itsjunglewomansa's Journal, 16 Jul 23

Wean off by drinking Coke Zero (or similar) whenever you feel sugar cravings. Second step is quitting sugar free sodas. To do this have. Yerba matter tea whenever the coke cravings come. Can’t quit sugar coke turkey. 

Funny thing is I don't drink gas, its the damn choc and sweets that drive me up the wall. Thanks for the advice. 

I struggled as well, so I swopped for less sugar options or sugarless sweets and chocolate. You can find a variety at Dischem.  

You don't have to give it up. Work it into your plan. Two fingers of KitKat is the lowest cal option. Don't see sweets and chocolates as a reward. Incorporate something small in you daily plan - preferably 100 cals or under. The minute you withold something you want it more. Sweets and chocolates are not bad. The only time it becomes a problem is you have the bag / slab every day. 

There are some really good YouTube channels that talk about this. I believe one is called Autumn Bates. She's a nutritionist if I remember correctly. ❤️ 

thanks Browngirl will have a look 

Burnbaby, I hear you but I think I can only do that after I break the habit. For now I need to focus on eating enough food, when I get that right cravings are minimal. Two kitkat fingers would be a trigger for me and then the flood gates open, so that method just doesnt work with me while im battling the addiction. Im sure after a good few months 'clean' I will be able to control myself. Thank you!  

Thanks Cass, I will have a look :) 

Obviously I do not know what your eating plan allows but a craving last only 20 mins ... drink water ... drink coffee or tea and sweeteners! Just soldier on! I practice hypnosis as a hobby. Anyone interested I am willing to hypnotise you if you want. If you are interested and staying in the Melkbos / Sunningdale / Blouberg / Tableview area ... I am willing to do for free .. takes minimum 2 sessions .. 

Capie, exactly I should definitely drink more water. You just happen to be on the exact opposite side of where I am (Kuilsriver) but thank you :) 

I also struggle with chocolate, it’s one or two slabs without blinking. Half a KitKat a night after dinner and adhering to strict IF rules works best for me. That way you can’t snack and eat the rest of the chocolate even if you wanted to 😉 eventually you learn you can keep to minimum choccie. Good luck! 

As someone who has a sweet tooth I understand your struggle. There are healthier options out there trust me, you just have to look for them. You’ve got this!! 

I understand what you are saying. My Achilles' heel is chips - as in I had a big bag a night. I did cut them out for about 2 months and now I eat a small packet of Flings when the craving strikes. It can be hard - I don't have a sweet tooth so I don't even know what that is like. 

Thanks so much for the support folks. I'm doing abit better as the days go on but still very weary. 

I read an article about this recently & how food scientists are employed to make food addictive (it’s really scary). As a hardcore sugar addict myself I 100% get you - I can’t only eat 2 pieces of chocolate, I will inhale the entire bar to eat the sad away. I know that weight management medications are not ideal, but they have helped me a bit on my journey - you may also want to get your hormones tested (I found out I am insulin resistant which also leads to crazy sugar cravings - so at least I know it’s not a willpower issue). Good luck! 

What has helped me alot is finding low calorie snacks so I still can eat a full chocolate bar everyday but it's a jungle oats bar that just over 200cals instead of much more heavy cal. Chocolates. I also LOVE Greek yogurt with a teaspoon of honey. I've lost 12kgs so far so the alternative snacking definitely does work. (I'm an emotional and binge eater too)  

Where can i find greek yogurt ? 

Some things that have helped me: Our brains naturally want to take the easy route. It's easier to go for a walk than a run example. So, after learning this, I would place my snacks in the cupboard. I have virtually no discipline when it comes to things like sugar, but keeping my snacks in the cupboard or the fridge where I can't see it all the time has really helped. My snacks last longer too. It also helps to give yourself a few minutes before reaching for the snacks. Personally, I've found that when I keep venturing to the kitchen, it's time to ask: "What am I here for?" "Do I want something to eat because I'm actually hungry, or am I just bored?" More often than not, the answer is boredom. Tea and coffee are also great to help curb the snacking. Our brains will also sometimes confuse being thirsty for being hungry, so maybe drink some water before going for the snacks.  

Thanks again all for the valuable feedback, I appreciate it.