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"
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..One of the biggest mistakes many new bodybuilders make is... Read More
For decades science has been looking for the answers to... Read More
A hundred years ago, life was very different here on... Read More
With the array of different diets and diet foods available... Read More
For a considerable amount of time, nutrition has not played... Read More
The Zone Diet has been around since around 1995, when... Read More
Are you sick and tired of the confusion about our... Read More
Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Finding simple ways to reduce my waistline is always a... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... Read More
Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life... Read More
In this fast paced world, good nutrition may sound very... Read More
Spring is in the air and ? summer is around... Read More
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the healthiest of them... Read More
The Omega Zone Diet and specialists' opinion"Omega RX Zone -... Read More
Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the... Read More
Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
Food addiction isn't a problem. Pretending like you can't live... Read More
After WLS we must concentrate on eating nutrient rich food.... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
How Can... Read More
Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
If you are like most people, you've tried dieting before.... Read More
Dieters who dejectedly complain they are figuratively "stuck" with their... Read More
Although many realize that the liver has its own cleansing... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
In today's world, there's a definite need to be proactive... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
What is the best protein powder to buy? I get... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
How many times have you tried to diet/lose weight in... Read More
The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More
Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer... Read More
A hundred years ago, life was very different here on... Read More
Many people experience unpleasant reactions to foods they have eaten... Read More
Having a personal wellness program has become a concern for... Read More
For some people it is really hard to give up... Read More
Inflammation is not a disease.Inflammation is best described as a... Read More
Finally, dieters and healthy eaters everywhere have reason to rejoice,... Read More
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin like A and E.... Read More
Nutrition |