Sugar is everywhere and it can show up in some surprising places. Did you know that most whole grain breads contain at least one form of sugar?
We have a national epidemic of sweet tooth. Even if you don't eat a lot of sugary treats, you may experience intense sugar cravings in the first few weeks of the Atkins diet.
So many "healthy" carbohydrate foods have hidden sugars, your body may be experiencing withdrawal.
The problem with sugar is that your blood sugar level is related to your energy levels and your overall health. When your blood sugar level is too low, you will experience intense cravings.
High blood sugar is the result of eating foods that are high in sugar. When you eat concentrated sugar, your blood sugar will rise to high levels. Your pancreas thinks something is wrong and then secretes insulin to lower your blood sugar.
As this happens more, it can create prediabetic conditions in your body as your pancreas wears out and is ultimately unable to secrete insulin.
Fortunately, starting on the Atkins diet plan can stop this cycle. However, this does not mean that sugar cravings disappear automatically. Sugar products are everywhere, and temptation is hard to fight sometimes.
The best way to tackle sugar cravings is by planning. By keeping a balance of protein, fat, and fiber in your daily diet, you will prevent blood sugar spikes that lead to sugar cravings.
Also, don't go too long between meals without eating. Snacks are an important part of keeping your blood sugar stable.
Keep some handy snacks like cheese, nuts, seeds, and hard-boiled eggs on hand so you can quickly stabilize your blood sugar without turning to sweet treats.
Sugar cravings can also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. When you're low on magnesium, you crave chocolate and other sweets.
Zinc and chromium can also prevent sugar cravings. If you are not taking a good multivitamin supplement with these minerals, start right away. If so and you still have cravings, consider trying additional supplements of these nutrients.
Another tactic is brushing your teeth. Many Atkins dieters find that brushing their teeth or using Listerine breath strips can help with cravings.
Both methods will make your mouth numb and keep you from wanting to eat. Drinking two large glasses of water can also help eliminate cravings. If your stomach is full, you will be less likely to reach for a sugary snack.
Sometimes out of sight, out of mind is the best approach. If you're feeling overwhelmed by cravings while at home, go out and take a walk.
The distraction will have you forgetting your sugar cravings in no time. Calling a friend for help or logging into an Atkins help forum can also go a long way in preventing you from succumbing to sugar cravings.
Having a low carb version of your favorite treat is another good idea. You are less likely to feel deprived if you can have a satisfying low carb treat.
There are a wide variety of low carb products available on the market that can beat your sweet tooth. Low carb yogurt, chocolate, ice cream, and candy can help you stay on the Atkins plan and still get something sweet to eat.
Sugar cravings are a reality when following the Atkins plan, but the tips above will help you overcome them and stay committed to your weight loss efforts.
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