Breaking the Cycle of Carb Addiction

One of the most difficult resolutions to make, and more so to keep in your life, is to determine to adopt a low carbohydrate way of living. Without mincing words, suppressing your hunger and desire for carbohydrate is not by any means just an overnight task. It is much more than that!

It is clearly stated in Dr Atkins book, that carbohydrates prompt the release of insulin in the body, and then a rise in blood sugar. The ease with which one can develop a liking for high- carbohydrate, low protein diet can be traced to the physical activation that usually occurs.

There are several symptoms that depict a physically induced hunger or desire for carbohydrates. This is usually a desire for rich carbohydrate foods, followed by increased assumption of carbohydrate byproduct like alcohol, and other sugar replacements.

Foods with high carbohydrates content are so rampant, that to quench ones lust for them becomes very difficult. As you take more and more of this refined starch based foods, it becomes more difficult to free oneself from the addiction that ensues.

It’s been found that high level of carbohydrate is self-prophylactic. This is so, because, high amount of carbohydrates have been found to stimulate the production of high level of serotonin which is a brain chemical also found in Prozac and other anti-depressants. Often times, people with low levels of serotonin are found to use carbohydrates addictively.

Stress is one of the factors that are predisposing to carbohydrate over-consumption. When stressed, the adrenal gland produces more cortisol which is a hormone that further leads to the production of another, causing increased hunger for carbs. Insulin is also stimulated, increasing blood sugar and fat storage.

When all these factors are put together, it appears somewhat that subsistence on a low- carbohydrate diet is impossible. However, this is not true. When you incorporate Dr Atkins plan into your lifestyle and stick to it, you will be able to liberate yourself from the bondage of carbohydrate dependency and live a healthier life.

When working with the Atkins diet, the intense hunger for carbohydrates will still come once in a while, more so at onset. However, the desire will subside as you adapt to eating a protein-based diet. Methodologies to keep the carbohydrate consumption desire at bay include taking meals (containing protein) in bits every few hours. This way your blood sugar remains stabilized and you do not have to ‘sabotage’ all your efforts at once if you go hungry. Do not skip meals. It causes a reduction in your blood sugar, and makes you hungry for sweets.

Proteins and fats are an essential aspect of the Atkins plan. They supply the body large amounts of energy, and also supplement the body’s need for essential acids, Omega 3 fish oil supplement helps to reduce your hunger for carbs.

Another method that helps to you to keep to the Atkins plan is the act of taking in water regularly. Before taking any snack, drink a cup of water. This will help to quench thirst that may appear as hunger, and reduce your consumption of carbohydrate. Drinking adequate amounts of water also keeps your body hydrated.

You need to know that your love for carbohydrate diets will disappear overnight. Even if during your initial days of trying out the Atkins plan, you feel you will not be able to cope. It is because your body as become accustomed to living on sugars and carbohydrates. Do not panic! The desires should not last more than the two-week adjustment period.

Stick to the Atkins plan, and in no time, you will begin to reap the benefits.