Say Goodbye to Food Cravings

By Dr. Don

Last time, I shared my basic foundation for weight loss with you known as the LEAN approach.

L for liquids—drink plenty of water

E for exercise

A for avoiding sugar and fats and adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet

N for nutrients

While this handy acronym simplifies the formula for weight loss, it’s not quite as simple to resist those cravings—and cravings are often the ultimate downfall for all of us when it comes to weight loss.

Why do you crave foods that are not good for you? Did the good Lord make a mistake when he wired our appetites? Heavens no! Cravings arise when our bodies are denied the God-made foods that meet our true physical needs. Repeat after me, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean, high quality protein.

 

When we feel hungry, most of us jumpstart our weary bodies with sugary sweets, highly refined white breads and a jolt of caffeine. For an hour or so, your energy soars as your rapidly rising blood sugar pulses through your veins. Trouble is, this unhealthy rise in sugar causes your pancreas to meet the challenge by dumping insulin into your system. Your sugar level crashes and before you are even feeling anything close to true hunger you are already craving more sugar and caffeine.

This boom and bust, sugar and insulin cycle not only leads to unhealthy cravings, it also sets you up for developing insulin resistance, Syndrome X and type 2 diabetes.

Don’t forget, cravings are not only physical reactions. When you’re stressed, food comforts you—and some foods offer more comfort than others. After a lifetime of being rewarded and celebrating with sweets and snacks, that’s what we tend to reach for when we’re feeling unappreciated or depressed.

How can you defend yourself from the double-edged sword of food cravings? For starters, every morning when you wake up, launch a pre-emptive strike—a healthy breakfast! Did you know several studies have shown that people who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight? Start your day with some protein, a whole grain and fruit. This combination will inspire your blood sugar to rise to a healthy level that your body can maintain longer, without an insulin crash.

Don’t be afraid to snack throughout the day, but choose snacks that work for your health, not against your slim true self. Munch on raw almonds, walnuts and raw veggies in between meals. As always, be sure to drink plenty of water.

To beat those afternoon junk-food cravings, enjoy a nice glass of pure water with a serving of Greens mixed in. This will fortify your nutrient intake, give you a healthy, natural energy boost and help you beat those afternoon junk-food cravings.