Hi, everyone. I am really struggling, as this is my third week. That means that I have not been through this before with JC. I'm craving horrible, sugary foods, then fattening salty foods non-stop. I know that it is the week before my cycle, so I always do this. But being on JC, I am really self-aware of what is going on. All I can think about is food. None of the healthy stuff helps. I've tried. I even tried giving in to a small craving. Ha ha. That was a joke. I wanted to go and buy even more.

Is there any advice that people can give me? I called the 800# in desperation, but the girl that answered was of no assistance to me. She told me to eat one of my free foods, which I've been doing and it doesn't help.

I feel like an addict. Then I realize that I am an addict. That's why I need this program so badly. I really don't want to "fall off of the wagon" so to speak, but I am truly struggling. Any suggestions?

I've felt this way for quite some time now. I got bored of the food really fast and I began to crave things because I wasn't having them regularly. In any other diet I'd tried prior, I was allowing myself a few treats, but with the JC program, I was strict about it, and tried to follow it as best I could. So I wasn't having the odd meal out, or sometimes having a chocolate bar, etc.

And you're right, the free foods just don't cut it.

I've since been trying to get back on track and I'm slowly doing better. The only advice I can give you is create a list of rules for yourself. I'm in the process of doing that. Basically make rules to yourself to follow daily regarding the plan, and stick it somewhere that you'll see it every day. I'm also allowing myself 250 calories every week of anything I've been craving. For example, if I want some chips or a chocolate bar, I'll allot 250 calories for that so I don't feel so deprived.

I learned the hard way that not following the program the way you're supposed to is a bad idea. Just think about those snacks that you want, and remind yourself "is this really going to get me closer to my goal?" the answer: probably not.

- A

A-

So true. You're right. It is very hard, and I know when I make the right decisions that it is the right thing to do. I guess that I've lived for years giving in to my cravings, and haven't really committed myself 100% before to not doing it. I do, though, need to have some sort of treat for myself that is my guilty pleasure, like you suggested. Even if it's one time a week. I just have to make sure it's no more than that.

Thank you. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this feeling.

I always gave in too. I'm an emotional eater. I'm upset, I eat. I'm stressed, I eat. And it's just a big circle. But when I'd eat, I'd eat the crappy stuff and it's really, really hard to get away from that.

You just need to remind yourself that you have to do this for you, and though you may be craving those sugary or salty things, it's best for you in the long run that you stop giving in. It's not going to happen overnight, but slowly remove those from your cupboards and your life. Do the 250 calories (I say that much, because that's about the calories you're having in a JC meal/snack) of whatever you're craving, and then lower the calorie count each month or so. Eventually, you shouldn't feel a desire to eat those foods at all.

You really aren't alone in this.

- A

That time of the month is extremely hard on most of us women, that's no lie. I crave the same things that you do, sugar and salt. After going through trials I finally realized that each one of us does need something different, for me I went after the cheapest calorie treat I could find, an apple with caramel dip, one serving of caramel, it's light in calories. It took my craving away, for that day. I count every calorie that goes into my mouth, that way I don't go over during my day. I actually write down every single calorie on a sheet of paper and during the day I know just how many calories I have eaten/drank and I can keep track of how many I have left to spend.

For me it's like keeping track of money, I spend my calories carefully because if I don't I'll go over and then I get into trouble. I just got back on track after being off track for 5 wks in which I gained 8lbs, don't make that mistake if at all possible. Keep your eyes on the goal you've chosen for yourself. Now I have to get rid of those 8lbs again, but I know I can and will do it.

We all know about being adicted to food, that's why we're all here but through support and advice along with exercise and healthy choices we can make our goals, one day at a time. Good luck and we're here if you need us.

Caramel apple....that's brillant!!!!!!!!!!! I love caramel and I love apples! Did you buy them already made? Please tell me I don't have to make them.

Another FABULOUS treat for when those sweet craving start is fat free cool whip. You can have 2 tablespoons as a limited free food. I keep mine in the freezer and, whenever I"m feeling deprived, I get my tablespoon out and have two dips. It makes me feel like I am eating ice cream.

You can have 3 servings of a limited free food a day. Look that free food list over. You may find a few other things that can help you through cravings.

Best of luck to you. For me, it has gotten easier with time. My body has adjusted and the cravings don't seem to overpower me anymore. Am five pounds from goal weight so it is working!

Cheers
DD

This is a tough time and I agree with another person who said it gets better but sometimes it's just tough. Some tips I've done:


1. I workout MORE during this time
2. Get more sleep
3. Use egg beaters. 1 cup is 120 calories so you could have 1/2C servings 4 days during this PMS week to equal 240 calories and we get a 250 calorie "splurge" so this tip has really helped me. I've also tried boiled eggs and just had the egg whites. Bottom line it's protein and it helps with the cravings.
4. 25 Calorie Hot Choc packs. Make the water really hot and mix and SO GOOD
5. Make sure you order what's comforting for YOU that week. For me that's the JC mac and cheese, the JC chicken fettucine, cheesecake, lemon cake, etc...you get the picture.


Above all...KEEP MOVING and try to get to a place where you keep this challenging week in perspective. I mean if 1 week a month we gain water weight so what in the big scheme of things. The following week ALWAYS shows a larger loss for me as long as I stay with the program and the same will happen for you.

Hang in there.....


Hope

Hope, I've run into a few of your posts now and I just wanted to let you know how helpful I find them. Something about the way you write, I can pick up on the optimism and it helps me lift my spirits. I just wanted to say thank you.

This thread was a great one overall. It's always helpful to know and feel that none of us are alone in this. Addiction, emotional eating, fighting cravings, etc. we all go through these things. Knowing that I am part of a community (it feels a little cheesy to call it a community, but that's the best word to describe it) filled with people struggling with the same things as I am is comforting and inspiring. The camaraderie and shared experiences remind me that we can all succeed and reach our goals.

Keep up the good work everyone!

Hope,

I heard someone else say that they get Hot Chocolate for when they crave something sweet, too. Looks like that will be on my grocery list this week!

I didn't even think about getting the types of foods that I crave that week. I think right now I'm so afraid of overeating everything that my mind goes blank when I go in to JC. Everything is still so new for me (week 4) that I'm like a robot, trying to do what they tell me and not deviating from it. But this week has been bad. I am dreading my weigh in tomorrow so much. I just want tomorrow afternoon to get here so that my weigh in is finished.

Thank you for the great ideas, everyone. You have all been very helpful! If anyone has any others, please feel free to post them. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this question. I may just be the only one crazy enough to post it! Ha ha.

Tracy

Sometimes if i need extra sweet i pick the fat free pudding, it is limited. Also, minute maid makes a lite lemonade in cans that is very sweet and only 5 calories if you need sweet. Also, sweet pickles might help. Or sugar free popsicles are limited and very good, i use those alot. Just a few of my treats that help me through.

The sugar free popsicles are a free food and I love them .. When I need something sweet I head straight for them.

When I'm feeling like I just have to eat something, anything, I've just got to put something in my mouth ... I get out of the house or take a break at work, walk outside ... Just changing my surroundings I guess gets me away or diverts my mind from whatever it is that's making me want to comfort myself with food.

I'm overweight because I eat for all the wrong reasons. Food was comfort, something to do when I was bored or a treat when I felt down, etc., etc., etc. I MUST identify what triggers the cravings, binges, the desire to eat when I'm not hungry.

I entered into Jenny Craig committed to the fact that while it's a diet and I'll lose the weight - I've done that 100 times before - I will address the mental part of me that keeps me from succeeding - Figure out what makes me overeat and find other ways to comfort myself.

I can't keep leaving the house though, lol ... It's just part of the process that's helping me reflect on my relationship with food ..

That's what's working for me right now, everyone is different I know .. just wanted to add my thoughts.

Oh yes! FF/SF chocolate pudding with lite cool whip is a great idea for an emergency craving fix that won't tip the scale. Hang in there. =)