I lost 20 pounds and am happy with the many new habits I formed. I learned a ton about nutrition, which was life changing. But I still have the worst sweet tooth and don’t know what to do. How do others manage it? Any suggestions and tips welcome. |
If you do really low sugar (eg no adding sugar to tea coffee, no dessert / cookies/ candy/ ice cream , no bread), the sugar cravings do go away after about a week. I had a weird sugar taste in my mouth for the whole second week. But after that, it was better. I’m trying to allow myself 1 soda a week (I love Coke!) but I’m probably playing with fire because I have a sweet tooth like you. |
DP. I have gestational diabetes and wish this worked for me. I am better than I used to be and sweet tooth isn’t so extreme but I would loveee some cake or donuts right now. ugh. |
This seems like a recipe for disaster if you just eliminate something. Research healthier options of sweet treats and allow them in your diet. |
I am the PP. My main sweet treat / indulgences are
1. Apple slices / lBanana with honey peanut butter (1 tbsp) 2. Nuts with raisins or dried cranberries Both are sweet but I am able to eat in moderation. |
Frozen dates! |
Focus on protein, healthy fats and fiber.
Experiment with glucose monitor like Signos to see which foods make you crash and crave Mark Hyman has podcasts on this |
Frozen? I never tried that. Medjool or regular? |
Speaking as a person with lifelong sugar cravings, I can say that the only thing that remotely worked for me was complete elimination. That took away the craving, and then the craving was replaced with real food - like a turkey sandwich, etc. I do allow myself a treat every so often (celebration, etc.), but do not view it as a regular thing (because like many addictions, it is really easy to creep back into regularity with sweets and constant craving). I find I don't think about it or really want it anymore. |
OP here. I cut sugar entirely when I lost the weight. Now that I'm at a weight I'm happy with and have maintained it for a few months, I let myself have sugar and OMG. It's crazy how badly I have cravings again. I wish I could figure out how to enjoy sugar without binging.
Thanks for the replies! |
OP, I think there are two people in this world: those who can eat sugar and carbs in moderation, and those who need complete elimination. I am the latter type. I found that I can keep my cravings under control by eating very dark chocolate, berries, and keto candy. once in a while I will have some regular dessert but only a couple bites. |
I did whole 40 and it got rid of sugar cravings. |
Not OP but you are describing me too! I had a (couple of) desserts this weekend for the first time in a couple of months and already the incessant "need sugar" noise in my head is back! Elimination is so unglamorous but is unfortunately the only way for me. |
You have to have something sweet early in the day, and throughout, like berries at breakfast, a square of chocolate at lunch, etc. so your body is not restricted.
That, plus exercise regularly so that blood sugar spikes do not cause cravings. Those two things are what cause most cravings for sweets. |
I eat 100% Organic Cacao Unsweetened cocoa chips ( zero sugar) but smells so delicious. Add one serving size of 40 pieces to fruit. I get the smell of amazing Chocolate and the fiber and sweetness from fruit. I don’t stray into my parents hunting for sweets if I do this daily. |