Keto for PCOS | Day 22: Crushing Those Cravings – Sweet Tooth, Who?

At this point, I feel like I’ve broken up with my sugar addiction – and it’s not calling me to get back together! Truly, one of the most remarkable changes in the past three weeks has been how much my cravings for junk food have diminished. Remember that girl who needed dessert every night or would raid the pantry at 10 PM for something sweet? She’s stepping aside for a new me who sometimes forgets to even think about dessert.

I’ve learned a few things about conquering cravings along the way:

1. Eating enough at meals: This was key. By having plenty of protein and healthy fats in my meals, I stay satiated longer and my blood sugar stays stable. That means I’m not prowling the kitchen an hour after dinner because I’m genuinely full.

2. Smart swaps: I’ve found healthier alternatives for the treats I used to love. Craving ice cream? I’ll have some full-fat Greek yogurt with a drizzle of vanilla and a few berries – creamy, a bit sweet, and hits the spot. Want something crunchy and salty? A handful of roasted nuts takes care of that. These swaps satisfy the urge without throwing me off course.

3. Mindset shifts: I no longer view cravings as commands I must obey. If I feel like I “want” a cookie, I pause and ask myself, “Am I actually hungry? Will this make me feel good in an hour?” Often, the craving passes when I distract myself with a walk or a good book. If it doesn’t and I truly want a taste of something, I’ll have one small piece or a healthier version. No guilt, but no binge either.

It’s amazing to experience life without constant cravings. I feel in control, rather than food controlling me. My taste buds have even adjusted – things like blueberries or cherry tomatoes taste sweeter to me now than they used to (probably because I’m not bombarding my palate with ultra-sweet snacks).

That’s not to say I never want a brownie or that I’ve ascended to some higher plane of perfect eating. The difference is that now it’s an occasional, mindful treat, not an uncontrollable impulse. For example, I went to a friend’s birthday and had a couple bites of cake to join the celebration – and was totally satisfied with that. I didn’t feel the need to devour the whole slice.

Cravings used to be my biggest nemesis, often triggering a spiral of overeating and guilt. Conquering them has been liberating. If you’d told me a month ago that I’d be the girl turning down free office donuts because I honestly wasn’t interested, I’d laugh. But here we are!

So if you’re struggling with cravings, take heart. Feed your body well, find smarter treats, and give it time. The difference a few weeks can make is huge. Now, my relationship with food feels so much healthier – I choose what to eat based on nourishment and genuine enjoyment, not frantic cravings. And that sweet freedom is the best treat of all.