Most cravings are produced by a physical, chemical and emotional component. Naturally our body craves carbohydrates while losing weight because to lose weight you must decrease the amount of carbohydrate in the diet. Emotionally we crave carbohydrates to make us feel better, because carbohydrates increase seratonin levels in the brain. Nutritionists also belive that biochemically when you don’t eat enough protein, your body will naturally crave sugars and carbohydrates more (think vegetarian diet).
It only takes a few minutes for a craving to pass. The longer you eat a healthy diet the less you crave unhealthy foods, such as sugar or sodium. If you’re craving unhelthy foods it’s important to take your mind off of the craving. Here are some activities you can do that may help you overcome carbohydrate cravin
gs:
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Reading a book or magazine
- Call a friend
- Exercise or housework
- Play with your children/ animals
- Brush your teeth; chew sugar free gum, mouthwash
- Meditate or visualize
Eating a healthy diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, good quality fats, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates can fight off food cravings. Drink plently of water as it can help you fill you up inbetween meals so you crave food less often. Fiber will also help to do the same.
Many vitamins can also help you to decrease carbohydrate cravings. It is important to talk to your health care providor before choosing the right supplements for you. The mineral chromium is most well known to help fight carbohydrate cravings. Look for chromium that states, GTF, on the label at either a 200 mcg or 500 mcg doses. Chromium may help to regulate glucose metabloism, especially if diabetes in present in your family health history.
Do you have a health question you would like to ask Rachelle Wood, Registered Holistic Nutritionist? If so, email her at positivechange@rachellewood.ca