I fell off my diet today.

[dorktv]

How do you handle cravings and wanting to eat way more then you should when you are dieting?

[Longhorn]

1. Here's what I do:

First, it's a good idea to have at least a mental list, if not a physical list, of the reasons why I want to lose weight. When the cravings hit, I try to review that list and re-motivate myself.

Second, when I realize that I'm battling a craving, I try to make myself wait 20 minutes before I have anything to see if the craving passes. My cravings tend to come from boredom so I'll try to do something else for awhile to take my mind off of it. This is an excellent time to get up and exercise, even if it's a walk around the office or the house.

Third, I try to substitute something else that will do less damage.

Fourth, if I give in to the craving, then I will only have a small serving and then I will not have anything else for at least 20 minutes.

Fifth, I enter everything I eat into my food diary. This means that I am still following at least part of my plan AND I often find out that the damage is not nearly as bad as it "feels."

And finally, if all else fails and I seriously give in to the cravings, then the consequence I impose on myself is that I get over it and go back to my diet the next day.

The problem is that a lot of us are "all or nothing" people so once we feel we've "failed," we tend to give up. But the fact is that there are 3500 calories in a pound and that's a LOT to eat in one day -- most binges won't come close to that many calories. Sometimes there can be a temporary water gain, too, when certain foods are eaten so it's a good idea not to get on the scales for a few days until your body adjusts. I've even had losses in a week that I went off my plan!

My philosophy of my diet is that I am allowed to eat ANYTHING I want, as long as I'm willing to accept the consequences. Knowing that it is always my choice helps take away both the resentment and the guilt, both of which are more threat to my diet than any snack.

Good luck! :hug:

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Um... what SHE said!

That is an awesome post, Longhorn. Thank you! :toast:

[dorktv]

3. Thanks...after I calm down I realized that I probably ate a "normal"

helping of calories in one day (what i am to eat when maintaining my weight) and this month I only wanted to have some extra potatoes which helps I guess.