any way to curb carb cravings?

[evertoolate?]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to really curb those carb cravings? Carbs make up way too much of my diet, and I can't seem to get that under control. I really want to change some things, should have done this many years ago. I appreciate any and all advice.

[thecatsmother]

When I eat the bad carbs,sugar,white flour my cravings intensify so the way I manage is to cut them out completely.I only eat whole grains now and lots of fruits and veggies and I no longer have the cravings.

[stikfigure]

I'm with the catsmother.
The other thing that might play a big role is if you drink coffee. Coffee will result in carb cravings for sure.

[wolffmut]

as a recovering popaholic, i use flavored stevia. i combine root beer, chocolate-raspberry, and grape. tastes similar to dr pepper. that has helped me immensely, as i still FEEL like i'm drinking pop, but not. pop is my downfall, every time.

[Lazylifter]

I think there are three main ways to cut back on carbs

1)Cut back gradually just on the size of portion for carbs.
I used to have a whole plate full of pasta now I just have a handful with lots of sauce and veg. I think its something that needs to be done gradually or it can make you feel dreadful.

2) You can eat simple carbs liike white bread either on a cheat day or straight after a work out. Post work out sugar is guilt free because it actually helps weight loss in a round about sort of way.

3) Substitute
White bread for wholemeal
Bread for rice cakes or oat cakes
Pasta or rice for wholemeal
Pasta or rice for Quinoa
Potatoe for sweet potatoe

I also have two days off a week when I eat what ever I want, like a chip butty with a can of coke and it feels sooooo good. But if I get cravings in the week I telll myself to wait until the week end. Or if I give in that becomes my cheat day and I have to be good one day at the weekend.

[Puffin]

I used to have a high carb diet, low protein and I've switched it round in the last 2 years so that I take much higher protein. I still have carbs but not as the main part of my diet (which it used to be: veges, bread, cereals, etc) For me, a snack that provides protein seems to keep me going a lot better and helps to regulate my hunger so I'm not hanging out for a carb fix. I'm not sure what you prefer to eat (vege/meat) but I try to keep protein in every meal and snack I have, even if it is milk or yoghurt and that seems to keep the carb cravings at bay or at least make them a little easier!!

[RWF]

Rep+ Lazy Lifter, good post. That's some good advice right there ^

[ds1001]

sugar free jello and pudding work well for curbing the carb cravings

[5kgLifter]

Carbohydrates affect the brain:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...addictive.html


If anyone wants to research this further just follow "carbohydrate/opioid" etc in the Google search area. There's quite a bit on it which is good, because it saved me having to type it out of a book for a change.

Also see the "Food and Mood handbook" by Amanda Geary.