Need Chocolate fix!!!
 

Gotta admit I'm in one of my "I've GOT to have chocolate" phases. How do I not indulge in an Advantage bar? Is there actually ANYTHING out there that I could have at least a little of that would satisfy this craving? When are these cravings for carbs supposed to go away?

The Atkins site has a few recipes that has chocolate in them that they say we can have during induction----anyone ever try them?

HELP!!!!

Stay away from the bars!!!!!!

Try this......whip cream, splenda and cocoa or
cottage cheese, cocoa and splenda w/ vanilla
or
chocolate protein shake with strawberries mixed in

just stay away from the bars!! They do me in every time.

Good Luck!

The bars really do some people in. I prefer to have a couple of the Russell Stover lc chocolates when really craving goodies. I think the thing to keep in mind is why all the sudden are you craving chocolate. Did you maybe eat something that got that started? I know I cannot have aspertame as it causes cravings for me. :dizzy: Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones who can have the Advantage bars and still lose weight but I usually only eat a half of one at a time. I also use herbal teas, coffee with cream and DaVinci syrups (sf of course), and the whipped cream idea that Robin gave you is unbelievably good.

Good luck warding off those :s: cravings.

unless someone snuck something into my food w/out me knowing it I haven't cheated--so I've no clue why I keep wanting chocolate (maybe because TOM is coming?) and blueberry muffins. lol@the blueberry muffins. I think something chocolaty/sweet would do the trick. I put some sf jello in the fridge so when it's done i'm hoping that'll cure this sweet urge.

looks like i'm going to the store tomorrow for whipped cream and cocoa. already have the splenda :) oh heck--might just end up going tonight!!!

Don't know what you think of this, but I like to have a diet rootbeer.. It helps me. It feel me up and takes sweet..Just a thought.

I discovered the Carbolite bars......... yummmmmm........ I get the dark chocolate ones (I much prefer dark to milk chocolate) and think that they taste pretty close to the Hershey "Special Dark" chocolate bars......... they come in 2 sizes 3/4 oz and 1.5 oz...... I get the small ones by the box at Vitamin Shoppe (of course, I have to "hide" the box from myself so that I don't eat them all at once!!! :lol: :o :lol: ) I NEVER EVER EVER allow myself to have more than 1 in a day...... you can break them into 4 pieces and just nibble at each one (if you are feeling strong!) I usually gobble the whole thing and then regret not having savored it! Oh well, like I said, I never let myself have more than one (of course, dh watching me eat it, and knowing that I finished it - also helps in that regard!!)

i have diet rite--maybe i'll see if that works for tonight. i really don't want to go out in the cold and get something that i'll regret eating later. lol

are the carbolite bars any different than the advantage bars? They have sugar alcohols and such? maybe i'll have to check into that also!!

(maybe I need to re-think staying on induction---at least until TOM is gone?)

:( ate half the advantage bar. I'm thinking hubby needs to eat them so they're out of the house. I know my carb count is WAYYY over the 20 allowable for induction. I'll be kicking myself all night...but dusting my fluffy butt off in the morning and starting this all over and hoping that I haven't screwed things up too badly. At least it was only the 1/2 Advantage bar---and everything I ate was pretty much on the list (I made a pig of myself. Steak, Eggs, that's not counting the chicken and salad I ate at my parents house!!). :moo:

:( and I was doing so well :(

I used to get crazy hungry on Atkins too, especially during PMS. I never worried about what I ate, as long as it was legal Atkins. The chocolate issue was something else though, the whip cream and cocoa works wonders. Dont beat yourself up over the advantage bar, or over what you ate tonight. Get a good night sleep, start you day fresh when you get up, and drink lots of water. You'll be fine :) You can do this!

Ok Brenda, take a deep breath, this too will pass. I once ate a whole pizza and 4 glasses of wine while on induction, lol, it was during my first few days. We all stumble but our true character is shown in how fast we pick ourselves up again. It does get easier, I find the longer I do this, 6 months so far, the easier it gets, I have virtually no cravings now not even during that TOM. And after all it's an Atkins friendly bar, it may slow you down for a bit but this is a long journey right? Honestly, I'd just throw them away. I know they're expensive but your motivation and state of mind is worth more. Oh and Robin's cocoa thingy saved me many times in the beginning too!

Tummy

When I get an urge for chocolate (I refuse to call it a craving when chocolate is one of the essential foods of Life :lol: ) I've been making myself a cup of hot chocolate. I don't have the exact measurements but this is basically how I do it.

3 tsp of plain unsweetened cocoa
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp cold water

Mix together until they are a paste.
Add enough water to make 1/2 cup and nuke until it comes to a full boil. Make sure your container is big enough that it doesn't overflow. This is to cook the cocoa so you don't get that grainy texture in your mouth. I then add at least 2 different kinds of artificial sweetener, my choices being a bit of Splenda, a bit of liquid Sucaryl and a bit of Stevia powder. Add enough water to make a full cup and heat again in microwave. If you can afford the carbs, top with more heavy cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkling of cinnamon makes it nice too.

You all are so great!! Thanks for the support!! I got so tired after all that junk I ate (not to mention the belly ache) that I ended up falling asleep a couple times on the chair in the living room. lol. Would have been there all night except the dog kept waking me up! I'm going back on track today and if the urge for chocolate hits again I'll be ready. The advantage bars will not be in my diet (but maybe either hot cocoa or the chocolate whipped cream will :rofl:).

Does it matter what type of whipped cream? Like Cool Whip?

the real stuff.......buy some heavy cream and whip it up with your blender. Add some splenda and a drop or 2 of vanilla and your in heaven! Its just delicious!!

I hit the chocolate cravings around 3:30 each day -- students have finally gotten on their buses and I'm alone in my classroom. I satisfy this craving with SBD's ricotta cheese/cocoa recipe. I add crushed nuts to I actually have something to chew. Is this as good as a Hershey's bar with almonds??? HECK NO! but it gets me over the craving and stops the hunger until dinner time.

I bought some Hershey's cocoa--but it wasn't unsweetened. The store I go to didn't have any. I'm hoping to cut down on amount needed so as to keep the carb count down. I'm going to keep my eyes open for the unsweetened stuff the next time I go to a huge grocery store. That probably won't be for a couple weeks. But this way I've got something here if the chocolate fits hit me again :)

My advice is to get rid of that sweetened cocoa - using it could set you up for a fall BIG TIME. The reason it is vitally important to stay away from sugar and flour and other bad carbs is because of what it does to the carb addict's body and mind. You really need to understand the science behind carb addiction. Carb addicts bodies and minds don't work like other peoples. Some people can eat sugar/carbs in moderation and it doesn't set them off on uncontrolled binges but I don't beleive they are true carb addicts, just people that want to watch their carb intake for weight control issues. It is a very complex issue. I wish you luck, Brenda - but if you've been doing so well I would hate to see you sabatoge you progress.

Kel

I satisfied my chocolate need with an Atkins Advantage Shake (on sale this week at Wal-mart) Chocolate Delight (1 net carb) it tastes pretty dang good though was overly filling for me. I am one of the small stomach from starving myself folks :(

I added 2 tbsp. of unwhipped whipping cream just because I knew I wouldn't be eating any time soon after having it :)

Today I am going to throw a can of it and some whipping cream into the ice cream maker and see what comes of it :) I'll let you know what comes of it

Kel, you are so right we don't function like everyone else does. I hear people talk about taking a couple bites of cheesecake, I can't even imagine. I found that I cannot have aspertame either as that sets me off. I thought I did okay with sugar alcohols but with my past history of on again off again behavior I am looking seriously at those too.

I am more and more taking on the attitude that if they didn't have it available to eat a hundred years ago we probably should not be eating it now.

Sue - That is a really good attitude to have. It might make food prep a bit more work but if it can make us more in control of our food choices then it's worth it.

I'm certainly not referring to anyone here but I find it interesting that the low carb thing is taking off nationwide with everyone jumping on the bandwagon. I'm not saying that they will not benifit from the LC way or that they shouldn't be doing it but that many really don't have an understanding of the true car addict's mind. I was talking the other day about that little voice in my head that constantly talks to me about seeking out beloved carbs for the next meal/snack and how I am really powerless over it when under the influence of sugar/carbs and the people I was talking with looked at me like I was insane. If anyone has done any reading on addiction (drug, alcohol, etc.) they will find that the brain and chemical changes are simular to what carb addicts experience.

Just something to think about. It's not an excuse for our behavior but it does help us to stop beating ourselves up for lack of willpower, etc. And it also may give us more resolve to keep our WOE clean. Once we detox we can think/feel/BE different. (can you tell that I'm really preaching to myself here?)

Kel

I know, I know. I've been eyeing that canister thinking----that can't HONESTLY be ok to use. "It doesn't say sugar so how can it be bad for me". Maybe just whipping the cream would be enough for my sweet attack. I did buy unsweetened chocolate--maybe I'll see how that works in it? I've also seen the Atkins shakes and debated buying some. I'll see how I fare through the rest of this day and night.

(man, I'm really a chocoholic mess right now!!) This coming TOM stinks!! Can't wait for this week to be over!!! lol I haven't had anything (couple small spoonfulls of SF jello) really bad so far. I'm TRYING to prevent myself from going after chocolate. I've been munching on celery and all that.

That's ok Kel, keep on preaching.... you're reaching me too!!! In one drawer of my file cabinet, there is an (OPEN!!!) bag of (one of my)BIG weakness: Utz sourdough pretzel nuggets....... leftover from 12/31....... I'm keeping it there as a "safety valve". I know that this sounds nuts, but in my weird head, if it's in the house, I can choose NOT to eat it. But if it's not in the house, I sometimes feel like I HAVE to go out and get some, and then, if I actually do that, then I am obliged to eat it ... does this make any sense at all to anyone other than me? When I quit smoking (6 yrs and 2-1/2mths ago) I did the same thing: there was an open pack of cigarettes in my desk drawer....... after about 2 yrs I finally threw it out!!! :dizzy:

Sometimes I am sooooo tempted to go to that drawer and stick my hand in the bag of pretzels, but then I remember that it has been 18 days OP, and I would then have to re-start counting at 1 all over again............... ok, so maybe I'm crazy (alright, I KNOW I'm crazy - no cracks from Jif, please!!) but so far it's working........

Oops, Lady A - you snuck in on me. I meant to tell you when I posted that the Carbolite bars are a true candy bar, NOT like the Advantage bars....... have you tried SF, FF jello chocolate pudding? Maybe that might do the trick for you? I have stayed away from that, using the carbolite bars as my chocolate fix when necessary.

I haven't tried the carbolite bars. I've seen them but haven't gotten any. Maybe that would work for melting into hot cocoa? :lol: I haven't seen any sf/ff choco pudding around here. I'll have to put that on my list of things to look for when I go to the big grocery store. The stores around here have meager choices for low carb foods. Which limits my choices. lol. But so far I'm hanging strong today. Maybe just having the cocoa in the house is enough? Because I know if I HAVE to have something it's actually here to make it with? I can relate to you on that one sonogranny--but I could never do that when I quit smoking. THOSE had to be OUT of the house. Man, I feel like such a wimp right about now because I can't seem to control the urge to WANT to eat chocolate. grrr@me.

Okay, now that we are opening up to :crazy: How many of you have bought two or three packages of m&m's or three chocolate bars knowing that the first one will set off those cravings? Just curious no one is required to answer.

In the other sense, I know what you mean about the pretzels. I do better with them around than I do with them gone. I get panicky when I have no access to certain foods. It isn't even a craving it is a desire to eat those things. My feel good foods. :o

Repeat after me "I am not a wimp!" A wimp would crawl off, give into the cravings, then post afterwards (I know cuz I am a wimp.) You are fighting a good fight against those desires to eat chocolate.

hm...why can't we get snowed in for like a week and then I wouldn't be able to GET chocolate...and then maybe have the urge disappear?:joker: I just ate the toppings of a homemade pizza that my mom gave me yesterday. It's not as good w/out the crust but it'll tide me over before my steak is done. I should go and make my salad. Maybe put some tomatoes on it.

*is wondering how whipped topping tastes* :lol:

OMG - you guys are using all the 'buz words', behaviors, etc. of a true blue, card carrying CARB ADDICT! That bit about keeping the forbidden stash around so you won't be panicy without it is just textbook classic! I do that stuff too!

Some of it is a 'mind over matter' thing but we really must know ourselves and how our addict mind will try to trick us! Keep up the good work, ladies. All this talking about it helps too. It helps us know that we aren't crazy (SHHHHH, Jiff) and that others share the same brainworkings.

Hello. My name is Kel and I'm a Carb Addict.

lol---I was going to post the same thing. Well, with MY name there anyway. lol

So please, please PLEASE tell me this addiction and wanting goes away!!! I'm not sure I can fight them EVERY month for the rest of my life!!! (not and stay sane anyway).

It's 5:00 pm and I'm almost through the day w/out anything chocolate. Oh man but the thought of whipped cream sounds good :hungry:

I did the same thing when I quit smoking. I kept a half pack of cigarettes in a drawer but they weren't for just in case I really needed a smoke. They were there so I could prove to myself that no matter what happened, I could resist. Well, my dear Mom died shortly after and if I ever needed the comfort of a smoke, it was during that horrible time, but I resisted and I'm so glad I did. BUT....there's no way I could have those so-called low carb chocolates and chocolate bars in the house and not eat every single scrap within hours. The first bite does me in. Last fall I bought several boxes of Carbolite bars when I was on a rare trip to the US. I started in on them on the drive home and within days they were all gone and my resistance to carbs was down the tube.
Brenda, you know darn well you can't have Cool Whip...and why did you buy the cocoa if it has sugar in it? Surely every grocery store has baking cocoa or even unsweetened Baker's chocolate. Melt a square of it into some cream and add hot water and Splenda and there's your hot chocolate. Careful of having too much whipped cream. It does have some carbs.

Brenda, you know darn well you can't have Cool Whip...and why did you buy the cocoa if it has sugar in it? Surely every grocery store has baking cocoa or even unsweetened Baker's chocolate. Melt a square of it into some cream and add hot water and Splenda and there's your hot chocolate. Careful of having too much whipped cream. It does have some carbs.

:( I didn't buy cool whip. I bought heavy cream. I asked first to find out what kind of cream. And yes, the store I went to had baking cocoa--and that was the Hersheys Cocoa ( 3grams of carbs, 1 dietary fiber and doesn't mention sugar just cocoa for an ingredient) :) i've got the unsweetened baking chocolate. I've got SO much to learn!!
*does an unhappy dance for being chatised* (j/k)

LOL! Ohhhhhhh! The Hershey's Cocoa is what we are talking about! That is baking chocolate - it smells like the real thing but stick your finger, taste and you will quickly know that it is NOT sweetened! Mix up some of the whipping cream, add some cocoa and splenda and put a bit in fancy desert cups. Add some slivered almonds and there ya go! It's legal and it will get you over the hump.

The major cravings and voice in the head, etc. DO subside after eating clean for a while. BUT TOM is a red flag time where you have to watch it. Make some of the special LC treats for this time and it does help.

oh man I feel like such a dunce!! I'm going to allow myself a cup of cocoa before bedtime to maybe get rid of this stupid fixation on chocolate. Maybe then I won't feel like scarfing down everything in site!!

It's ok, Brenda - you are new to this. It's a whole new world. Don't worry about asking questions. Remember, there are no dumb questions. We all had to learn this stuff when we first started. (and it is so hard to UNlearn all that low fat stuff!) And I think that is a good idea to have some so it will get out of your system.

:) I made it and only drank 1/4 of it :) Turns out I didn't NEED it--just the thought of not having it. Once I was able to drink it I really didn't want it. I know, I'm weird. lol

Brenda.... you are NOT weird: you're normal, just like the rest of us! :lol:

However, all this talk of chocolate has me going nuts!! and poor me without a drop of chocolate in the house!! Oh well, I I guess I'd better go to bed, that way I won't eat any of dh's stuff! (he's not even here to stop me!)

I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to sound chastising. It was supposed to sound teasing. That's the trouble with the printed word. You can't see my expression.
I'm glad you found the right cocoa. Yes, there are still carbs in cocoa but if you only use 1 tbsp per serving, 3 gr doesn't seem a high price to pay for that chocolate fix.
Please don't be shy about asking questions or posting here just because I came across like an old battle-ax. Well, I AM an old battle-ax but I like to pretend otherwise.

I looked for a hug smiley but couldn't find one. *hugs* to you. I didn't take offense. I was joking also and figured you were also. And it's ok to chatise me--especially if it looks like I'm going to blow the best thing that could have happened to me (Atkins). I don't take offense at people unless they really start to insult me or swear at me. So it's all good :)

I'm glad to hear that, Brenda. I can't claim to be perfect so I try not to judge others. Heaven knows, I goof up a lot myself. I'm pretty sure that the last couple of times I've made the cocoa, I've been a bit too generous with the cocoa AND the cream.
:grouphug:

I think I overdid on the cocoa because that's all I could taste. Have to admit I wasn't crazy about the taste (which would explain why I didn't drink it all). So I'm going to have to figure something else out for the chocolate cravings. lol

3 Minute Chocolate Cake
 

I haven't tried this but everyone on another low carb forum is raving about it. Probably not the best thing for Induction but perhaps for a treat later on when you really want some chocolate.

1/4 cup almond flour (ground almonds) - 1 oz
1 tbsp plain cocoa
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp plus 1 tsp granular Splenda or 1/4 tsp liquid Splenda
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp water
1 egg

Mix the almond flour, cocoa, baking powder and granulated Splenda in a 2 cup glass measuring cup. If you're using liquid Splenda, stir it in with the butter, water and egg. Mix well with a spoon or fork. Scrape batter down evenly with a rubber spatula. Cover with a plastic wrap and vent by cutting a small slit in the center. Microwave on high 1 minute until set but still a little moist on top. It may take a bit longer. Cook slightly and serve warm topped with whipped cream. Makes 2 servings
If using granular Splenda each serving will have 4.5 net carbs
With liquid Splenda, - 2 net carbs each.
I don't believe in net carbs though, so I'd probably count it as 6 grams.