Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more of the body than of the mind, meaning biological factors are generally considered to be the main trigger for carb cravings. These cravings are described as a compelling craving, or desire for carbohydrate-rich foods; an escalating, recurring need or drive for starches, snack foods, junk food, or sweets.
This is where the cycle of carbohydrates and cravings start. High-sugar, refined starch, convenience and comfort foods feed the addiction like a drug. This results in high blood sugar and insulin levels which results in more cravings. The situation also results in higher levels of serotonon - a brain chemical that acts like Prozac. People eat sweets to get the sugar 'high'.
Another contributing factor to overeating and sweet craving is stress. When we are tense, the adrenal gland produces more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol stimulates production of a brain chemical called 'neuropeptide Y'.
This is kind of a carbohydrate craving switch. Aside from this, neuropeptide Y also makes the body hang on to the new body fat we produce. In other words, tension not only triggers carbohydrate cravings, it also makes it more difficult to lose any additional weight. Cortisol also stimulates insulin, which leads to blood sugar dips and fat storage.
It's a vicious cycle that feeds on itself, over and over.
Food is not just a biological need; there is also an emotional element to it. Something in our emotional state, particularly a negative one evokes an urge for 'comfort' food. By dealing with the issue behind the cravings, it produces emotional relief that can reduce or even eliminate the urge to overeat.
All in all, most experts agree that by eating enough wholesome foods at meals and by having a healthy afternoon snack, people can minimize their cravings for sweets.
Here are recommendations to curb carbo cravings.
1. Eat less but more often. Eat small meals or snacks containing some PROTEIN every few hours to keep blood-sugar levels steady. Skipping meals causes blood sugar levels to drop, which leaves you yearning for processed carbohydrates and sweets for energy.
2. Be selective about the carbohydrates you eat. Avoid nutrient-stripped foods made of white flour, white rice, refined sugar and highly concentrated sweeteners. Look for foods rich in fiber such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which level off blood sugar.
3. Don't skimp on protein to 'make room' for large amounts of carbohydrates. Protein gives the body extended energy, helps balance blood sugar and keeps cravings at bay.
4. Limit your intake of alcohol, fruit juice and caffeinated drinks. These cause abrupt blood-sugar highs followed by troublesome blood-sugar lows, leaving you starved for energy.
5. Eat small portions of seasonal goodies AFTER protein-containing meals or snacks, if at all. If you eat sweets on an empty stomach, you'll experience blood-sugar lows that trigger the desire for more sweets.
6. Avoid becoming famished during shopping trips and while traveling. Carry protein-rich snacks such as nuts, hard-boiled eggs, nutrient-balanced energy bars or "vegetable green" tablets like those listed. These high-power foods are great when you feel your energy drop.
7. Get enough sleep. When the body and mind are well-rested, cravings for carbohydrates often vanish.
The techniques found in "vegetable green" and the diet tips found in "vegetable green" emphasize using a nutritional lifestyle instead of carbohydrate as a source of energy. This avoids falling into the carbohydrate craving cycle. It also counters hunger as a possible source of sweet craving as the feeling full last longer with a protein-fat meal than a carbohydrate one.
For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com
? 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning 'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit "vegetable green"
recurring cleaning service Wilmette ..For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
Headlines:Nearly a quarter of American adults just got diagnosed with... Read More
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases... Read More
The Health and Nutrition Industry has come about as peoples... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
In the last twenty years, a huge and growing body... Read More
Glucosamine is readily produced in the human body and is... Read More
What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More
In today's world, there's a definite need to be proactive... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
OK, no more excuses. Here's how to stop making everyone... Read More
It is ironic how something as obvious as nutrition has... Read More
Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More
Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
The Omega Zone Diet and specialists' opinion"Omega RX Zone -... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
America's focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention... Read More
BASIC MEAL & MENU PLANNINGAs a basis for meals and... Read More
DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More
Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More
Looking into statistics, we can see the average American consumes... Read More
reliable maid service Morton Grove ..Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
Just what is the "New Biology of Health?" And who's... Read More
In today's world, there's a definite need to be proactive... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
Recently I found the book : "Eating and health according... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
A green and lush oasis in the middle of a... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family,... Read More
If you have high cholesterol, the American Heart Association's low-cholesterol,... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
In this newsletter we will discuss the current controversy about... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
While oxygen is the key to human survival, it is... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
With summer comes more sun and with more sun comes... Read More
Nutrition |