[sfaj]

After posting my story of ups and downs, it occurred to me that I haven't shared one of my best tricks to get through my two week P1--and I haven't seen anyone mention it, so here goes.

If you are craving something sweet after a meal and are uncomfortable with artificial sweeteners (the only artificial sweetener I ate during my P1 was in those no-sugar fudgsicles), try a cup of Yogi Tea Brand herbal tea. The line of flavors is huge and the stuff is available at all Whole Foods, and at a lot of other stores. None of them have added sweeteners (at least the ones I found at my WF) but they are made with a combination of herbs that make them taste sweet. Some have fruit, but I avoided those. I have found that a cup of Egyptian Licorice after a meal satisfied all my dessert cravings. But the other flavors are great too--they even have a chocolatey one made with cocoa shells. I drink a cup in the afternoons too, which is my major trigger time. They are calorie-free and really tasty. Theoretically, the herbal mixtures also have other health benefits.

[Lexxiss]

Great idea even for P2!

[asphyxia63]

That is a great idea! I also find that popping in a piece of sf gum does the trick sometimes too.

[Natasha1534]

SF gum is my lifesaver for sure. I've always chewed gum, even before SB, so it was something that was normal for me and, when you're changing your whole way of eating, that can be a comfort.

[Strawbryrain]

Yes, sometimes when you're craving something sweet, something rich like an herbal tea hits the spot quite well instead. I've done this (without realizing it, actually) when I had sweet cravings on Ph1. Not to mention, tea is very calming and usually loaded with healthy benefits!