What causes those out of control carb cravings?!
Question:
What causes those out of control carb cravings that occur when I try to eliminate bad carbs from my diet? I can go for several days without processed carbs, replacing them with fruit and veggies but eventually the cravings kick in and I feel like I'm going to loose my mind if I don't have a donut, cake, cookies, ice cream, etc. Is this normal? Am I on the verge of a breakthrough when this is happening? If so, how to I hold on to my sanity during this period? When I finally do give in, I end up eating more carbs than I would have if I'd never tried to eliminate them. -- Finally, I'm not sure if my brain is driving the cravings or if this is physiolgoical but it makes me empathize with folks who are addicted to drugs because the cravings are so strong.
Answers:
Your body is craving the "energy" that carbohydrates gives us.There are other alternatives from the carbs.Try snacking on apple slices with 1 T of fat free peanutbutter or cut up some celery,broccoli,carrots so they can be on hand when you are having those attacks.Don't drink soda as it is empty calories plus the glucose(sugar ) adds up to extra pounds.It is hard to advoid tempations such as cookies,cakes,pies..(I have a sweet tooth myself) My doctor told me I have to watch my insulin levels as I am not breaking the carbs so I am on a high protein low carb diet.I would recommend getting some books such as south beach,zone or a low carb cookbook that you can make wonderful recipies out of and hopefully this will cure your desire for carbs.
Other Answers:
This is easy. Protein is the culprit. Women need about 100 grams of protein a day and men 150 grams. The reason why is protein will slow down your insulin production which in turn will slow down your cravings. You still need those fruits and vegetables but their needs to be a balance. Some of my clients will crave different types of carbs but when we increase there protein they start to feel normal again.
Source(s):
http://www.slimplan4u.com
The cravings are caused by addiction! It's the same reason a smoker craves cigs. You have to ride the cravings out or use trickery to get through them. Try making cocoa with cocoa powder splenda and whip cream, very indulgent and no carbs! The longer you go without the easier it gets. Your body is simply freaking out because it's not getting it's fix!
Answers: