I have done the South Beach induction and now am supposed to be in Phase 2.......Well, yes, during induction you cannot have any sugar or other carbs of any kind. I remember being amazed at first because I didn't have any cravings at all. I just kept eating my planned out meals and approved snacks and I really loved it.......but towards the end of the two weeks I was definately starting to crave carbs. I ended up making it two and a half weeks (after that it was Christmas time and I definatlely didn't stick to phase 2 like I was supposed to). I have been struggling with Phase 2 ever since Christmas. I know I just need to start over with Phase 1 again, but I'm just dreading it because I really like my whole weat tortillas and oat meal. So in a way, yes - South Beach helps cravings for a little while but not forever. If you're going to start it, make sure you pick a time when you won't have any difficult hurdles coming up within the first month or two.......sorry for the long, rambling answer. :-)
I've tried both Atkins and South Beach, and wasn't able to stick to either for more than a couple months. I, however, have found much success on WW because I can have sweets, but because I am so competitive with myself, don't indulge most of the time. Even if I do though, I don't beat myself up near as bad as I did on South Beach and Atkins. I felt like an utter failure when I screwed up on those. I don't know about you, but just being told that a food is a no-no, makes it a yes-yes.
I don't think there is a problem with allowing yourself sweet snacks. The successful diet is one that satisfies you and you will stick to. So if you're hitting your goals and losing weight don't listen to the nay sayers.
I will say that through some googling you might find some healthier options for your sweet tooth. I know hungry girl in particular is a great site for finding healthy alternative to crave-able foods. I found a recipe elsewhere recently that has been a really satisfying sweet tooth fix:
EZ Chilled Pie
Filling:
1 container FF cool whip
2 servings of FF yogurt
Jello Pudding Mix (you can do sugar free or just regular, both are reasonable on cals)
Pie Shell
Reduced Fat Graham PreMade Crust (or if you are inclined there are other recipes for healther pie crusts, or even do a graham cracker "crumble" instead of a real crust to cut the cals more)
What I love about this recipe is its low cal, high flavor (even my anti-diet food boyfriend LOVES it), and you can mix it up on flavors a million ways. With all the flavors of yogurt I've done a strawberry banana, chocolate and vanilla, and strawberry cheesecake so far with yummy results. And the guilt factor is so low for PIE!
I am with pferde01. I do have problem with sweets, especially during my TOM. What I do is finding "safer" sweets like FF SF Jello. I just made some chocolate fudge FFSF Jello and put in 6 small containers..(since it was 6 serving one). It sure fixes my sweet craving and low cal for sure..
I've heard lots of people say that, too.. that going on a lower-carb plan got rid of their cravings for sweets. I've tried it, and even stuck to it pretty well a few times, but I still get the cravings!
Then again, most people say that after eating healthy for a long time, stuffing themselves with crappy fast food is unappetizing or makes them sick... I can only wish that were true for me. My cravings never seem to go away and I have a stomach of steel. So maybe I'm not the right person to be answering!
i totally agree that cutting out sugar will decrease physical need for it. i find that if i cut sugar and simple carbs out completely, i can stick to a plan way better. it's the mental desire of wanting candy that i have to worry about.
but as soon as i incorporate some bread or pasta or even cookies, forget it. it's all downhil from there.
i've read that sugar really is an addictive agent in the body. when you consume sugar, your body releases the seratonin related to feelings of happiness causing your body to crave it even more. sugar is sugar is sugar, whether its macaroni or chocolate cake.
I really depends on you and how you function. I can NOT do low carb. I always fall off the wagon into a tub of something I shouldn't be eating. I have found that what did cut my sweet craving was cutting out simple sugars. I still eat whole-wheat pasta, tortillas and bread. For me it took so trial and error to find a eating plan that I can live with and continue even when I am not losing weight.
trouble turning down sweets.
My cravings never seem to go away and I have a stomach of steel. So maybe I'm not the right person to be answering!
