ComputerHunter.org

 

Curbing Your Carbohydrate Addiction


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: 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 http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com







Google News - Top Stories

Hurricane Ike pounds Caribbean, worries US
Los Angeles Times - 3 hours ago
Crops in Haiti and Cuba, already soaked by previous storms, are ruined. Florida Keys residents evacuate. By Carol J. Williams, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer MIAMI -- An extremely dangerous Hurricane Ike churned through the Caribbean on Sunday with ...
Video: Ike Tears Path of Destruction Through Caribbean AssociatedPress
No more fleeing, say many in Hurricane Ike's path Seattle Times
Chicago Tribune - Bloomberg - BBC News - TheNewsTribune.com
all 5,152 news articles


Times Online

Stocks in Europe, Asia, US Futures Rally on Fannie, Freddie
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By Michael Patterson Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Stocks in Europe and Asia climbed and US futures gained on speculation the US government's takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will shore up the mortgage market and stem losses at financial firms.
Video: AP Top Stories AssociatedPress
European Factors-Shares set to soar on Fannie, Freddie bailout Forbes
MarketWatch - Reuters - Washington Post - guardian.co.uk
all 5,812 news articles


AFP

Top-level China, India talks amid nuclear deal tension
AFP - 41 minutes ago
NEW DELHI (AFP) - Asian giants India and China were to hold talks on Monday amid tension over Beijing's perceived reluctance to support New Delhi's civilian nuclear ambitions.
Videocon looking at nuclear energy options - chairman Reuters India
New Zealand compromises on India nuclear deal Xinhua
Reuters - BBC News - Monsters and Critics.com - Moneycontrol.com
all 1,851 news articles


BBC News

Drawing a Bead on the Press
New York Times - 5 hours ago
By DAVID CARR Before Gov. Sarah Palin came flying in from the wilds of Alaska for the Republican convention in St. Paul, there was a lot of sniggering in media rooms and satellite trucks about her beauty queen looks and rustic hobbies, ...
McCain moves ahead of Obama in at least one poll International Herald Tribune
google news commentComment by John S. Baick Professor of History, Western New England College
The UCLA Daily Bruin - FOXNews - CBS News - Indiana Statesman
all 3,630 news articles


The Age

New Pakistan President Will Face `Struggling' Economy (Update1)
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By James Rupert Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari is set to take over as president of a country with the world's riskiest debt, the weakest currency in its history and a stock market so depressed that the exchange ordered a freeze on ...
Video: Inside Story-Pakistan's New President-Sept 7, Part 1 AlJazeeraEnglish
Suicide blast kills 35 in Pakistan; Zardari set to take power International Herald Tribune
Jerusalem Post - Times Online - Reuters - AFP
all 4,087 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base