Diet Atkin

There are many signs of physical carbo cravings. Some experience compelling hunger for carbohydrate rich foods. Then it will develop into a growing need for starches, junk foods and sweets. Adding on, some experience cravings and weight gain after consuming some of the carbohydrate-like-substance for example sugar substitutes and alcohol.

Carbohydrate cravings can be difficult to deal with, especially when you are trying to maintain a low carbohydrate diet. In fact, carbohydrate cravings are not just a matter of will power. As Dr. Atkins points out in his book, carbohydrates produces flood of insulin and a rise in blood sugar. There is indeed physical trigger for carbohydrate cravings, and it is one of the reasons that it is so easy to fall into high-carbs, low protein way of eating.

High carbohydrate foods are everywhere causing cravings even harder to overcome. Eating the high-sugar, refined starch foods will feed your cravings and create more, much like drug addiction. High levels of carbohydrates produce high levels of the brain chemical seratonin, the same chemical found in Prozac and other anti-depressants. Eating high levels of carbohydrates is self-medicating. People with low levels of seratonin are prone to consume carbohydrates like a drug.

Tension and stress also lead to over-indulging carbohydrate-rich foods. When we are tense, the adrenal gland creates more cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates production of brain chemical that causes carbohydrate cravings. It also stimulates insulin, which leads to blood sugar dips and more fat storage.

Considering all these factors, it may sound impossible to live on low-carbo diet. But by following Atkins diet plan, it is one of the best ways to break the cycle of carbohydrate addiction and reclaim your life and your health. The Atkins plan helps you take control of your cravings and protect you from possible damage caused by eating too much carbohydrates.

While on the diet, you may still experience cravings from time to time, especially during the initial phase. But this tend to lessen as your body becomes more adept to eating protein-centered diet. In order to keep your cravings in check, eat small meals or snacks protein-content food every few hours or so. This stabilize your blood sugar thus avoiding the “crash” you feel when you are hungry. Skipping meals only causes drops in blood sugar and leave you craving.

Protein and fat (the focus of the Atkins) give your body extended energy. Make sure you get enough levels of the essential fats. Sometimes Omega 3 fish oil supplement helps stave off carbohydrate cravings.

Dehydration can cause food cravings. A good rule of the thumb is to drink a glass of water before reaching for the snack. Thirst can mask itself as hunger. When your body is properly hydrated, it runs more efficiently and you experience a decrease in cravings.

There is physical addiction to carbohydrates that needs to be broken. Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed with cravings for carbs after the first few days on the plan. This is normal. Your body is used to running on a diet full of sugar and carbohydrates. It will take some time to adjust to this new way of eating. Normally, these feelings don’t last more than the two-week induction period. Stay committed you will reap the benefits sooner than you thought.

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