Cravings for carbohydrates can be challenging to control, especially if you’re attempting to stick to a low-carb diet. But fighting the urge to eat carbohydrates requires more than simply willpower. Carbohydrates result in an overproduction of insulin and a spike in blood sugar, as Dr. Atkins notes in his book. There is a physical reason why people need carbohydrates, which is one of the reasons it is so simple to adopt a high-carbohydrate, low-protein eating pattern.
High-carbohydrate foods
There are various indicators of bodily desires for carbohydrates. You’ll have a strong desire for foods high in carbohydrates. You’ll find that your cravings for carbs, snack foods, and sweets increase over time. Additionally, you can gain weight and feel cravings after utilizing some of the carbohydrate act-a-likes such as sugar substitutes and alcohol.
There are a lot of high-carbohydrate foods available, which makes it more difficult to resist urges. Similar to a drug habit, eating refined carbohydrate items heavy in sugar will just fuel your cravings. In actuality, excessive carbohydrate intake leads to high levels of seratonin in the brain, which is the chemical in Prozac and other anti-depressants. Thus, consuming a lot of carbohydrates is a form of self-medication. Serotonin deficiency makes people more likely to abuse carbs.
Cravings for carbohydrates
Stress and tension can also cause people to eat too many foods high in carbohydrates. The adrenal gland produces more cortisol when we are anxious. A brain chemical that induces cravings for carbohydrates is stimulated by the hormone cortisol. Additionally, it activates insulin, which causes blood sugar drops and increased fat storing.
With all of these considerations, it could seem impossible to maintain a low-carb diet. One of the greatest ways to end the cycle of carb addiction and reclaim your life and your health is to adhere to the Atkins diet, though. The Atkins diet can help you manage your urges and undo years of harm from consuming too many carbohydrates.
Blood sugar levels
You could occasionally have a yearning for carbohydrates when following the Atkins diet, especially in the beginning. However, when your body adjusts to eating a diet high in protein, these side effects will diminish. Eat protein-rich little meals or snacks every couple of hours to control your appetite. This will maintain the stability of your blood sugar levels and prevent the “crash” that results from hunger. Skipping meals will result in blood sugar dips and a sweet tooth.
Your body will have more sustained energy thanks to the Atkins diet’s emphasis on protein and fat. Ensure that you are consuming enough of the vital fats. An omega-3 fish oil supplement can occasionally help ward off cravings for carbohydrates.
Dehydration can occasionally be the source of food cravings. A glass of water should always be had before attempting to eat any kind of snack. Sometimes hunger and thirst are confused. Your body will function more effectively and you’ll experience fewer cravings when it is properly hydrated.
Recognize the need to overcome the physical addiction to carbs. After a few days on the plan, it’s normal to experience intense carb cravings. That is typical. A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates is what your body is accustomed to functioning on. The transition to this new eating pattern will take some time. Typically, these emotions don’t persist for longer than the two-week induction period. Stay committed to this new way of eating and you will see the benefits quickly.