So , I know I can't be the only one. Chocolate is my weakness. Whenever things get seriously stressful I reach for it like an alcoholic reaches for a drink. I get an immediate calm afterwards. I've tried substituting things--water, sunflower seeds, carob (yuck), caffinated tea, but nothing (so far) kills the urge. I'd say craving but it feels so much stronger than that in times of serious stress.
I am doing fantastically in my new lifestyle, 5 weeks in and about 25lbs down--not really missing much else at all, but I've yet to kick the chocolate. I've reduced it by a mile--keeping trail mix with chocolate chips or Kashi bars around and doling it out in small amounts to fit my points (ww) to keep my butt from heading to the store for a half pound Symphony bar. Sometimes I have to have an ongoing dialog in my head with the promise of trail mix later to get from work to home without stopping. Day after valntines when everything's on sale half price was murder today. Still loosing weight but what I really want to lose is the feeling of dependency.
Chocolate is my drug of choice also, in times of stress. I am trying to eliminate my stress, but that doesn't change the behavior, unfortunately. Just wanted to say I understand how you feel.
Symphony chocolate...sigh. I keep telling DH not to buy me candy, but once in a while he picks up a bar for me. I always eat it. I say to myself that I will only eat one square, then only one row...before I know it, the whole thing is gone.
Obviously you are doing something right. Congrats on the weight loss so far! I think in order for weight loss to be sustainable, you cannot completely eliminate your favorite things, ever. You have found some great ways to cut down on chocolate without eliminating it. Perhaps in the future you will think of other ways, too.
Don't think about a future without chocolate, or you may give up. Chocolate can always be in your life, as long as it realizes YOU are in charge.
There is something about chocolate that helps regulate my mood. If I don't have some at least every other day, I turn into a witch on wheels. I found this out the hard way when I tried to stop chocolate cold turkey. I've now incorporated chocolate into my diet. I have a Jello Dark Chocolate Sugar Free Pudding Snack for 2 points or 2 squares of Ghirardelli 60% Dark Chocolate for 3 points.
Last edited by Garnet2727; 02-16-2013 at 10:47 AM.
Interestingly enough, when I increased my consumption of animal fats (ie. dark chicken meat when I wanted to pick up an Aero bar), my cravings for chocolate disappeared.
Chocolate addict over here as well... I don't think I could ever give it up... When my cravings come especially during my period I have organic dark chocolate covered almonds from trader joes. I found that making a smoothie with chocolate protein powder helps too... Valentine's day killed me though... Those chocolate turtles & hershey kisses are my weakness!!!
Was going to say dark chocolate, since it's healthier. I love chocolate too, especially hazelnut chocolate. Have u tried like a protien chocolate shake or maybe just cocoa powder to curb the urge, if that is allowed in whatever plan u r on.
Obviously you are doing something right. Congrats on the weight loss so far! I think in order for weight loss to be sustainable, you cannot completely eliminate your favorite things, ever. You have found some great ways to cut down on chocolate without eliminating it. Perhaps in the future you will think of other ways, too.
Don't think about a future without chocolate, or you may give up. Chocolate can always be in your life, as long as it realizes YOU are in charge.
I think forkeeps hit the nail on the head. You're losing an incredible amount of weight (and congratulations... 25 pounds in 5 weeks is amazing!) so obviously the chocolate you're having is not impeding your losses in any way.
There are no "good" or "bad" foods, and eliminating something just because you feel like you aren't supposed to have it while losing weight is silly. Unless you have medical issues that make eating chocolate detrimental to your health there is absolutely no need to eliminate it. Why make yourself miserable unnecessarily?
You're making smart swaps and continuing to lose weight, so don't sweat it! Chocolate is not bad for you or unhealthy... its just food. Enjoy, and congratulations again! You've seem to have gotten the idea of a 'lifestyle change' down.
There are an extensive number of compounds in chocolate – about 380 – a number of which can have profound effects on our brain chemistry. As you chew, savor and swallow, your body begins to digest and metabolize those 300+ compounds. Here are a few of them and their affects:
Tryptophan and serotonin: They create feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Caffeine: This psychoactive substance creates temporary alertness.
Xanthines: This mild stimulant occurs naturally in the brain and, like caffeine, increases wakefulness.
Theobromine: This stimulant and vasodilator increases blood flow.
Phenylethylamine: This compound stimulates the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Anandamide: This neurotransmitter activates pleasure receptors in the brain.
Flavonols: Found also in foods like red wine, blueberries and green tea, these compounds boost blood flow to key areas of the brain for two to three hours after being metabolized, creating effects similar to those of a mild analgesic (painkiller) like aspirin.
Wow--thanks for all of the wonderful posts--you guys are amazing. I just knew I wasn't alone in this one.
Dark chocolate-- I actually bought a bag of cark chocolate chips last week and I give myself teh occasional tablespoon, usually mixed with a teaspoon or two of peanut butter. It really does seem to help and I don't really want more. Its the "when I am out" and have access to more that its harder.
Its not easy being an extreme personality. My weight loss efforts generally fail becasue I am so all or nothing. One of the biggest lessons I am working on these days is looking at the long run and allowing myself off days without guilt occasionally as long as I stay focused on what kind of life I really want to be living. Slowly but surely.
I am blogging my journey if anyone is interested--haven't really shared that with anyone, its more for reflection and maybe it will help someone else someday. The address is 200poundstogo.blogspot dot com .
As for the chocolate, I'll work on looking at it as a food like any other and less like a weakness.
Chocolate...My Drug of Choice
