Binges and Cravings

I used to have intense cravings for Coke, Starbucks, chips, cookies, cinnamon buns, cake, sushi, etc... I always had intense urges to eat - just for the sake of eating, not because I was hungry. I rarely bought "junk food" because I didn't want my kids eating it - but I also knew if it was in the house then I would devour it. However, my cravings were always so intense I would make random trips outside to end the misery of my obsession - a package of cookies, 3-4 rolls of sushi, a venti Carmel Frappuccino, an x-large Coke from McDonalds for $1 (or a 24 pack of Coke which I would hide in the garage so I could secretly drink 3 cans without anyone knowing).

I've been eating "clean" for 9+ weeks now. I quit drinking soda {cold turkey}. I also decided I wasn't going to drink diet soda or {generic} Crystal Light because I know artificial sweeteners are not healthy. I used to abhor drinking water - so much so that I would go DAYS without drinking any water (I'd drink coffee, tea, soda, "flavored water"- anything but plain water).

I can honestly say I haven't had a single intense craving in 9+ weeks. I've had sushi ONCE in the last 9 weeks but it wasn't because I was craving it - my kids asked for it (yes, my 7, 6 and 3 year old love sushi). I made it myself instead of getting take-out because I wanted to control what exactly was going into my sushi. Most restaurants use seasoned rice vinegar which has lots of empty calories from sugar or they will add sugar to the rice. Additionally, my personal favorite is spicy tuna - which has sesame oil and mayo - I knew I could cut a LOT of added fat/calories by using trivial amounts of both without sacrificing the flavor. The end result was so amazing I told myself I probably wouldn't eat take-out sushi ever again.

With all that said, I do get cravings - but for healthy meals and snacks such as Greek Chicken with Artichoke Rice or an apple with almond butter & honey.

It's truly wonderful not being obsessed with food and binging! Thankfully I have always made healthy, delicious food from scratch (I'm a self proclaimed home chef) - so I have yet to feel deprived in any way.

Here's what I believe has made all the difference (for me):
1. Giving up Coke/artificial sweeteners and switching to drinking 8+ cups of water a day
2. Eating a full breakfast (I used to have minimal breakfasts when dieting because I wanted to save the bulk of my calories/points for the afternoon and evening. Now I eat a generous breakfast which keeps me fully satiated until lunch without a desire to snack)
3. Incorporating plenty of whole grains, veggies, AND healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil, avocado, almond and sunflower seed butter, etc...)
4. Exercise (helps me mentally in addition to physically - and when it comes to binges and cravings it's almost always mental)