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 ..Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my 6-month old... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
According to the Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis... Read More
It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More
Although many realize that the liver has its own cleansing... Read More
The Health and Nutrition Industry has come about as peoples... Read More
This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More
"What exercises can I do to ?? As fitness professional... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
So what's all the shake up about anyway?. To put... Read More
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin like A and E.... Read More
Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
The first place that we cut corners when we are... Read More
If you want to lose weight, there is one thing... Read More
Post nasal drip is a sensation of mucous build up... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
Meal sizes and frequency are very important. Over the years... Read More
custom home cleaning Arlington Heights ..One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More
When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More
The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG... Read More
Meal replacements have been part of the diet landscape for... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Most digestive disorders develop because of the bodys inability to... Read More
Scandinavian fishermen are a healthy bunch. It had long been... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time... Read More
Food addiction isn't a problem. Pretending like you can't live... Read More
Imagine you're a cell.Inside your body runs the machinery that... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
Besides providing taste, color, and aroma, certain seasonings can also... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in... Read More
The secret of success is knowing how to deal with... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
Nutrition |