Beat Carb Cravings -- from Yahoo's iVillage
12 Ways to Stop Craving Carbs
With the growing popularity of low-carb diets, many people are wondering how to get past the cravings for cookies, crackers, bread and other diet breakers. Here are some simple suggestions brought to you by fellow iVillagers.
Pump up the protein
I have found that if I increase my intake of protein slightly, as well as my intake of low-carb vegetables, it helps me a lot. It especially helps when I'm stressed or menstruating. --iVillager lemonlime798
I have similar cravings, but with sugar. They're pretty similar, though, because sugar is a form of carbohydrate. The trick is, eat more protein and vegetables, and slowly but surely your cravings will lessen. Usually it takes about a week, but you'll notice the difference. So, next time you crave a pretzel or bagel or something, go for a handful of nuts, or some olives, or a slice of cheese, and you'll notice a change shortly. --sasny
Be a soy nut
I have been snacking on soy nuts, and they seem to eliminate the cravings. I was the biggest carb eater in the world. Try it. --iVillager lankyspanky
Supplement your craving with a supplement
I tried L-glutamine in caplet form, and it works every time. Now I take it when I wake up and right before I eat lunch and dinner. No more cravings. --iVillager scootergirl2001
Plan carb-free snacks
It starts at the supermarket. Have non-carb snacks prepared for when that craving strikes. Buy dried fruit, nuts, soy nuts, whatever your choice is. I carry small bags with me and keep some at work and home. Plan ahead, we all have cravings. This way you won't be reaching for just anything. --chikara2000
Trick your craving and skip the treat
I am a cookie addict. If I have one bite of a cookie it's good-bye diet. This may sound silly, but I eat two or three olives or a dill pickle, and it usually kills those cravings. --jelv
I try to suck on a lime or sugarless candy until the craving passes. --iVillager scratchalatcha
Stay hydrated
I think that filling up on water really helps. A full stomach makes it hard to eat anything. --karatekid
Kick the carb habit
When you get out of the habit of letting yourself have the carbs, you may find that you get used to it. --iVillager mothersday861
Crave away
Carbs aren't bad for you; you just need to make the best choice. If you are craving bread, go for a good, solid multigrain (not the stuff that looks like white bread dyed brown). Watch out for the cookies, but go for a more filling fruit choice such as a banana. If you are eating so heavy on the protein side, it's no wonder that you're getting cravings. The goal is to balance protein and carbs, not to eliminate one or the other. --iVillager livelotsoflife
Eat small meals or snacks
Cravings are something we can control by eating small snacks throughout the day. If you want to eat fruit as a snack (even though Atkins says otherwise), I don't think that is a bad carb to have. But I control my cravings by eating small meals throughout the day. --Lisa
Clean teeth kick cravings
Try to brush your teeth. Usually you don't want to eat with the toothpaste taste in your mouth. It worked for me. --Sandy
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