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"
whole house cleaning Highland Park ..This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More
Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Secretly we all want just a few things in life,... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
How many times have you tried to diet/lose weight in... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
There are basically four major components, or essential molecular components... Read More
What I am also going to point out is the... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
Eating orange mean absorbing vitamin C to our body, is... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Get back to the basics - eat fresh at home... Read More
If you're looking for a power-packed entr?e or soup to... Read More
All of my life I believed the best way to... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
Nature works mostly on the principle of thing and no... Read More
Having a personal wellness program has become a concern for... Read More
Picture yourself in one of the following scenarios.You're cruising along... Read More
Beverages - and not just alcohol - are a significant... Read More
We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Glenview ..Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More
You've no doubt heard the saying, "You are what you... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
Secretly we all want just a few things in life,... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Heart disease results when plaque builds up inside the arterial... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Great news on the chocolate front! Chocolate is good for... Read More
There are a lot of very good reasons to eat... Read More
Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More
Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two... Read More
I'm willing to bet you probably haven't heard the word... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
Creating Your Target is easy.What I use to help create... Read More
What are Glyconutrients? Glyconutrients are eight newly discovered biologically-active sugars... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
You know about Vitamins A,C, D, E ,and the B's... Read More
Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More
Some people say to themselves, junk food is not that... Read More
Initially discovered as a new element in 1811 by Barnard... Read More
What is nutrition? We hear so many reports today on... Read More
In today's world, there's a definite need to be proactive... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
Nutrition |