Beating food cravings.
There is nothing abnormal about the occasional food craving. Chocolate, potato chips, pizza, ice creams...we all desire something less than healthy for our bodies from time to time, and there is nothing wrong with giving into those cravings once in awhile. In fact, it can be beneficial to give in to the food cravings, no matter what the food group, as often it is out body telling us that something is needed, from carbohydrates, to sugar, to protein.
Often, people will assume that those who have food cravings on a more regular basis are suffering from some kind of poor will power, or unhealthy lifestyle. They may think that that person wants nothing but bad food because there is something wrong with them. However, this is rarely ever the case, and while eating these foods all the time is a sign of a problem, more often than not, there are underlying biological reasons these cravings exist.
Two reasons for food cravings.
Depression And Fatigue – While two separate conditions, these two problems often cause the same dip in hormones, causing the same results: craving sweet food. When we are depressed, or just seriously exhausted, a hormone (serotonin) in the body will decrease, sparking messages to the brain that something is needed to pep it up. When we eat sweet foods, or even simple carbohydrates, our Serotonin levels increase, activating our brain's pleasure center.
Insulin Resistance – Those who have been on diets for long periods of time, especially low carbohydrate, or low fat diets, may develop a condition known as insulin resistance. This is when the cells in the body that regulate blood sugar do not resist the influence of insulin in the body, causing the system to be unable to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. This will cause sudden, unexplained weight gain, which often leaves a person unsure of what is happening to their body.
How to beat your food cravings ?
Beating food cravings is much easier to do then you might think. If you are aware of the fact that your body is only craving unhealthy things for the reasons above, then you can learn to replace them, or even keep them from occurring to begin with.
The place to start is by eating regular meals, full of complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and the vitamins you need. Fruits eaten throughout the day will help to maintain a healthy blood sugar level, and eating things like whole wheat crackers will beat food cravings for carbs.
If you still find yourself with food cravings, try to replace it with something else. For instance, if you are craving pizza, break down the ingredients, and find a healthier alternative. Try a few crackers, some tomato slices, a piece of cheese, and some pepperoni slices. If you are craving refried beans and Mexican rice, try a cup of red beans and rice. For ice cream, try a low fat yogurt, or a Popsicle. Little changes can make a big difference in helping to beat food cravings.
