I follow this blog a lot and thought this post was really helpful in relation to cravings so wanted to share. I've experimented with the suggested foods and the list has been helpful - especially with the chocolate and carb cravings.
Cutting back on carbs (majorly!) has been a big help for me. I really had to go cold turkey -- Coke was my downfall -- but after a few weeks, I found I didn't crave sweets/carbs nearly as much.
Also, I really just need to keep that stuff as far from me as possible ... based on past experience, there's no such thing as "just a taste." I'll indulge in a dessert on occasion only when eating out, when the portion is controlled -- even better, I'll split the dessert with someone.
Another way to take care of that sweet tooth is to find a well formulated food bar that meets the need. There are quite a few out now and as I am still new to the community I won't recommend my favorites. But if you take a healthy snack and eat several small meals a day you will find that many of the cravings are cut back. Your body won't feel hungry and therefore not have a physical craving. Plan a healthy snack between meals and try to feed your body every 2-3 hours.
You will most likely find this will help eliminate the sense of urgency for that next candy bar. What most do is go until they can't go any more and then eat something from the machine or their neighbors candy jar that isn't what they wanted or needed.
I love LaraBars, and if I'm dying for sweets, I'll have 1/2 of one. They are raw, organic and gluten-free, so I don't feel TOO guilty! I buy a bunch at Whole Foods and scatter them around - my desk at work, purse, gym bag - so there is never a reason to eat candy or other sugary treats.
Hello Cathyrenee! Dr. DicQie Fuller, one of the doctors on my health companies scientific advisory board, would say that you may have a polysaccharide (carbohydrate-splitting) enzyme deficiency which is consistant with someone who has a Type 1 body type (What is a Body Type 1?). If so, taking a carbohydrate-splitting enzyme supplement, in conjunction with health eating habits, may fix the source of the problem and help reduce your cravings for sweets!