Beat those Sugar Cravings

Chandi Schwab
When we have food cravings it often means that our body has it's signals mixed up. When we are exhausted or blue we have low blood sugar and/or low serotonin, and the body signals to the brain that it needs a pick-me-up. This signal causes a sugar craving or a carbohydrate craving. Serotonin is our basic feel-good hormone. If serotonin is low we feel depressed or sad; and hormonal imbalance or weak digestion can lead to low serotonin. Unfortunately sugars and simple carbohydrates only release a short burst of serotonin. We feel good for a moment,but shortly return to our low-serotonin state,then end up craving more sugar and simple carbs. It's a continuing downward spiral.

Often times we relate low-fat diets to losing weight. But we are unintentionally making the problem worse. If we don't get enough insulin we become at least partially insulin resistant. Insulin is responsible for maintaining stable blood sugar levels by telling the bodies cells when to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.Being insulin resistant means your body stops responding to insulin, and instead grabs every calorie it can and deposits it as fat.So no matter how little you eat,you will gradually gain weight. Even worse insulin resistance leads directly to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

How to break this vicious cycle?To reduce food cravings the body needs real support-and lots of it. We have seen over and over that eating healthy foods, adding nutritional supplements, and exercise can miraculously curb cravings. We can't completely eliminate sugars out of our diet.We just need to choose the right ones. Our metabolism can heal itself with the right nutritional support. That great saying again comes to mind."Everything in moderation." Here are some sweet ideas for a healthy way to beat those sugar cravings.

*Fruit Smoothie (mix in blender with protein supplement)

*Activia or Yo Plus yogurt

*Fresh fruit

*Whole wheat toast with honey on it

*Celery with Natural Peanut Butter

*Honey Granola bars(I love the Sunbelt brand, nice and chewy)

*Special K Cereal (with fruit or there is vanilla almond)