thing?
Does "having a sweet tooth" mean "sugaraddict"?
I really miss chocolate and puddings.
I have the same question about small quantities of modified/waxy maize starch.
I understand and respect the importance of a clean induction. And feel frustrated that food that should be safe and induction friendly has been messed around with.
Ta.

[Moochiecat]

Re: Sugaraddict

If I eat something that has sugar in it, it will make me crave more sugar?
Even if the amount of sugar is tiny, like 0.2 % per 100 grams, .2 grams.

Simply put, sugar gives us that sugar rush, which leads to a crash which leads to the body craving more sugar because it wants the sugar rush again. Everybody's body is different, and it's very individual on how much sugar can spark a craving. Personally, I know that I can have deli meat that have trace amounts of sugar in them (I don't eat honey or maple ham, but I'm sure most deli hams have some amount of sugar in them) and they don't make me want to run out and have more. Other people may find they react differently, and they feel the need to eat more.

Does my body know the difference between things that taste sweet and real sugar?

You may want to give this a read, it's about how some people can react to sweeteners.
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=5922
Again, it's individual. Personally, I can have the sf syrups, and they don't give me any cravings. I enjoy the item I've used them on, but I don't feel the burning need to make more of it and stuff my face. Other people might have a different reaction. Now that I'm able to eat berries in OWL, I've had some lovely sweet strawberries and they haven't given me cravings either, but again, they might to some people.

If I eat creamcheese and splenda will I want to eat more creamcheese and splenda?

Again, it's individual, and it's up to you to find these things out for yourself. Just remember you have limits on how much cheese and sweetener you eat in a day.

Whats the difference between sugar cravings and wanting something sweet to eat? Or are they the same thing?

In the beginning of Induction, I'd have to say that it's definitely sugar cravings as you go through withdrawal. Once you are past that, it may simply be a nostalgic desire to have something sweet. Many of us used sweets as a comfort, a solace, a reward, a celebration, and when something happens in our lives, we turn to sweets, so a lot of it can be emotionally based. I'm over a year on Atkins, and I enjoy the occasional sweet item (right now it's mainly berries and yogurt with sf syrup) but I'm at a point that my day doesn't center around the big event of having a sweet treat.
There was a time that I would have something sweet in the house and I'd rush through dinner just so I could have my dessert. It took a long time to mourn the loss of the 'eating of the treat' ceremony...lol...but it passed.

Does "having a sweet tooth" mean "sugaraddict"?

One definition of addict is someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance and abrupt deprivation of the substance produces withdrawal symptoms. Everyone has to make their own judgement of what role they've allowed sweets to play in their lives.

I really miss chocolate and puddings.

I miss all my sweet treats (and salty treats like chips) as well....but as I said already in this message, a person has all sorts of emotional ties to food, and it's not really the food that our body wants, it's the comfort of eating it. It's a false comfort though, because you eat the sweet, you get the sugar rush, then it's the crash and you're worse off than when you started. It's a viscious circle, and all that those non-nutritional sweets ever really contributed to our lives was moodiness and extra weight.
As you progress through Atkins, you get over the longings for those items that aren't good for you, and you find new foods that give you guilt-free satisfaction.

I have the same question about small quantities of modified/waxy maize starch.

I haven't a clue what that is, but maize is corn, and corn is not allowed until the very very end of OWL, and in limited quantities. I'd have to say that this item should be avoided.

I understand and respect the importance of a clean induction. And feel frustrated that food that should be safe and induction friendly has been messed around with.

It sounds like you are talking about processed foods when you say that...am I right?

Your best bet is to just eat fresh foods as close to the natural state as you possibly can. Meat and salads, fresh veggies, butter, eggs, cheeses. Avoid processed items because they're full of fillers and sodium...you just don't need them.
If there are trace amounts of sugar in something (i.e.: if sugar is waaaaaaaaaaay down near the end of the ingredient list) then it's up to you to find out what it does to your body in terms of cravings. If you can avoid it and eat something else, that's best....but think about it before you put it in your mouth.

I hope this helped you!

[Finelly]

Re: Sugaraddict

Some of the "sweet" issues you have to experiment with to find out what your body will do. I can only tell you my own personal experience, having done this last year and lost a ton, and now on my 14th day of re-induction.

1. Eating any sugar at all is just not good for me.
It makes me want more. It makes me feel very tired all of a sudden. It turns on the button in my brain that says "oh, shucks, you had sugar. Go ahead and have some potato chips!" This doesn't mean I will never eat sugar again. It means that until I can destroy that button and have lost my weight, I'm not touching sugar.

2. Consuming Splenda does not increase my desire for sweets.
It satisfies it. There are a ton of induction-friendly sweet treat recipes you can incorporate into your woe. Giving yourself an evening treat of legal mousse, cheesecake, etc, is ok. Now, it is important that when you use Splenda, you also consume something high in FAT. If you are eating cream cheese and splenda (really, look for good recipes! That sounds yucky!) then the cream cheese alone will probably satisfy any cravings you are having! (there are people who will literally eat a pat of BUTTER to get rid of any craving - it works!)

3. I use less Splenda as time goes by.
As I progress on this woe, the taste of good, natural foods in veggies, fats, and proteins, become more flavorful to me and i enjoy them more. Interestingly, at the same time, it takes less Splenda to give me that "sweet" taste. I would estimate that within 2 weeks, I might only need 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda in my coffee, for example. And when I make my special occasion chocolate "mousse", it's about the same!

4. NO STARCHES!!!!!
Even the tiniest amount added to a food is a no-no. This is why Dr. Atkins recommended that we avoid prepackaged foods and stick to all-natural products. That when we shop, we stick to the outer perimeter of the grocery store, where we find dairy, produce, and meats! The most miniscule amounts of starches will interfere with ketosis in many people. It certainly can slow weight loss in the beginning.

Hope this helps!

[G-Mom]

Re: Sugaraddict

I tend to crave sweet carbs and starches during certain points in my cycle. I believe this is hormonal. It has nothing to do with mourning the loss of chocolate chip cookies, it is physical. I just had such a craving last night. I had a small bowl of fresh strawberries and heavy cream. I felt like I just ate a sinful dessert! Helped a bunch. This does not help those on Induction, but there are other things a person can eat that would help.

[Hinen]

Re: Sugaraddict

Thank you all so much for your replies, for sharing your knowledge and experience. Lots of new stuff for me to think about. Thank you.

Moochie, the maize starch is in a prepared prawn cocktail, I will learn to make my own.

[Bejiitta]

Re: Sugaraddict

This may sound wierd, but trying eating more salty things, it may negate your craving for sugar.


You see, sugar and salt are conflicting powers I believe, through my study I have seen that 40% of individuals should infact low-carb. And salt is thier primary "power". We run on ketones, not glucose.

You have been programmed to eat glucose which your body is not using properly because it wasn't meant to, so you have to rehabilitate your body to not want this conflicting source of energy. Go easy on the pretzels as they are very bready, but meats and nuts are good game..

[Moochiecat]

Re: Sugaraddict

Go easy on the pretzels as they are very bready, but meats and nuts are good game..

I probably don't need to remind you Extended Atkineers, but pretzels and nuts are not allowed at this time.

It's a good point though, to go for something strongly flavoured...dill pickles are good for a flavour burst.