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From: Raine (205.238.0.250.tri-met.org)
In Reply to: Diabetes/Severe Asthma and Sugar posted by Susan M. on August 20, 2004 at 2:28 pm:
I don't know what to do about cravings very much. They have so many sources and we humans are complex animals. You could try several things. This is probably what I would do. 1) When a craving hits, drink an 8 oz glass of water. I've heard that cravings can be hidden thirst. Drink it at a reasonably slow pace. 2) If, after five minutes, you still crave the forbidden treat, take a 15-20 minute walk, or other exercise. 3) If, after another ten minutes, you still crave the forbidden treat, eat an OK treat, such as a piece of fresh fruit (tip: choose a seasonal one, so that it's at its peak of flavor). 4) If, after another ten minutes, you still crave the forbidden treat, eat a VERY SMALL portion of a HIGH QUALITY forbidden treat. (For instance, I can eat a single truffle, as opposed to a bag full of chocolate Halloween candies.) I would do these steps in sequence, so that if you can wait for an hour or so, and still have this craving, you can have it. Other possibilities might include the following tactics: Eliminating forbidden foods from your home. It's so much easier to not consume chocolate when it does not live in your kitchen. A diabetic must, IMHO, help herself stay healthy by making sure only healthful foods are available in her home. (Now, would someone please remind my diabetic husband of this.) Eliminating sugars & refined foods from your regular eating habits. See Dr. Joel Fuhrman or Dr. John McDougall. If you are "addicted" to sugars, some people feel that you must change your underlying diet to help reduce these cravings. Some will tell you that any food with additives or colorings will reinforce this addiction to refined foods. Some might suggest something more radical, such as a raw foods diet. I'll leave that up to you. Talking to a psychiatrist, counselor or support group about your eating experiences. Some have found great help in the 12-step group Overeaters Anonymous. You can check your local phone directories to find one near you. I hope you find some help on this issue and wish you good luck on your path to better health. Raine
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