Curb your carb addiction

[historyteach]

I found this article while searching other things. Hope you find it helpful!

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 Maximize Your Metabolism and the diet tips found in The Living Health Weight Loss Audio 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: 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.
Article Source: EzineArticles. com/?expert=Chris_Guerriero

Shalom!

[BigSis]

My guess is that we have genetic differences in many ways about how we process food and how we burn energy.

The sugar abstinance I started on March 17 is mostly about trying to relieve the cravings.... once I figured out that my contant grazing WAS my response to the cravings. I knew about the serotonin hit from food, but for some reason had not drawn the correlation between that and addiction. Once I realized that the process of getting high was the same for food as for drugs, and became more aware of my own tendency toward addiction, a sugar fast made more sense.

I do still get some "cravings".... my body still wants to comfort itself with the hit of serotonin. But today I am getting better at recognizing that I can get that same feeling through something a little less self-destructive - I work out in the evening. When I leave the gym, I am never (ever!) still "hungry"... the craving has been satisfied.

I think science is finally getting close to some real answers regarding eating issues. (yay!)

Thank you for this article, Teach. ((hugs))

[BigSis]

Originally Posted by Earthmaiden

I think science has known for a long time about eating issues, I think they've been holding out on us because if we knew, the diet product industry would take a huge dive. ......

Don't mind me, I'm just a conspiracy theorist.

Me, too! But I try to keep it down in mixed company...grin.

Money rules western society - there are good and bad in that. The only way I can tolerate the injustices (in many areas... do NOT get me started on Big Oil and Energy!!), is to pull my focus back in to my immedatge surroundings. To make a difference where I can... if enough of us little people pull in the same direction, Big Money will follow. They are not creators, they are only reactors. WE are the creators of reality.

... (can you tell I've been listening to "The Secret"? ... smile).

[Neagrm]

Great article. Thanks for putting it on here. It explains a lot and further clarification is always welcome.

I realize I need to pay more attention to the protein aspect and figure out some quick/easy ways to get it. The carbs are too easy in comparison it seems.

I'm working on walking more, but it isn't a habit yet, and I struggle some days more than others due to energy waning and I tend to overheat so quickly.

I know it all works together, though, and hope to get into a more stable place physically.

Thanks for the helpful discussion.