vrbh0882's Journal, 08 Oct 11

I suffer from a powerful sweet tooth as well and have found that I am gradually getting control over it over time, but it's a long process. Plan out your food and hold yourself accountable for sticking to your calorie count. Build yourself something sweet in after dinner but it has to fit into your calorie count. If I'm having trouble with my sweet tooth after than, I'll have a cup of tea (lipton makes a great caramel truffle one that's great for the evening) or maybe some diet soda. If there are certain things that you find harder to resist than others, get them out of the house or only buy them in portion controlled quantities (and you only get one!) You can also try healthier alternatives- berries or a ripe peach with cool whip lite or an apple with peanut butter are a couple of things that will satisfy me. Don't give in to instant gratification- when you get the craving for something sweet, go load the dishwasher or fold some laundry instead- anything to distract you for a few minutes when the craving might have ebbed enough for you to resist. Find a strategy that works and stick with it. It's not easy but I've heard an analogy that willpower is like a muscle- work it too much at once and you'll often wear it out (like when you surround it by temptations you have to resist!) but over time, it will get stronger with consistent exercise (like each evening you resist the siren call of sweets.) Hope you find a plan that works. It's frustrating when you're working hard but not seeing much success but you just have to stick with it.  

Thanks this is very helpful and positive.  

We all "cave" or better said, make decisions to eat "off plan" whatever our plan is. I still have those moments ... and have had more than I wish I had had over the past 6 months or so. Why? Because I made the decision to eat the things I ate. Simple. gnat824's counsel is wise ... if it isn't in the house it is less likely you'll eat it. I'm not sure what the decision point is ... how it happens that we get "serious" or how I get "serious" but I've had many of them. For me ... the most important lesson to learn has been of self care. I have the exact body I want. Losing pounds is more challenging for some than others ... but very few of us are UNABLE to lose weight. Look inside ... figure out what you want ... and what are some other things you can do to deal with your stress. I know you will figure it out ... because you are here and searching!!