Cutting out Cravings for Good!
A craving is defined as the intense desire for some particular thing or the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state.
A craving is defined as the intense desire for some particular thing or the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state. In terms of foods, many of us have fallen prey to late night cravings that result in binging on the wrong type of sugary or salty foods. Ice cream, chocolate, French fries, doughnuts, cookies, you name it! Rarely do we crave healthy and wholesome foods such as vegetables or fruits. It is important to note the difference between a desire for a food and a craving for a food. A craving is a deep rooted brain message that is very difficult to ignore or “fight off”. It is the difference between, “I would enjoy a piece of chocolate cake” and “I need the piece of chocolate cake!”
Why Do We Get Cravings?
The rise and fall of blood sugar levels is one of the main causes of sugar cravings. For example, if a sugary cookie is eaten, blood glucose (sugar) levels are elevated. In response to an elevation in blood sugar, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin to transport the blood glucose into the cells. Unfortunately, if the diet is filled with refined sugars, the body will secrete too much insulin resulting in decreased blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, causes feelings of fatigue, fogginess, headaches and irritability. In order to counteract these feelings, the brain signals the body to crave more sugar in order to raise the levels of glucose in the blood. Reaching for another sugary treat such as a cookie, chocolate chip muffin or cappuccino will indeed raise blood sugar levels, but it will also start the vicious cycle all over again.
Another problem with the above scenario is that the over-secretion of the hormone insulin facilitates the storage of excess fat making weight loss very difficult. By dealing with cravings and eating hormonally balanced meals filled with lean proteins, essential fats and low glycemic index carbohydrates, you will cut out cravings for good and drop those excess pounds. For more information on how to eat in hormonal balance at each and every meal and snack, visit the Truestar Weight Loss section.
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Dealing with Cravings Naturally
When you do experience cravings, it is your body’s way of telling you that it is biochemically imbalanced. In other words, your nutritional intake is lacking in certain areas. As mentioned above, the key is to eat low glycemic index carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats at each and every meal or snack. Examples include:
Low glycemic index carbohydrates – berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), apples, oranges, spinach, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes, squash, beans whole-grain breads and pastas
Essential fats – avocadoes, extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, flaxseed oil, ground flaxseeds, cold-water fish, fish oils
Lean proteins – low-fat dairy products (e.x. yogurt or cottage cheese), egg whites, fish, protein powder or bars, chicken, turkey, soy, limited amount of red meat
As you become aware of your cravings and try to deal with them nutritionally, you may find that the intensity of the cravings might worsen before they improve. I assure you that even though you might experience uncomfortable states around your cravings, this is a normal response by the body and brain and will subside within a short time (three to five days). In order to get over the craving hump, I recommend the following:
1. Supplement with TrueCRAVE control – a synergistic blend of ingredients specially selected for assistance with cravings.
2. Drink plenty of water with fresh squeezed lemon.
3. Drink berry herbal teas.
4. Take chewable vitamin C – 500 mg to 1000mg at a time
5. Experiment with natural sweeteners such as stevia that do not alter blood sugar levels
Be Crave-Free!
Cravings are one of the most powerful indications that your body chemistry is “off”. In addition to dealing with the nagging and constant desire for a specific food, it is also very difficult to lose weight and feel energetic when your blood sugar levels are constantly bouncing around. By following the Truestar meal plans and implementing the steps above, you will be guaranteed to be crave-free for life!
