Carbohydrate cravings are hard to deal with, especially when you're trying to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. However, carbohydrate cravings are not just a matter of willpower. As Dr. Atkins points out in his book, carbohydrates produce a rush of insulin and a spike in blood sugar.
In fact, there is a physical trigger for carb cravings, and it's one of the reasons it's so easy to develop a high-carb, low-protein way of eating.
There are many signs of physical carbohydrate cravings. You will experience an overwhelming hunger for foods rich in carbohydrates.
Over time, you will develop a growing need for starches, snacks, and sweets. Also, you may experience cravings and weight gain after using some of the carbohydrates you like, such as sugar substitutes and alcohol.
High carbohydrate foods are everywhere, making cravings even harder to overcome.
Eating foods high in sugar and refined starch will fuel your cravings and create more, much like the drug habit. In fact, high levels of carbohydrates produce high levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is the chemical found in Prozac and other antidepressants.
So eating high levels of carbohydrates is self-medicating. People with low serotonin levels are prone to consuming carbohydrates like a drug.
Tension and stress can also lead to overeating carbohydrate-laden foods. When we are tense, the adrenal gland creates more cortisol.
Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates the production of a brain chemical that triggers carbohydrate cravings. It also stimulates insulin, which causes blood sugar drops and more fat storage.
With all of these factors in mind, it may seem impossible to live on a low-carb diet. However, following the Atkins plan is one of the best ways to break the cycle of carbohydrate addiction and get your life and health back.
The Atkins plan helps you control your cravings and rid yourself of years of damage caused by eating too many carbohydrates.
While on the Atkins diet, you may experience some carbohydrate cravings from time to time, especially during the initial phases of the diet. However, these will decrease as your body becomes more used to eating a protein-focused diet.
To control your cravings, eat small meals or snacks that contain protein every few hours. This will keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent the "crash" you feel when you are hungry. Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar to drop and leave you craving sweets.
Protein and fat, which are the focus of the Atkins plan, will give your body more energy. Make sure you are getting sufficient levels of essential fats. Sometimes an omega-3 fish oil supplement will help stave off carbohydrate cravings.
Food cravings can sometimes be due to dehydration. It's a good rule of thumb to drink a glass of water before having any type of snack. Sometimes thirst can masquerade as hunger.
When your body is properly hydrated, it will function more efficiently and you will see a decrease in cravings.
Recognize that there is a physical addiction to carbohydrates that you will have to break. Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed by carbohydrate cravings after the first few days of the plan. This is normal.
Your body is used to running on a diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates.
It will take some time to adjust to this new way of eating. Typically these feelings do not last longer than the two week induction period. Stay committed to this new way of eating and you will see the benefits quickly.
Comments
Post a Comment