Cravings are the route of all evil! Slightly dramatic but they really do cause harm- to your self discipline, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, bikini ready bod and hence self confidence. So this post is quite important in my eyes. So lets get your diet on track by cutting out a huge distraction, the dreaded craving.
What causes a craving?
That niggling desire to nibble on something sweet can be brought on by low blood sugar triggering a response in the brain which we read as an overwhelming alarm begging for sweets or chocolate or whatever your vice may be. This is caused by several diet fopars .
1. Skipping meals, especially breakfast. Golden rule – never skip breakfast, ever! Your body is running on empty and you will find yourself clawing at the office canteen fridge or vending machine by 10 o’clock trying to appease that alarm in your head. Skipping any other meal also has a similar result.
2. Not snacking enough. It is important to keep your metabolism in top shape by eating every 3 hours. If you skip a snack your blood sugar may dip.
3. Eating the incorrect foods. If you eat refined starches such as white bread, sugar, chocolates etc your body is flooded with sugar. This causes a steep spike in your insulin level resulting in a rush of sugar into your tissues and muscles, causing your blood sugar to plummet. Once again setting off that dreaded alarm.
4. Eating an unbalance diet. If you don’t eat enough protein for example your body won’t feel as satisfied. Protein has a great effect on insulin levels which would dull the alarm bell.
5. Lacking vitamins and minerals. When your body is deficient you might have a specific craving for foods containing that nutrient. For example when your diet and body stores are low in calcium you might find yourself reaching for milk or yoghurt. This is great unless the alarm is alerted while cheese, milkshakes or ice cream are in arms reach.
So I want to help you dull this alarm bell to a vague hum or hopefully absolute silence.
This is more simple than expected. All you have to do is focus on the following steps:
1. Never skip a meal
2. Snack every 3 hours
3. Eat high fibre complex starches like whole grains and make sure every meal contains a lean or veg-based protein.
4. Steer clear of sugary foods and beverages
5. Follow a healthy diet – 2 fruits, 3 veg, 2 dairy servings every day
Silence the alarm, eat well, look beautiful and feel awesome….got it? Get it? Good!
