Cravings - psychological vs. physiological

[ana_banana_girl]

I have only posted once before - last March during what became a failed induction. I'm hopingto be more active this time around.

FYI: I was once - about 7 - 10 years ago a devoted Atkineer and maintained the way of life for several years. Unfortunately, food addiction/cravings got the best of me. I have - for the last 4 years or so - been very unhealthy in my attitude and behavior towards food.

All that said - Last Tuesday I woke up and said , "Why not?" and just started. It has been difficult but I have managed a very clean 8 days of induction.

Here is the dilema/problem... even though I am in ketosis and feel I am eating enough food I have insane cravings for spongy, sweet items. Things like chocolate cake and oreos. It was so intense last night I actually bit an oreo and quickly realized what I was doing. I spit it out and rinsed my mouth out several times. A few minutes after that I just gave up and decided to make chocolate pudding - I poured the milk and was about to get the mixer out when again - I came to my senses and walked away. I told my husband to put the milk away. I ended up making spicy hot wings (2 carbs) but kept THINKING and OBSESSING about the oreos, zingers, pudding, etc.

How have some of you pros been successful at quieting the demon? I'm not crazy like that all day. It seems to hit me at night (as that was my usual pig out time).

Many thanks in advance-
Ana

[not2late]

Welcome back to Atkins. Be proud of yourself: you're doing great.

When I started Atkins, I couldn't even watch people eating high carb foods without my stomach grumbling nor could I even walk down the bread aisle or past the potatoes in the supermarket. So you're not alone in these cravings. There are times even now, when I'm tired and hungry and running through the grocery store, I get the urge to pick up a box of cookies or donuts (even though I'm not a cookie-cake-pie carb addict). But I stop myself in time, because I don't want to blow all my hard work on a cookie or donut---especially when I have a feeling that 'one bite' might lead to several more bites.

Fixing something low carb whenever you get those high carb snacky feeling is a terrrific strategy. Also are you drinking enough water and taking your multivitamin supplements? Sometimes when we are thirsty we feel hunger. And some cravings, like chocolate, have been linked to magnesium deficiency.

[ana_banana_girl]

Magnesium? I'll have to check my multi-vitamin and see how much is in it.


I have not been taking ALL ofthe vita-nutrients I know I should be.
I am making a list and plan to purchase tonight. Yes, I am a procrastinator but tryingto change that too!

I am drinking tons of water - and excreting what seems twice as much as I drink.

I have not lost any weight (I know...I know.....I shouldn't sweat it!) yet but hope to register some loss on the 14 th day.

Thanks for the tip. I'm offto check my vitamin content-
Ana

[Lyssie]

I kept lots and lots of induction friendly snack foods around me at all times.. and drank a *ton* of water.

[Thumper1616]

What would be the vitamin deficiency if I really really was craving a DQ blizzard??
SERIOUSLY!

[ana_banana_girl]

Thumper - that was funny although I'm not sure if it was meant as a joke.

But that is what I am talking about, those crazy cravings. I am still thinking about chocolate zingers or cake of some kind. I just want that texture and feeling. I wish there was a low carb approved cake or cookie somewhere!

Funny thing is 2 nights ago I was dreaming (seriously) that I had opened a bag of pastel colored mini marshmallows and was eating them. I was so happy in my dream. I woke up chewing on something fowl - my earplugs! GROSS! I guess I pulled them out of my ears at some point and being that they are the same size and shape..... well, you get the picture! Thank G-d I didn't actually eat them!

Also - I am so used to gorging on food - to the point thatit is painful at times. On this way of eating there is no possible way (after 1 egg I want to puke) and I miss (boo hoo!) that stuffed feeling. I know we aren't supposed to enjoy food but the sad truth is I have for the last 5 years or so. I just feel so unsatisfied!

Sniff Sniff,
Ana

Start (Highest) Weight 192
Goal Weight 122

[Thumper1616]

Oh my goodness, the food dreams were incredible. I either woke up incredibly happy (I stuck to atkins) or depressed (I ate the ____*fill in the blank) BUT they were just that ...dreams.....
I've even wondered if I just SUCK on something without chewing or swallowing if that would be considered cheating.........

*SIGH*.....well back to the ladies room and water cooler...........

[boonie stomper]

Originally Posted by Thumper1616

What would be the vitamin deficiency if I really really was craving a DQ blizzard??
SERIOUSLY!

Whoever said it would be due to a vitamin deficiency? Although concievably, Ice = iron, chocolate = Mg Ice cream = calcium, its far more likely all in your head! Unless, of course, this craving follows consumption of something that spiked your insulin a little earlier....

[Thumper1616]

And some cravings, like chocolate, have been linked to magnesium deficiency.

I was mostly kidding..............
sorry.

[kylie]

Who says we aren't supposed to enjoy food? We are supposed to use food for FUEL and not for all the other possible reasons we probably used to use food (boredom, comfort, reward, punishment, and on and on) but I don't see anything in DANDR or anywhere else that says we aren't supposed to enjoy it. Maybe that thinking is playing into your psychological cravings. I eat wonderful WONDERFUL foods on this WOE - foods that never make me feel YUCKY and uncomfortable. Try to focus on what you CAN have and not what you can't...it's so much in our heads.

I hope I don't sound preachy - but I believe in this plan. It is changing my life in other ways besides just weight/size/health. I have spent the past couple of years letting oreos and frostys and blizzards control my life. From where I sit now, it is easier to see that I was feeding anything and everything BUT my hunger. It really does get easier and it will change your outlook if you allow yourself to just work it.

I'll be thinking of you and wishing you much success!