The desire to have carbohydrate is very difficult to handle specially when your attempt is to maintain a low carbohydrate diet and it is not just a matter of self control. Dr. Atkins has mentioned in his book that carbohydrates give rise to a flow of insulin and a rise in the blood sugar levels and these results in the activation of carbohydrates cravings physically within us and that is why we develop a high-carbohydrate and a low protein system of eating.
We experience this carbohydrate craving in many physical signs and feel a forcing hunger to have carbohydrate rich foods. In the long run your craving grows for the requirement of starches, snack foods and sweets and you also gain weight by consuming carbohydrate act-a-likes which includes sugar substitutes and alcohol.
The cravings are difficult to overcome as high carbohydrate foods are found everywhere like the high-sugar, refined starch foods which create a feeling like drug habit. High levels of carbohydrates create high levels of the brain chemical seratonin, which is the chemical seen in Prozac and other anti-depressants. Hence, consuming high levels of carbohydrates is self medicating and people with lower levels of serotonin tend to use carbohydrates like a drug.
Carbohydrate-rich foods are also consumed largely during Tension and stress as the adrenal gland secretes more cortisol when we are tensed and this is a hormone that causes the production of a brain chemical which give rise to carbohydrate cravings and also arouses insulin, which leads to drops in blood sugar level and storage of fat.
Taking into account all these factors it may feel difficult to survive on low-carbohydrate diet, But when the Atkins plan is followed it is one of the best methods to change the cycle of carbohydrate addictions and take care of your life and health. The Atkins plan not only controls the carbohydrate cravings but also helps in preventing the damage caused by consuming excess of carbohydrates.
During the initial phases of Atkins diet you may feel some carbohydrate cravings every now and then. But this will diminish as your body becomes more used to eating a protein based diet. But, to keep your cravings under control consume small meals or snacks that have protein within a span of few hours which keeps your blood sugar level under control and prevent the crash when you feel when you are hungry. Avoiding your meals will drop the blood sugar levels and make you sweet craving.
The main focus of the Atkins plan comprise of Protein and fat, which gives extra energy to you , be sure you have enough levels of required fats and an Omega 3 fish oil will add on and help to furnish with the carbohydrate cravings.
Dehydration can be also the cause for craving for foods. So, it is a good habit to drink a glass of water before having any kind of snack as thirst sometimes masks as hunger and if the body is well hydrated it will work more properly and your desire will slow down.
The physical addiction to carbohydrates should be stopped and there is nothing to worry even if you have the desire for carbs when you start with your plan as it is natural because your body has been working on a diet filled with sugar and carbohydrates and it takes some time for the new changes and lasts only for about two-week induction period. If you follow this new method of eating with dedication will reach your goals faster.