top 5 facts about carbohydrates craving

Carb cravings are hard to beat, especially when you're trying to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. Carbohydrate cravings aren't just a matter of willpower, however. As emphasized by Dr. Atkins in his book, carbohydrates produce a flood of insulin and a rise in blood sugar. There really is a physical trigger for craving carbs, and it's one of the reasons why it's so easy to develop a high-carb, low-protein diet. There are many signs of physical cravings for carbohydrates. You experience compulsive hunger for carbohydrate-rich foods. Over time, you will develop an increasing need for starches, snacks and sweets. Additionally, you may experience cravings and weight gain after consuming certain carbohydrates, such as sugar substitutes and alcohol. High carb foods are everywhere, making it even harder to beat cravings. Eating foods high in sugar and refined starch will satiate your cravings and create more, much like a drug addiction. In fact, high levels of carbohydrates produce high levels of the brain chemical seratonin, which is the chemical found in Prozac and other antidepressants. So eating lots of carbs is self-medication. People with low seratonin levels are prone to using carbohydrates as a drug. Tension and stress can also lead to overeating of foods high in carbohydrates. When we are stressed, the adrenal gland produces more cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates the production of a chemical in the brain that causes cravings for carbohydrates. It also stimulates insulin, which leads to a drop in blood sugar and more fat storage. With all these factors in mind, it can 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 carb addiction and take back your life and your health. The Atkins plan will help you take control of your cravings and undo years of damage from eating too many carbs. On the Atkins diet, you may experience carb cravings from time to time, especially during the early stages of the diet. However, these will decrease as your body gets used to a protein-focused diet. To keep your cravings in check, eat small meals or snacks that contain protein every few hours. This will keep your blood sugar stable and avoid the "crash" you feel when you're hungry. Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar to drop and leave you with a sweet tooth. The proteins and fats that the Atkins plan focuses on will give your body extended energy. Make sure you are getting enough essential fats. Sometimes an Omega 3 fish oil supplement will help stave off carb cravings. Cravings can sometimes be caused by dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water before reaching for any type of snack. Sometimes thirst can masquerade as hunger. When your body is properly hydrated, it will run more efficiently and you will see a decrease in food cravings. Be aware that there is a physical dependence on carbohydrates that will need to be broken. Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed by carb cravings after the first few days of the plan. That's normal. Your body is used to running on a diet full of sugar and carbohydrates. It will take some time to get used to this new way of eating. Normally, these feelings don't last longer than a two-week induction period. Stay committed to this new way of eating and you will quickly see the benefits. Word count: 593