Carb Addiction Might Be Why, Sticking to a Low-Carb Diet
Can Be So Difficult.
An article in 'The New York Times' recently looked into why it's so hard to cut carbs from your diet. .
One possible answer relates to hormonal processes
in the body and the physiological effects
of consuming certain types of carbohydrates. .
The more insulin you release,
the more you crave carbs.
Once you’re exposed to
a little carbohydrate, and
you get an insulin rise from it,
that forces energy into fat cells.., Dr. Robert Lustig, pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco, via 'The New York Times'.
... and that deprives your other cells
of the energy they would otherwise
have utilized. So you compensate
by getting hungry, particularly
for more carbohydrate.
High insulin drives carb-craving, Dr. Robert Lustig, pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco, via 'The New York Times'.
Sweets could be a particular problem because of several physiological responses that may be unique to sugar.
Sweets could be a particular problem because of several physiological responses that may be unique to sugar.
Sugar cravings appear to be mediated
through the brain's reward center,
just like other addictive substances. .
Sugar stimulates the release of a neurotransmitter
called dopamine, which produces a pleasurable
sensation that our brains begin to crave.
The author suggests that the first and most obvious strategy is to avoid the trigger.
It’s harder to avoid junk foods
in the food environment around
us, but we can certainly clean up
our home environment and avoid
situations where sugar and other
treats are easily available, Laura Schmidt, an addiction specialist at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine,
via 'The New York Times'.
One tip is to learn to identify, plan for, and avoid situations that weaken resolve or increase cravings. .
The article reminds readers that any successful diet is a long-term commitment. .
The author also emphasizes the struggle
of overcoming addiction and the importance
of not giving up on your diet or health goals. .
It’s a very powerful system that has
to be undone, whether it’s addiction
or metabolic disease. It is knitted into
the body and mind over years, and
getting healthy requires taking
the long view as well, Laura Schmidt, an addiction specialist at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, via 'The New York Times'