How do I STOP from deviating

[Shax]

OK I haven't deviated yet. But I am craving food so bad that I dream about it I droll (well not every where but the saliva certainly increases) at the smell of anything sweet. I tried chewing gum which just made me insanely hungry! I have completed 3 weeks and I am still very hungry at times.

Yesterday I had to cook 6 TIMES!!!! all that cutting and chopping and around food preparing all the time and such little eating is driving me bonkers!!!

Do we get chocolate on the refeed? if this IS normal and if so when will the I want pizza salty chips and real coke, or Camembert, crackers and pepperoni

When will the thoughts stop! if ever will I continue to forever have this internal struggle of wanting to eat. I don't know how many times I have had to spit out the extra food I have pick up and put in my mouth subconsciously. that is getting less frequent.

but now I'm dreaming fo eating foods I can't ahve on this "lifestyle".

this may sound funny to some of you but I feel I have replaced my overeating with an obsession of foods I want to eat, even subconsciously. I don't know of any one dreaming of binge eating.

Regards
Sharne

[shell]

Hi Shax
No you don't get chocolate on re feed!

Have you thought about getting some counselling?
That has helped quite a few of us on here.

Find something else to do to distract you when you feel like deviating, listen to a relaxation cd, go for a walk, take a shower or bath, read a book, do a crossword, knit, scrapbook, garden anything to distract yourself.

Hang in there you will get past it!
Shell

[tommi]

Hey Shax,

Don't worry, I dream about food as well all the time. In my dreams I deviate and I feel guilty for doing so and put food back!
I haven't deviated yet and I sincerely hope if I ever do in the future it will be minimal and not a downward spiral. That also scares me so I'd rather have none than allow a little and wonder what the consequences may be...

I found if I am tempted I allow myself to "smell" the food I am not allowed (e.g. chocolate, champagne, lasagna!) and use that to treat myself! hehe
If you watched Rules of Engagement last night Jeff did the same thing on his crash diet weekend
Reading also helps me, and sipping on peppermint tea. I also remind myself of the compliments people give me about how good I am looking and how my skin is glowing, plus how loose my pants are feeling.

I know each person has to find their own way of doing things, but this forum has given me tons of guidance and support in tougher times (even though it's only been a few weeks). It is always inspirational when you know you are not the only one going through these changes.

Best of luck
xoxo

[Ronky]

Shax never fear you are alone. I too have a very unhealthy love for food and dream about my "ultimate goal meal". I almost talk to the food in the pantry. When I have been on other diets I would cook 2 separate meals one for me and one for my partner. He got all stuff that I loved. butter, Cheese, Cream. Then when I started this I thought what am I doing to him? Im losing this weight to have a happier healthy life whats the point of having that if Im killing my partner with love?

Im not so much a sweet tooth but a savoury junkie. My sister is a sweet tooth and she recommends green tea. This doesnt help me but apparently it helps her. I have also heard on this forum to take Chromium to ease the cravings and to maybe take an extra if the feelings dont go away. 1 at night and 1 in the morning.

Please dont feel you are "trapped". You are doing yoursef such a huge favour for this. Look at your progress? That is you doing that not anyone else. Your heart, liver, kidneys everything that we dont think about because we are obsessed by the outside is benefiting from this. Im sure this will pass and that you are just going through a freak out stage. As Shell said mybe counselling is a good idea if you dont come out the other end. Something I was also thinking about before joining is Overeaters anonymous kind of like AA but for people who just love food.

Good luck and if in doubt look at your progress.

[sundaymorningstaple]

And remember this if nothing else.......


NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY FEELS!!!

[Lizz]

Hi Shax,
Hang in there it gets better. I have completed 6 weeks now and found around week 3 the worse. The one piece of wisdom in this is that it does pass. Keep drinking lots of water and keep reading the forum for support . It really does help. Also try lots of different recipes. Also on the forum to make each meal special. Always remember how far you have come already in your efforts. It is worth it. Deviation is just not worth losing a weeks weight loss for.

[Annabelle Joy]

I was hungry at times for about three weeks, Shax. I seldom feel comfortably full in the afternoons/evenings, but not really hungry. I think some of it is habit rather than hunger.

There are quite a number on the forum who have reported dreaming of deviations. You are not unusual in that.

I agree re the cutting up food. I give my husband the same meals I'm having, and it seems to take ages to chop up little bits of vegetables for most meals, and to do it twice.

I've only once had to spit something out that I've put in my mouth, but there have been many times I've had to stop myself putting something in my mouth. That's one of the things that contributed to us having to do this diet. It's a good habit to break.

I think that shell's advice about counselling is worthy of consideration, as are all the other suggestions that are in previous posts. However, you are not alone. There are many others who have the same struggles.

AJ

[paza]

Hey I just wanted to add my story. Firstly I was deviation free for 10 weeks when I started and lost 19.6kilos, I did dream of junk food and deviating often. However the first time I deviated was pretty much the end for me. I now have been completely off cohens for just over 4 months will the added addition of 12kilos. Its HARD to get back on the program.
The only thing I will say is DONT DO IT!! It will be something you reget!.
I have set new goals for myself so tomorrow after shopping with cohens foods again, I want to be back on the program 100%, but its taken along time to get back here again.

Eat all your food, all your liquids allowance need be and even chew gum and drink tea, but please DONT DEVIATE!!!!

[mcpsych]

remember that any addiction is cured in 5 days- any craving you have after that is a psychological one not physical. If it is overwhelming- seek help, there are probably underlying issues that need to be sorted
cheers
and good luck

[firefox]

Tea is my saviour. When everyone around me is eating cookies and ice cream and cake and... hang on- just lost my train of thought...

Seriously, I find that 15 minutes is all it takes for me to get over the craving. Getting up to make the tea and then taking those first calming sips is very therapeutic. After that they can eat anything, and I won't want it at all.

This is something I am going to remind myself to do even when I am on maintenance.

[lil_doll]

What a great thread!!!!

Especially the post from bellabella. I even printed it out for my folder...

I too have a food wishlist, for later... but it's more of a distraction tool.

[CharlieMia]

I am in my 7th week and I have to say I haven't had any cravings what so ever. I find it really easy to cook meals for other people and go out and just drink diet coke. It is a very weird experience, as if something changed inside me and I can really do this. I used to think that I have to get to my goal weight of 73 otherwise there is no point loosing weight, but now I told my self that I am fine if I don't get there, but you know what, that is making me want to get there just without the added pressure!!
It might not make sense but it works for me.