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"
post construction cleaning Deerfield ..Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the... Read More
When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More
I had finally come to a place in my life... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
Diets don't work. If they did the U.S. of A.... Read More
Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
Spring is in the air and ? summer is around... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Over... Read More
Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
Last year I had a number of clients who started... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
Nutrition usually only comes up when people are finally deciding... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,... Read More
After we have eaten a meal -- and often we... Read More
What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk... Read More
Like the Sun, Moon, and Earth, there are three kinds... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
How is it that we can't seem to think that... Read More
If you are like most people, you've tried dieting before.... Read More
Acid Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a common disease which... Read More
Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More
The Health and Nutrition Industry has come about as peoples... Read More
The debate regarding Fluoride continues to rage, is it good... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
Vitamin EThere has been a lot of controversy about vitamin... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More
Constipation is the passing of dry, hard faeces fewer than... Read More
Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More
The word herb is used to refer to any part... Read More
Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
The cry of "I have no willpower!" often emerges from... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
Are You Half The Man Your Father Was?It is a... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin... Read More
Nutrition |