Chocolate cravings

Cosmic Maybe

Hey so I'm trying to cut sugar and bad stuff in general out of my diet. Meal wise I think I'm succeeding but its the cravings that are killing me, particularly for chocolate (and sometimes ice cream). I have the cravings regardless of what I've had for dinner or whether I've done a session in the gym. I've tried having fruit instead but no joy, I still feel the need to grab some chocolate. So I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for getting rid of these? Is there something healthier I could take that would get rid of them or is it just a matter of developing stronger will power?

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

superquinn has a bar of 90% cocoa chocolate for about 2 euro

2 squares of that isn't terribly high calorie and that much cocoa chocolate is pretty good for you too

Aldi also do an 85% bar which I find fantastic.

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/product_range/17906_17910.htm

It's really difficult to over-indulge on as it's such a high percentage of cocoa.

The other way to beat cravings (instead of substitution) is to 'simply' beat them. Don't have the ability to give in, by not having the thing you are craving available to you. Don't buy any chocolate etc. If you 'survive' the cravings for a couple of weeks you will be done.

I recommend a little of column A and some column B. Substitute, then reduce, then 'beat' the bad cravings.

Mr. CooL ICE

I found giving up chocolate tough too. What worked for me was popping a handful of raisins whenever I had cravings.

Although they are a rip off for what you pay, there are bags of mini raisin boxes for around €4 each. I used to bring one to work and would pop it if I had the urge to raid the vending machine. Nowadays, I just keep a bag of them (from the baking aisle) in my press if I get peckish

Cosmic Maybe

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm bad though with moderation, if I have one or two squares I have to eat the whole thing But those high content cocoa bars sound like a good idea. The big killer is that there's a shop at work and a Spar across the road from my apartment so I've practically bought the chocolate before I've even realised I have the craving :eek:

SunnyDub1

I find with the 70-90% cocoa you can't just eat two squares. I end up eating the whole bar
a table spoon of natural peanut butter mixed with some cocoa powder works for me. Or a homemade protein bar.

You're best just going cold turkey and having the will power to avoid it, it's all in your head and the cravings will wear off after a while, next time you feel the urge to eat it just do something else to keep you occupied. If you are only going to the shop to buy chocolate then simply just don't go.

runawaybishop

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055992322

^^ plenty of recipes to get your chocolate fix in there. Many of them don't even require baking, just mush stuff together and stick it in the fridge.

adox

I buy a 100gm bar of 90% cocoa chocolate and make it last a week or so. Usually have one or two squares after my dinner with a cuppa. The calories are within my daily intake and even two squares only accounts for about 120 calories.

Having said that, I really like dark chocolate so it was easy to use as a substitute for milk chocolate bars.

If you find one or two squares isnt enough, I usually have a handful of almonds with it too. Combine the two and you get something more substantial and also makes it taste like a chocolate and nut bar.:)

If you dont think you have the discipline to resist milk chocolate and control your portion sizes then the cold turkey solution sounds the best, just knock it on the head.

vitani

Cosmic Maybe wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm bad though with moderation, if I have one or two squares I have to eat the whole thing But those high content cocoa bars sound like a good idea. The big killer is that there's a shop at work and a Spar across the road from my apartment so I've practically bought the chocolate before I've even realised I have the craving :eek:

I've had to stop carrying cash around during the day because if I have a spare couple of euro in my purse, it goes on chocolate. Or my new obsession, flapjacks. If I physically don't have the cash with me, I'm able to resist.

Instead, I bring lunch in to work and use either my railcard or Leap Card to get to work so I don't need money for fares. I use my debit card as much as possible for everything else so I never need cash.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

OK some broscience here....

Eating a high protien breakfast and lunch will even out your blood sugars during the day and should help with sugar cravings.