There are very clear biological reasons for this. Sugars stimulate the dopamineDopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) found within the brain. It has a variety of influences on brain function including playing a role in regulating… pathways in the brain that make you feel good, and also give serotoninSerotonin is a hormone found naturally in the brain and digestive tract. It is often referred to as the ‘happy hormone’ as it influences mood…. a boost if you are feeling low – which is a trigger for eating something sweet in many people.
Also, a dip in your blood sugar, either because you haven’t eaten anything for a while, or as a ‘rebound’ low from your body over-producing insulinInsulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It is responsible for making the body’s cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood…. after a carb snack or meal, can trigger an insatiable appetite for something sweet. Either way, you end up in the same place – craving sugar.
Step 1
I recommend following my low GL diet strictly which is explained in full in my GL Diet Bible, with more recipes and the basis ‘rules’ in the GL Diet Cookbook. This really helps to even out your blood sugar, which means no dips, which means less craving. At a seminar a few years ago I asked the audience ‘has anyone been on my low GL diet?’ Various people raised their hands and I asked them how much had they lost. “14 pounds” “28 pounds” “30 pounds” they said. Then one lady said “Nothing” (she looked slim) “I am a sugar addict and have been for more than 10 years. After 10 days, for the first time, I wasn’t craving.” She said.
So, the first step is follow my low GL diet – precisely. You might also want to try the Burn Fat Fast Alternate Day Low-GL. Some people report that this has really helped them to understand the difference between ‘hungry’ and ‘tired’. Dr Ellie Dow said “The alternate day fast also really helps me understand why I eat. Now I know I would often eat for fatigue. I can differentiate between eating for physical hunger while I was previously eating when mentally fatigued.”
Step 2
Supplement chromiumWhat it does: Helps balance blood sugar, normalise hunger and reduce cravings, improves lifespan, helps protect cells, essential for heart function. Deficiency Signs: Excessive or… with cinnamon. Chromium makes the insulin-receptor work better. Cinnamon also helps stabilise blood sugar, which reduces craving. But you need the right dose. Most people respond to 400mcg of chromium plus the equivalent of 3 grams of cinnamon (Cinnulin®, which is a 20:1 concentrated extract of cinnamon, so 150mg is the equivalent of 3 grams, which is about half a teaspoonful.)
Chromium comes in 200mcg strength, sometimes with Cinnulin. Take one, twice a day, before your top craving times. If you snack on sweets in the morning take it with breakfast. If in the evening, take it with dinner. You don’t have to take chromium with a meal. It is easily absorbed.
Step 3
Supplement amino acidsAmino acids are commonly known as the building blocks of protein. There are 20 standard amino acids from which almost all proteins are made. Nine…. Now, you won’t need to do this for long, for most people 2 to 4 weeks suffices. The two key amino acids are tryptophan (or 5-HTP) and tyrosine.
If you crave something sweet when you are feeling low this is an indication you may be low in serotonin, the neurotransmitterA neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries signals between body cells. They are various types of neurotransmitters which play a major role in everyday… associated with mood, and made from tryptophan or directly from 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). You need 100 – 200mg a day.
If you feel like your get up and go has got up and gone and you crave or use sugar when feeling tired then you may be low in the stimulating neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenalin and noradrenalin. These are all made from tyrosine. You need...
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