Do you ever sort-of "cheat" without actually cheating? Here's how I do it..and yes, I'm crazy! LOL

I pick up whatever it is that I'm craving (without people around) and inhale the scent. A really been inhale... a sometimes for several minutes. Sometimes just the smell alone is enough if I get enough of it. Now, this is for those who can resist going ahead and eating something they shouldn't! :-) But, if you can, it sure is satisfying... and then all you have to do is walk away!

I just allow myself what I want in moderation. That's really what I love about weight watchers... It's taught me how I can still eat the foods I want to.

My new way of "cheating" is eating a whole pint of Artic Zero "ice cream" in one sitting. There's only 150 calories in each pint, and not much sugar, plus lots of protein! It's made from whey protein so they way I look at it is I'm getting the same nutrients I would if I drank a protein shake after working out (which is usually when I eat it).

Sadly, there is likely more than that. You might want to budget just a few extra calories for it in the future just to be on the safe side.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/485964...ossen_reports/

Say it ain't so! I really liked the maple vanilla flavor. On the other hand, it feels good to know that I won't be spending $6 on a pint of "ice cream" anymore. I have the whey protein, so for now, I can just make this ice cream myself.

Oh I'm still going to eat it... the difference is miniscule over the course of a week. Just budget 250 calories instead of 150. That's still great for a pint!

I've never tried just sniffing what you're craving... and it makes sense if it works... huh. I shall try this. Good idea!

I tried that before and it makes me crazy so I can't really do it. for me what works is not stressing out on counting and restricting too much. I count calories and macros but I don't restrict, I stay at a moderate deficit, not extreme and therefore I don't get cravings as badly as when I'm on a more extreme deficit. I allow myself to indulge in healthy treats - there's a way to healthify every dessert and I've grown to like them. I don't even like the fattening foods that most people like. It's a habit. Once you stop, you realize how gross those unhealthy foods really are.

I was reading about cravings control in a book yesterday that mentioned all kinds of ways to over come the urge to splurge and smelling was one of them. I had to use the distraction one yesterday (hot bubble bath). Another one made me laugh when I read it but now I am thinking it may be wise.

This one was building an alter of the food that we crave so bad. One can use photo's of the food and a candle. Each time the craving hits, it can be that we give it the attention it seems to need by lighting the candle and reflecting on the omnipotent power it seems to have. Of course, it soon shows that it has no real and tangible power and that setting up an alter is ridiculous. But the the concept is exposure to our thinking and reacting. It's is a method that supposedly breaks the bond we have with that food by proving to ourselves how much power we give it. When the urge is truly gone, burn the image as proof it no longer has a hold on us.

It sound so crazy, but I am intrigued. I have used another one, simply saying a mantra using a bead necklace to ensure I say it enough times.

Eating a substitute never worked for me, it just becomes the new addiction.

Thanks for the link- I saw this one around earlier and stopped eating the stuff. Even at it's worst it was still only 250 calories a pint- so it's not like it ruined my diet- but I'm so outraged by the deception that I refuse to give the company any more money.

I still eat it for exactly that reason... I only have a pint every week or so, so if I need to stress 100 calories I have bigger problems than that!

I honestly don't think the company is intentionally misleading anyone... they stand by their nutrition statements and have put up their own nutritional analysis that they had done and are having more done in the meantime to clear their name (or to adjust their product if that ends up being the case).

Also, the fact that I only eat natural foods prevents me from eating something else instead (such as Skinny Cow products or WW products) - which I don't find satisfying anyway.

A few years ago, I had a banana-nut scented candle. I found that, if I lit it during a craving for sweets, the craving would be satisfied. Maybe cravings are partly just our senses wanting stimulation. It would be interesting to do some experimenting.

First Love, I did the candle thing too! It was pumpkin vanilla Yummy!

Holy Cow Jocelyn, you looks AMAZING! I loved reading your story, you are an inspiration to me. I recently lost 70 bls and started lifting and bike riding. I feel amazing, but have 50 more to go. I know i can never quite ever look as great as you, at 48 and post 2 kids, but you still give me a lot of hope! I have been eating clean now for over 6 months. Great mental clarity too!

Thanks so much for your service!

Sheila

There are some great ideas here! I cheat by eating Luigi's Italian Ice. It comes in individual containers and it's found in my local grocery store. It come in Lemon (my fav!!!!), Strawberry and Mango. It satisfy my sweet tooth and my ice cream cravings and it's only 100 calories! *End of commerical* haha!