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For many dieters, staying away from carbohydrates is one of the toughest parts of the entire weight loss process. Many of our most beloved comfort foods contain carbs, for example, mashed potatoes, French fries, desserts and many of the most popular snack and junk foods. When we are dieting, we are often under stress to adhere to a eating and exercise plan which makes our desire for carbohydrates even greater (because they make us feel better).
Besides our emotional connections to this food group, some scientists believe that there are also physical reasons why we crave carbs and while cutting down our consumption of the bad ones may not just be about will power. The more carbs you eat, the more your body will want. If you are an admitted carbohydrate junkie, you will find tips in this article to help you pare down the amount that you eat and how to choose healthier options. Carbohydrates cause insulin levels to spike, which makes your body want them as well. To break this cycle, it is very important to take action. To “cure” your addiction, try:
1. Lowering Your Stress Levels: When we get stressed out, our bodies overproduce the hormone cortisol as well as Neuropeptide Y. This leads to more cravings. In order to thwart the production of an overabundance of these chemicals, it is important to get your stress levels under control. This might require you exercising, taking time out for yourself and cutting back on certain activities.
2. Substituting Good Carbs For Bad Ones: There are good carb options that can satisfy your cravings for bad ones. For example, if you have a strong desire for sweets, grab a piece of fruit such as an apple or orange. These types of substitutes make a great alternative in terms of taste and are also much healthier for you.
3. Graze: Eating smaller and healthier meals and snacks will keep you from getting hungry and reaching for foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value. It will also help keep your sugar levels in check which will decrease your desire for carbs.
4. Eat Protein: Good proteins like lean meats, nuts, hard boiled eggs and low fat cheeses will help keep you satiated, making it easier for you to say no to bad carbs.
Most people love foods that contain carbohydrates. Many of our very best recipes and favorite foods contain them. They have a way of making us feel good and comfortable. When we are stressed or upset, things seem a little bit better after we crab a handful of cookies, a bowl of ice cream or warm plate of mashed potatoes (at least initially). We can’t help it. Self-medicating ourselves with foods that aren’t healthy for us is a pretty common occurrence in the United States.
Whatever the reason, if these types of food are causing you to gain weight or are making it difficult for you to take the weight off, it is time to make some changes. It will be hard at first. To give yourself the best chance, start where you feel comfortable. Substituting good carbohydrates for bad ones is a good place to begin, eating more protein, grazing through the day and lowering your stress levels can all be helpful as well.
