How do you beat food temptations?

[Jonniboy]

Ive been on and off atkins for the past three weeks but the last couple of days have been a disaster. Ive been binge eating excessively and I fear that Im reversing my progress (have lost 28 pounds so far).

So i need to know how you beat the temptation to binge because im now serious about getting back on atkins and staying to I reach my goal.

[mizski]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

It's taken me several months to get junky foods and the temptations they cause out of my life. It's been a learning experience. I would do well on my diet, then get tempted usually by some TV commercial, have some of whatever, resume my diet... As time went on, the temptations grew farther apart and when I did have something it really did not taste anywheres as good as I thought it would.

Now I'm at a point that these things don't interest me anymore. I never would have believed that to ever happen.

I've found a direct correlation between eating more healthy whole foods and wanting to eat less junky processed foods. The simple absence of sugars/starches is HUGE in getting rid of temptations to binge. I mean, how many people are going to go crazy with asparagus spears???

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the longer you can go eating clean & following Atkins as it is written, the easier it becomes. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts, but stick with it. And until it becomes second nature, maybe stay away from those temptations!

[Sherri]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

What types of food are you binge eating on? It has been my experience that there are healthier low carb replacements for all the carb filled foods I once ate. Let us know what you're craving and maybe we can come up with some replacement recipes to help you get through those times.
I agree with mizski, the longer you follow the plan, the less you will want to binge in carbville.
If it's sweets you crave, you can take a supplement called L-Glutamine to help stop the cravings.
If it's tacos, pizza or chocolate, there are recipes to help satisfy those cravings as well.
Congratulations on the 28 pounds gone. Just whatever you do, don't give up. When you go off plan, make sure the next thing you put into your mouth is legal. Keep pushing forward. We're here for you. If you're going through a tough moment, come on here and we'll help you through it.
Sincerely, Sherri

[neutronnorman]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

How do you beat food temptations? With a baseball bat.

Try will power and visualize how you will look after reaching your goals.
Just say no.

[liv]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

You cannot be off and on. That really will lead to binging.
You have to commit to staying on. Any small cheat can lead to big disasters.

[VGrace]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

What types of food are you binge eating on? It has been my experience that there are healthier low carb replacements for all the carb filled foods I once ate. Let us know what you're craving and maybe we can come up with some replacement recipes to help you get through those times.
I agree with mizski, the longer you follow the plan, the less you will want to binge in carbville.
If it's sweets you crave, you can take a supplement called L-Glutamine to help stop the cravings.
If it's tacos, pizza or chocolate, there are recipes to help satisfy those cravings as well.
Congratulations on the 28 pounds gone. Just whatever you do, don't give up. When you go off plan, make sure the next thing you put into your mouth is legal. Keep pushing forward. We're here for you. If you're going through a tough moment, come on here and we'll help you through it.
Sincerely, Sherri

I agree! Stick with it. Until you beat your craving there are lots of alternatives then carby junk foods. Start stocking your fridge with lots of legal snacks for when you feel a binge coming on. Deviled eggs,pepperoni,etc...
Good luck!

[Georgiana]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

Being on and off, especially with episodes of binging, will lead to insulin resistance and all the nice (NOT!) effects that has on your health. IF you are not ready to commit to Atkins, it's better to stop it at least for a while. Re-read the book, ask yourself why you want to lose weight and why you want to do it with Atkins (instead of some other diet), come up with a plan (stock your fridge with healthy, nutritious, LC foods, plan your daily meals if it helps you), and then when you are ready, start Atkins. Also, when you are ready, prepare an emergency kit that you can always carry around with you --- it will help you get through tough times without cheating. For tips on LC emergency kits, check Kent's video: YouTube - Atkins Diet: Low Carb Emergency Kit

If it happens to cheat, jump right back on track. Have LC snacks at hand (the best are those that combine fat and protein) to deal with any cravings that could have been triggered by the cheat.

You should also check this sticky thread: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-one-bite.html

It might be a good idea to check your foods for hidden sugars. Hidden sugars could also trigger cravings and episodes of binge eating.

Start a journal where you record what you eat, how you feel, what exercise you do every day, etc. That will be extremely helpful in pointing out trigger foods/events/people. Knowing why you have cheated will help avoid or cope better with a similar situation next time it occurs.

Commit to an exercise routine (do some exercise you like, so that you stick to it). From what I've seen on the Board, most folks are less likely to cheat when they are exercising regularly.

Find something to keep you busy when cravings hit. Listen to music, go out for a walk, exercise, call your girlfriend/mom/best friend (it's not nice to eat in someone's ear ), write in a journal, post on the Board, look at the before-after pictures. Your choice, just do something to distract yourself.

Oh, and never go shopping when hungry. Make a shopping list and eat something before you leave home, have a bottle of water with you, and avoid aisles full of junk food. At the store, stick to the list.

Having diet buddies also helps some people. You might want to join the "2009 Staying Cheat Free Challenge". There are some great folks there who work hard for their cheat free days. This is the link to the challenge: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...challenge.html

You deserve to be healthy and fit, so start telling that to yourself. Losing weight and maintaining it is hard work (even on Atkins!), but you totally worth it!

Take care and don't mess up your health.

[cherribom1]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

Water, cheese and exercise!!!

[imagood1]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

I drink a large glass of water - wait 15 - 20 minutes .... if I'm still hungry I get something legal (celery w/cream cheese, deli meat rolled up, colored peppers, 1 ounce of sunflower seeds eaten 1 at a time,etc).

I also go out and exercise to get away from the kitchen ..... I know just about how far I have to walk to get rid of a craving!!!

[chinadoll]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

permalink
"You cannot be off and on. That really will lead to binging.
You have to commit to staying on. Any small cheat can lead to big disasters."

Unfortunately I can vouch for that.

__________________

[JulieB]

Re: How do you beat food temptations?

I'm not sure if its the exercise, the lack of carbs or anything else mentioned above, but I've cheated only once in 4+ months (and didn't really enjoy it). I think I have finally come to the point in my life where I want the weight loss/health benefits more than I want <insert junk food here>. I do still love food - always have - always will. I spend twice as much time preparing meals than I used to, but its worth it to me - I make recipes, fantastic salads, I've even started converting some of my old recipes to make them Atkins friendly.

Having said that, I do occasionally get "bad" cravings. Last night, I wanted to snack. I wasn't hungry. I never let that stop me before (that's how I got to 285lbs). I drank some water, went for a walk, had a shower...and it passed. I met my first mini-goal today...I'm back to the weight I was when I graduated University 15 years ago I still have a heck of a long way to go to goal...but I'm that much closer because I choose to lose rather than to binge. I'm not sure if any of this will help you...but that's my story & I'm stickin' to it!