The Good and the Bad

I am craving something really, really bad. I mean, I'm sitting here and my brain is reminding me what it tastes like and how wonderful it is and how I should get one. What am I craving? An Egg McMuffin.

So, the bad is...I'm craving it and it's a nasty craving. I get cravings to eat "real food" here and there and I can easily deal with them. But every so often I get these overwhelming cravings. They take over all of my thoughts and I fight to break free of the craving. In doing this I've found good things about the cravings. Yes, I said it. Good things.

1. Right now, the cravings are educational because they won't work on me. I won't eat it. I'm committed to this plan for 12 weeks. No food other than the prescribed formula for 12 weeks. No exceptions.
2. They're giving me a chance to learn how to deal with cravings in a "safe environment". By safe, I mean, I am NOT going to cheat, so it's time to explore the cravings and how to put them away.
3. It's been interesting to experience the cravings and what foods I am craving. I haven't craved a single sweet thing. I haven't craved any alcohol. Not once. I typically crave chicken, potatoes, asparagus, sushi, or eggs. While previously I craved sushi, I didn't particularly crave any of the others.

So you're probably wondering about the exploring and putting them away part. Or maybe you aren't. I don't care, I'm going to write about it anyway.

I've tried various techniques. I've tried distraction (kind of what I'm doing right now by writing about this). I've also tried letting the craving in and really remembering the food and how it tastes. Then I tell myself that if I know what it tastes like and can remember the experience...I don't truly need to eat it. (Yeah this one doesn't really work so well.)

Another tactic I've used is to try to replace the craving with wanting another food. The trick is that it has to be something I know I can't get my hands on. (I'm hoping to use this someday when I'm back to the real stuff.) I'm hoping to focus my mind on that other food and also think about why I'm wanting that particular item. Am I craving protein? Am I craving sugar? Why? Does my body need protein? Or did I just experience something that's making me want to eat to deal with the feelings rather than address them?

So far this has been a good experience. I'm really not hungry very often (and if I am it means it's likely time for one of my shakes). I have normal energy levels. I've lost a good chunk of weight so far too (15 lbs in 4 weeks). But I really like that I have the time to figure out the mental side of my weight problem. That's going to be the key to my success. I know what I should eat and how much. I know that I should exercise and how much. The part I've needed to work most on is the mental part: Why do I overeat; why do I make bad choices; how do I re-wire my brain? I know the process with this doesn't end after 12 weeks and I'm up to the challenge because if I can pass up "real" food for 12 weeks, I can do just about anything.

:)