how long until cooked food cravings leave for good?

[theresaann]

I have been raw almost 5 weeks and after the first three, ALL cooked food cravings were totally gone. Then yesterday they started coming back! I'm not eating any, but I"m noshing constantly-something sweet here, then want something salty, then sweet again, then salty. AGGHH!! is it just old "cooked food residues" coming out, or what??? I was thinkin' I was home free...

any of you long-timers have a point where the cooked cravings really seemed gone for good? Love to hear from you....

[JinxieKat]

That's a great question. I did about the same thing except I lost the cravings a bit quicker, after a week, but man, by week five they are kicking in like mad. Your doing better than I am, I've given in three times now. Not horrendous, but not where I'd like to be either. But I'm getting better!

Jinx

[faith4u]

I have a couple of thoughts.

First of all, are you eating enough fruits? I learned after several months of being raw that if you eat enough fruits it kicks out all of your cravings. It is amazing!!

Secondly, have you ever read Nora Lenz's information? She talks about how even four years of being raw and she still gets hit with cooked food cravings. Does it ever go away? I don't know. I have a feeling it comes and goes. Part of this is probably due to the fact that we smell so many cooked smells all the time.

[theresaann]

wow, Nora said that? that's not encouraging....however. there must be a way! I guess it's just centuries of cooked food is in our DNA. I'll keep workin' at it.

[Revvell]

The problem here is, so many people have got emotions wrapped around what they've eaten ~ holidays, family, comfort, etc. It seems to be less of a problem than for those who don't. For instance, I don't fondly remember Thanksgiving so when it comes around I don't think about the Turkey, the family, the warm fuzzy feelings, etc. For those who've used food as "comfort" it's bound to be more difficult. It seems it would be more difficult to keep certain raw foods around that will fulfill those emotional needs as well.

What I would suggest is ~ finding alternatives and substitutes? What did you eat, for what and when? For instance ~ some people probably have fond memories of going for ice cream with the family or when depressed cuddling up w/ a box of chocolates and a good movie. Solution ~ keep frozen bananas in the freezer at all times and fudge is SOOOOOO simple to make as long as one has the right ingredients for their favorite.

I'm sure y'all can think of other things you can do ~ AND keep handy for those opportunities.

I don't freeze or recommend freezing raw foods YET, if it stops ya from noshing on SAD burgers, pizza, etc., DO IT! Keep some raw burgers, lasagne, etc. in the freezer so, when you get the urge you'll have something right there to stave off the cravings.

For me, when I'm feeling nourished and satisfied, mentally, emotionally and physically, I don't have the urges. Suggestion: look to where in your life, you are not satisfied ~ then find what, besides food, will fulfill that need/want/urge.... and IF it's food, make it raw!

Revvell

[swingbolder]

Here are some of my favorite substitutes:

for candy, I like to eat fresh dates (in the produce section, not the dried bulk section). They melt in your mouth and are so sweet.

for potato chips, I like to eat kale chips. You can make several bunches beforehand, they store really well. Just make sure you use celtic salt!

[theresaann]

great suggestions, everybody-thanks. Hey, what is your recipe for "kale chips?" that sounds really good-get's the "bitter, salty and crunchy" thing all at once!!