Carbohydrate Cravings – Deal with it!

Craving for carbohydrates is a very challenging problem to deal with mainly when trying to sustain a minimum carbohydrate lifestyle. It takes more than will power to control and maintain carbohydrate craving at bay. According to Dr. Atkins, carbohydrates fabricate an overflow of insulin resulting in an increase in blood sugar. Carbohydrate craving is set off by physical factors and this is the major reason for many people to eat more carbohydrates than proteins.
There are a lot of symptoms resulting in physical craving for carbohydrates. It may take any of the following forms: an inducement to consume more of carbohydrates, an urge to consume sweets, snacks and starches, there may also be weight gain if sugar substitutes or alcohol is consumed.
The craving is induced more due to the easy availability of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are also used as drugs because it produces great levels of serotonin, a brain chemical which is also found in many anti-depressants. Hence, eating a large amount of carbohydrate is a form of self medication and this is the reason why people with lower levels of serotonin tend to eat more of carbohydrates.
Excess carbohydrates may be consumed even because of stress and tension. Under stressful conditions more cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland which stimulates carbohydrate cravings. It also brings down the blood sugar levels thereby resulting in a higher range of fat storage by pumping up insulin.
It may seem quite impossible to live without carbohydrates when the above facts are considered. Then again, it is the best way available to adopt a healthy lifestyle without an addiction or craving for carbohydrates. This diet plan helps in keeping an eye on the excessive and unwanted carbohydrate consumption and in turn helps in staying hale and healthy for years to come.
It is very common to experience cravings for carbohydrates during the induction stage of the diet plan. In spite of this, your body would be able to get over it once you get adjusted to the protein diet. Eating smaller meals at regular intervals would also help in keeping the cravings at bay. This would help in keeping a stable blood sugar level and would not let you have the crash feeling or the urge to eat sweets.
Fats and proteins, the main components of the diet plan will provide the body with the energy that is needed. It is essential to make sure that all the essential fats are consumed at the right levels. Craving for carbohydrate can be cut down by using Omega three fish oil.
Dehydration may also cause craving for carbohydrates by masking itself in the form of hunger. Hence, it is recommended to drink some amount of water before consuming any kind of snack. This is because an adequately hydrated body would keep the cravings to the minimum level and would also help the body in running efficiently.
The physical addiction towards carbohydrates ought to be broken and there is absolutely no point in worrying about such cravings during the initial stages of the diet as it is completely normal. This is because it takes a few weeks for the body to get adapted to the change in diet. In the longer run, if this diet is followed properly effective results can be achieved. Properly following the Atkins diet plan along with adequate exercises is an amazing way to stay fit and healthy and also to lead a comparatively stress free life.