I get some serious chocolate and sweets cravings around the third week of my menstrual cycle. Any suggestions on how to curb these cravings or ideas on healthy substitues? Appreciate any and all help.
Thanks,
Ericka
Im not a woman but i understand sweets cravings how about chewing sugar free gum,i forget the brand but there is a nice sweet one called wildberry frost…Sugar free jello is always good when i diet,or even somthing like putting sugar free syrup in your oatmeal,and im sure Atkins chocolate P.B. cups a few times a month is not going to kill you…BTW what are your goals?If you don’t have to be so strict just have a “cheat”.
They say chocolate is sometimes substituted for sex. You know what to do 
Billy
Even though I’m not a woman I’m a 24/7 chocoholic so I buy a bag of the Hershey’s Minitures Special Dark Chocolate. One after I eat lunch usually curbs it for the whole day if not I’ll pop another one later in the day. Dark chocolate is the healthiest kind of chocolate you can buy and I love the taste of Hershey’s the best.
This happens to me too.
I just don’t keep anything around like that to tempt me. So…I know if I have that particular craving that I will have to go out and buy something. Usually, I’ll opt for something healthier to avoid going out and gorging on the sweets. Sometimes it works…other times…well…
Guilt usually does the trick. Other than that…I feel for ya!
I believe women’s metabolism increases significantly during the menstrual cycle.
I usually crave not only chocolate, but other carbs like bagels or just more bread in general. What I do? I eat chocolate and other carbs like a bagel. I find that by eating more during the morning helps, so this is when I throw in the chocolates and bagel. You know, get the cravings out of the way early. I also increase my protein since protein can kill off cravings and I drink more water (the water has helped me).
I also increase my caloric intake during those weeks; not by huge amounts, but since I am hungrier during those days, I eat.
you could try chocolate flavour MRP bars or drinks. i eat fruit when i get sweet cravings and have no unhealthy food around!
When dieting for contests, I always found that chocolate MRPs were a godsend when I had chocolate or other dessert cravings. I’d mix a packet with about four ounces of water in a bowl and stick it in the freezer for about ten minutes. Instant healthy chocolate pudding that was high in protein and tasted good.
Try a chocolate mint cookie BALANCE bar. You can bye them at Wal-Mart for like a buck. They taste like thin mint girl-scout cookies. PLus they have 15g of protein and many essential vitamins. Low fat and low calorie.
Thank you everyone for all the tips. I’ll definately have to give some of them a try and see what works for me!
Hersheys makes a sugar free chocolate.
Try some 5HTP, it’ll help with the cravings. I’ve had a couple gals take it in slightly higher than average doses during “the cycle”. Good for mood elevator, I typically pick some up to help get me over caffeine cravings when I try to put down the Dr. Pepper…
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I usually crave not only chocolate, but other carbs like bagels or just more bread in general. What I do? I eat chocolate and other carbs like a bagel. [/quote]
Ha, not for much longer.
i thought we discussed the sugar free jello pudding?
Thunder:
I hate you. 
yes P-dog we did discuss the Jello, but I tried it and it tasted like chalk. Didn’t quite curb the cravings.
Any of you ladies try any of the Atkins sugar free chocolate bars or PB Cups.
Its not chocolate, but sugar free jello has helped me immensly and it doesnt taste terrible like the pudding. i really cant tell a difference!
your supposed to mix it with water first. if it tasted like chalk you didnt use the proper ratios of water and or protein powder.
come on, that stuff tastes great!
your dieting, the foods you eat arent going to taste good.
you cant possibly expect to lose bf and still eat great tasting foods do you?
Sugar Alcohols in SF cadies can lead to gastric distress!!
Peppermint Fudge
6 squares unsweetened chocolate
one stick butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp Vanilla extract
1 C splenda
1/2 tsp. Peppermint extract
Melt butter on low heat, add chocolate. After melted, remove from heat, stir in cream, vanilla, peppermint and Splenda. Mix until all is disolved.
Pour mixture into 8x8 pan lined with foil or parchment. Freeze.
Cut with knife into 64 squares. @ 2 carbs each. Not low in fat however.
Keep stored in freezer.
I have also made No Bake cookies (the peanutbutter, chocolate, oatmeal ones) using Splenda in place of the sugar. If you need the recipe for those let me know.