Carbohydrate cravings are hard to deal with, especially if you are trying to maintain a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. However, craving carbohydrates is not just a matter of determination. As Dr Atkins points out in his book, carbohydrates produce insulin levels and increase blood sugar levels. There is indeed a physical beginning to crave carbohydrates, and it is one of the reasons why it is so easy to create a diet high in carbohydrates, and low in protein.
There are many signs of a craving for physical carbohydrates. You will experience a compulsory hunger for carbohydrate-rich foods. In time, you will have an increasing need for starch, snacks and sweets. Additionally, you may experience cravings and weight gain after using some carbohydrate act-a-likes like these instead of sugar and alcohol.
High-carbohydrate foods are everywhere, making cravings even harder to overcome. High-sugar foods and refined starchy foods will satisfy your cravings and create more, such as drug addiction. High levels of carbohydrates produce high levels of the brain chemical serotonin, a chemical found in Prozac and other anti-depressants. So eating high levels of carbohydrates is self-healing. People with low serotonin levels tend to use carbohydrates as a medicine.
Depression and stress can lead to eating a diet high in carbohydrates. When stimulated, the adrenal gland produces more cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates the production of brain chemicals that trigger carbohydrate cravings. It also stimulates insulin, which leads to lower blood sugar and fat retention.
Considering all these factors, it may seem impossible to live with a low carbohydrate diet. However, following the Atkins program is one of the best ways to break the cycle of carbohydrate addiction and restore your health and well-being. The Atkins system helps you control your cravings and eliminate the age-related damage caused by eating too many carbohydrates.
During the Atkins diet, you may experience occasional carbohydrate cravings, especially during the first stages of the diet. However, these will decrease as your body becomes accustomed to eating protein-rich foods. To control your cravings, eat small meals or snacks that contain protein every few hours. This will keep your blood sugar stable and avoid the "disturbances" you feel when you are hungry. Skipping meals will cause you to lose the sugar and leave you craving sweets.
Protein and fat, the focus of the Atkins system, will give your body extra energy. Make sure you get enough levels of essential oils. Sometimes Omega-3 fish oil supplements will help curb carbohydrate cravings.
Anorexia can sometimes be caused by dehydration. It is a good rule of thumb to drink a glass of water before getting any kind of snack. In some situations, thirst can disguise itself as hunger. If your body is well hydrated, you will function more efficiently, and you will experience a decrease in appetite.
Be aware that there are physical carbohydrate addictions that need to be eliminated. Don't worry if you feel full of carbs after the first few days of the program. Your body normally works with foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. It will take time to get used to this new way of eating. Generally, these feelings do not last longer than the two-week induction period. Stay tuned for this new diet, and you will see the benefits immediately.
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