[mazing]

I have struggled with my weight for quite a few years now and often over-eat, not because I am hungry or even because I'm upset (although that does happen too) but just because I feel like eating or can't decide what I want to eat so 2 things instead of one. I also really struggle at times with cravings for certain types of food, and none of them good.

I can usually go a few days to a week without giving in and eating healthy and I really want to lose weight and get this under control but always seem to slip. I have dealt with types of addiction in the past and it has been hard so I sort of know what I'm up against and know it's not easy but I have no idea even where to start here when the cravings take over.

So the question is, how do you manage cravings when it comes to food? I have tried drinking water, forcing myself to eat something else so I'm not hungry or only eating small amounts of the food I am wanting but the cravings don't stop. At times I still give in and then just end up eating even more thsn if I had given in originally and just had the food I was craving.

I just don't know where to start. Anyone have any tips of what has helped them?

[Arha]

I think how you manage it will really depend on why and how you are eating. For me it has really helped to work with someone else who is dealing with things the same way so we can talk about how things are going, and to set a very strict limit on a couple of days a week, but be more relaxed on other days. This may seem odd, but it has allowed me to learn methods to change habits without feeling I can never have the things I enjoy to eat. It means my willpower only has to be so strong that I get through one day. Having a target that short makes it manageable for me. I believe I can do that much.
Being really strict on those days also makes me aware of all the times I go to eat when I do not need to, and being more aware of the problem eating has helped me.

[odetojoy]

Originally Posted by Hawkspur

I think how you manage it will really depend on why and how you are eating. For me it has really helped to work with someone else who is dealing with things the same way so we can talk about how things are going, and to set a very strict limit on a couple of days a week, but be more relaxed on other days. This may seem odd, but it has allowed me to learn methods to change habits without feeling I can never have the things I enjoy to eat. It means my willpower only has to be so strong that I get through one day. Having a target that short makes it manageable for me. I believe I can do that much.
Being really strict on those days also makes me aware of all the times I go to eat when I do not need to, and being more aware of the problem eating has helped me.

I have struggled with my weight for years also. Right now I am heavier than I have ever been in my whole life. I don't want to be a person who just lets themselves go. I have tried all of the things listed in the first post and have also been unsuccessful. Thank you for your suggestions! I think I can give myself smaller stricter days, knowing that I won't have to last for so long.

[Arha]

Originally Posted by odetojoy

I have struggled with my weight for years also. Right now I am heavier than I have ever been in my whole life. I don't want to be a person who just lets themselves go. I have tried all of the things listed in the first post and have also been unsuccessful. Thank you for your suggestions! I think I can give myself smaller stricter days, knowing that I won't have to last for so long.

I wish you well with it. I have lost weight with this method for the first time in my life, so I hope it is also something that will help you too.

[tillytot42]

Just wanted to tell you about a book called "Constant Craving" by Doreen Virtue. It is really really good and has stopped my cravings and I'm loosing weight. It's such a great feeling as its all so wrapped up with our emotions.