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I need help! Every single day after I've eaten lunch, (like immediately after, when I am still pretty full from lunch) I get intense cravings. Usually for something sweet and chocolately... a cookie usually does the trick! After I eat the cookie I feel terrible because 1. I wasn't at all hungry and now I am stuffed 2. I feel mentally terrible because I know I shouldn't eat the cookie and I don't want to, but it's like I have too! The same thing happens in the afternoon around 2:30, I am not even hungry but feel like I have to eat something. Has anyone else gone through this and how did you stop these binge snacks?? 
Hey russkm:
I too have a problem with cravings. Sometimes its sugar cravings if I've been eating clean for a long period of time, sometimes its food cravings if I have undereaten. Sometimes its binge eating as a form of self-sabotage and sometimes its emotional eating in response to something that is going on with me. It can really derail a programme, that's for sure.
If I'm understanding you correctly you eat one cookie after lunch and one snack mid-afternoon. I wouldn't call that a binge- a binge is alot, over a short period of time and is uncontrolled. It has elements of a binge because you did not plan it, but otherwise its just maybe an unwise food choice given your weight loss goals.
If you really can't do without something sweet and chocolatey, why don't you build it into your calorie allowance. Maybe allow yourself one snack per day and make sure that there is an upper limit on the amount of calories you will take in. You have to decide if its worth it to you, but if it is there is no reason why you should not have it as long as its within your allowance. Also, put in one high calorie day per week, of not more than 2000 calories if you're a woman and 3000 calories if you're a man. If you are not depriving your body, there is no reason that the cravings should continue.
If they do, it may be the result of more emotional/psychological issues with food than a physical craving. That's what happens to me. If it is that, then try to put in a plan that would help you to identify when its likely to happen and to minimise the risk that its happening. There will be slips, and when these occur, use it as a learning tool to figure out what you need to change, and develop a recovery plan based on this. And try to figure out what need the snacking is trying to fulfil.
Best of luck
I agree with sberverly. One cookie is not a binge. Also, if you are constantly feeling deprived you will eventually "self-destruct" and really go on a binge.
So far I've handled cravings in one of two ways:
1) I'll try to find the lowest calorie alternative that will satisfy the craving. For example instead of a traditional root beer float, I'll have diet root beer with a scoop of low carb ice cream which ends up being around 90 calories instead of 600. Not exactly the same but enough to handle the craving, since I get the reward without having to feel guilty later. So far this has worked for me. Maybe find a weight watchers or similar brand cookie/candy snack that works for you.
2) I'll allow myself the calories but will have to adjust by either working out more, or having less calories that day or the next. On vacation I had a 560 calorie pina colada by the pool during happy hour. 35 minutes on the treadmill and a lighter dinner that night balanced it out.
Hope this helps.
dude, one cookie is not a binge! 5 rice krispie treats in a row is a binge. An entire box of smores granola bars is a binge. Some people just need a little treat after meals. Just put it into your calorie allowance for the day. I can eat whatever I want, but I need to stay between 1300-1500. Once you realize there is a cost or benefit to everything you eat, you will start making better food choices.
You can buy 100 calorie snack packs that have cookies in the cracker or cereal aisle at winco for a couple bucks. You can make your own healthy cookies by grinding up oatmeal and using splenda and dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is actually good for you, in small amounts of course. It has more antioxidants and less sugar and calories than regular milk chocolate.
Hope this helps! Just remember, tomorrow is a brand new opportunity to be healthy and happy. Be midful of mistakes, but don't self destroy. It's not productive! You'll find what works for you eventually!
I use the 100 calorie packs. but you should be careful. the little debbie 100 calorie packs are a tiny tiny cake that barely quallifies as a cake...I like the Hostes ones, because even though they are small, there are 3 in the pack...so it evens out.
If you feel that guilty do something about it, work it off so it doesn't really count. Do some extra walking or other activity or even cut back the amount of calories of the cookie. One cookie is not that bad, take a few less bites of your sandwich to make up for it or don't eat one piece of bread.
I plan my meals and snacks quite regularly now. After dinner, I'll have a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. That's a sweet treat that tastes pretty darn close to "real" ice cream without the guilt. (Haven't tried Weight Watchers treats yet.) Maybe you could keep a couple sugar free and/or dark chocolate pieces around. Really try to savor and enjoy them so you don't go raid the vending machine. Like everyone else will say, moderation is the key. I've just found that planning ahead for my "treat" makes me able to resist other temptations throughout the day.
try the quacker snacks! they are good for you and also taste really good and you can get chocolate! its amazing
I keep a small stash of Jelly Belly jelly beans. When I just need something sweet, I eat a few. There are only 4 calories in each and 4 or 5 usually do the trick.
However, if it's a chocolate craving, I keep a cleaned out prescription bottle filled with bittersweet chocolate chips. I can savour them one or two at a time and the whole bottle is less than 100 calories.
Ok, this is kinda weird I know, but lately I've been craving bar-b-que! Really anything grilled. Lately when I smell someone cooking out I just start salivating and then that's all I can think about! My husband cooked chicken on the grill this past weekend and it tasted so good I couldn't stop at just one piece and ended up eating two. As I'm writing this I am craving ribs- and i just finished breakfast! *Sigh* It's going to be a long summer...
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