I've been low carbing for some time now, and I have a question about TOM vs cravings.

I rarely get craving at all during the month, but as soon as TOM hits BAM, I crave almost everything sugary and carby there is. I can't resist myself and I usually go on eating binges.

Once TOM passes, I am fine, but the damage has been done. I usually gain most of what I have lost back.

Is there anything I can eat or do to reduce cravings?

Happens to me too. Just walk away and drink lots of water, and if it's not available then it won't be able to tempt you so make sure you don't have junk laying around at home.

If I really need my fix, I munch on whipping cream. It hits the spot and low on carbs.

When those sweet cravings hit, immediately stuff your mouth with the protein and fat foods that you have laid in for just this moment. It may not be what you think you want to eat, but it makes those cravings go away.

Eating a bit of protein actually does calm the cravings...I dont always remember that...but it's worked when I've done it. Weird, huh?

I make a gooey sugarfree treat, ice cream, whipped cream, SF syrups, the whole nine. A small dish of this will get me through the worst cravings.

Oh, and drink more WATER! Just guzzle a pint and wait a few minutes before you have a snack. Half the time you won't bother.

Also, don't forget, when TOM leaves, he usually takes a few pounds with him. I like to remember this--it helps me gut out the cravings, knowing maybe he'll take three pounds instead of two.

Really, How does he do that? Does he take a few pounds of blood, water weight or what? Is it really a few pounds of fat? I've never noticed a loss after TOM leaves except that the bloating disappears...but when it appears it's a gain so I end up breaking even. Just curious. Is it really true that you burn an extra 1000 cals/day during TOM??? I heard that somewhere and was wondering. With all the TOMS I've had in my life starting at age 11 and now at age 37, at 3 lbs times 12 months (36lbs/yr) I should be a skeleton by now. Annie

I'm exactly the same when my TOM comes around. I'm fine for the rest of the month though. My craving is anything sweet, carby or CHOCOLATE!! I've found a fix for the chocolate though. There is a fabulous recipe for peanut butter/chocolate cups. They are VERY chocolatey and hit the spot. Very sinful but not blowing me out of the water with carbs. YUM!

I never used to notice that I craved sugary chocolatey foods before this WOE, but now it's VERY pronounced. It usually goes away if I allow myself a Pure Delite bar or one of those Carbsmart frozen chocolate bars on a stick that tastes like a frostie.


MMM....