I found a cure for one craving, that lead to another. I have had a steak craving lately, so last night Janell got me some good jerky. This nearly wiped out my craving for steak entirely. The only problem was the incredible urge for chocolate that followed. I struggled with that for most of the night until I was able to pin point that it was directly related to the salt in the jerky. I was surprised because I had only consumed about an ounce of it and I was dying for some cake. Of course it didn't help that with the purchase of all the Thanksgiving food we are making for our family get together, Janell bought her and the kids a nice moist chocolate chip cake. I was drooling as soon as I saw it and I couldn't shake it. The first steak craving was gone in a matter of minutes, but oomph! cake!, really! I mean c'mon. Just the thought of how it sweetly caresses the taste buds, while filling your mouth with delightful chocolaty yummy-ness. With the texture so smooth and almost creamy, so moist and simply, delectably, sinfully, goooood. AAHHH! (weaping)
So how did I get over it?
Well, to be honest, I am still feeling it a little, but here is what I did to help. First, last night I took a small bite of my daughters piece to break the initial craving to just taste it. Next, I ate my dried fruit, as I reminded myself of the negative physical things I am dealing with right now, and how good it feels now to be accomplishing so much. I then started a mantra in my head that you may think is funny, "I am Superman, and cake is not my kryptonite." OK, I didn't say it was cool...lol, but it was somewhat effective...lol. This is a great warm up for tomorrow's all out may-lay on my senses. I feel like a lamb to the slaughter. I LOVE THANKSGIVING!!! GRRRR.
So here's what I am going to do. I am bringing a lot of salad, starting the day with a huge salad, and when I have cravings...yup! more salad. Then when my urges are manageable I will sample small amounts. As for the incredible pies, that are no doubt going to be wafting through my sniffer all day, fruit salad first, then a teeny tiny piece of each. Other than that, I will attempt to distract myself with football. (GO COWBOYS! ya that's right I said it!). One last thing that will be a motivator I hope...tomorrow's weigh in!...YAY! So on that, pray for strength for me, and wish me luck. I will be posting my progress report tomorrow due to the weigh in. As for thanksgiving I realize some of you may not have time to read my post tomorrow, so Happy Thanksgiving, I love you all, and may your day be filled with all the joy and laughter you are hoping for and then some. Humbled by your motivation and prayers, and always hoping to inspire, James.
James I dont know if you watch Biggest Loser or not, but Extra Gum now has tons of flavors for these kinds of cravings. They have Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Mousse etc. I know it is not the same, but if it can give you that flavor you are craving it may help curb some of this, plus its only 5 calories a stick.
ReplyDeleteI am so very proud of you, this is the hardest day of the year for everyone, let alone someone trying so hard to make the changes you are making. You have some really good plans set in place and I am glad that you will be atleast taking bite samples of things. Most people would disagree with me, but I think it's very important to not deny yourself COMPLETELY. This is a good chance for you and Janell to try out different recipies throug the year to have a healthy Thanksgiving next year. There are many gluton free desserts and such now that are supposedly a dieters dream and very delicious. You can always eat sweet potatoes, just need to find healthier ways to flavor them. I have also heard that mashed cauliflower tastes very similar to mashed potatoes (not sure i believe that) but these are things you can sample through the year, and see if they are good and can become part of the big meal every year.
The beef jerky was a good idea, but yes the salt can create other cravings, so get some of that extra gum and see if it helps.
I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending up prayers for you. You are facing this battle head on and Im really proud and delighted with your honesty. This is the kind of thing people need to see. It helps us to know where to give encouragement and/or prayer. It also helps us to see that someone else is capable of it so we are too.
Thanks James, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Give the family our love and send our wishes on to them. Hugs and kisses for everyone!
I'm big on not depriving yourself, like what Maggie said. It's a matter of pampering yourself on things that won't hurt your health. If you have a steak craving, buy yourself a 4-6 oz fillet mignon. Same price as a big fat marbled rib eye but healthier and delicious.
ReplyDeleteIf you are dying for sweet/candy/chocolate buy a small amount of high quality dark chocolate and have one small square, keyword - small. Splurge on really good cheeses from the deli. Just a small bit of Havarti on whole grain bread, with mashed avocado instead of mayo, add tomato, lettus, maybe onions too, stone ground mustard, and sliced dill pickles. With all the great flavors, and healthy fixings, no need for icky processed meat (anything with nitrates is bad).
Whatever you will really love, that is healthy, enjoy! Just in small portions. It's not about depriving yourself, it's learning better ways to enjoy the yummy taste of different foods, and to look at food differently. And if you're eating smaller amounts of food, thus buying less food, the higher prices of the better foods won't increase your grocery bill.
I like your idea of having one bite of treats. Just one bite. The way I rationalized that idea in my own head, was that slender people had cake for desert like I did, they just only had one or two bites, not the whole friggin piece. Happy Thanksgiving James - add some turkey to your salad tomorrow - it's good for you! Hugs...