Dealing with cravings

[Kaz]

Hi all,

I am self-confessed lurker on these pages and not much of a blogger either - so no diary. However, I am really struggling with controlling my cravings for chocolate. Since starting, I've lost about 17kgs with about 4kgs to go and before Christmas - no deviations. Given that I work on a remote construction site, that is not always easy (the big drinking and eating WAY too much culture here). However, I went on a trip of a lifetime (Antarctica) and deviated a number of times.

Since I have been back in Aust (1 week), no deviations have occurred - back on the plan and have lost the weight I gained over the break (~2.8kgs).

However, despite having been deviation free for a week now I am really struggling with a desire for chocolate. It is incredibly intense and despite drinking about 2.5 - 4 litres of water a day and staying true to all the food, I still feel the cravings strongly.

It could be due to the fact that my project here will end in the next 10 days and I am still looking for other work.

I can't get access to Chromium for at least the next 2 weeks. Could anyone please advise what else might help?

Regards,
Kaz

[shell]

Here is a thred on cravings-

[Shanara]

Hi Kaz

Afraid I am not much help with the cravings aspect as I haven't had any really. I would ring my clinic or email them and ask advice because my understanding is you shouldn't get cravings on the programme. Previously to Cohens I would get chocolate cravings when I was iron deficient as there is something in chocolate that makes the body think it is getting chocolate. So maybe that is something to look at.

However I am totally fascinated that you went to Antarctica and would love to hear about how you got there. If you look at my signature and in my first posting in my diary you will see that a trip to Antartica is my reward for getting to goal yet I have no idea yet how I am going to achieve that. I am hoping either this summer ie 2009/2010 or the next but don't know how or with whom yet. Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated. How did you go with the cold? Have been in Tassie and that was cold enough. Not sure how I will cope with it.

Thanks
Shanara

[Kaz]

Thanks to all who responded, I had restarted the magnesium a couple of days ago - will keep it up.

Also wanted to say thanks to all who do write in this forum - the stories give me hope, inspiration and some great ideas.

Regarding Antarctica, the trip was truly amazing - very expensive, however worth every cent. I went over New Years - a fantastic time to go - all the wildlife is in full swing and the weather is likely to be at it's best. It was cold, but you might be able to hire clothes off the tour operator. After a couple of days you'll aclimatise anyway. Depends how you feel the cold too, if you feel it badly then take more clothes - thermals ARE your best friend.

All my clothes were 'ICEBREAKER' (aka Survival) brand or 'GORETEX'. Not cheap but the best I have ever come across. I also had one heavy jacket for on the boat (water resistent only, but fully lined). Make sure you have a neckwrap/scarf & good gloves.

We were exceptionally lucky with the weather - picture postcard the whole way. Hopefully when you go it will be just as nice.