Atkins Diet and Sugar Cravings

Sugar is everywhere you look and it can turn up in some surprising places. Did you know that most wholemeal rolls contain at least one form of sugar? We have a national sweet tooth epidemic. Even if you don't eat a lot of sugar, you may experience intense sugar sorrow in the first weeks of the Atkins diet. There are so many hidden sugars in carbohydrate foods that your body may withdraw.

The problem with sugar is that your blood sugar is trapped in your energy levels and your overall health. When your blood sugar level is too low, you will experience intense desires. High blood sugar is a result of eating high-sugar meals. When you eat concentrated sugar, your blood sugar level will rise to a high level. Your pancreas thinks something is wrong and then releases insulin to lower your blood sugar level. The more this happens, the more you can create pre-diabetic disorders in your body as your pancreas becomes worn out and eventually can no longer secrete insulin.

Fortunately, starting the Atkins diet plan can end this cycle. However, this does not mean that the sugar sorrow will disappear automatically. Sugar products are everywhere and the temptation is sometimes hard to resist.

The best way to approach sugar sorrow is through planning. If you keep the balance between proteins, fats and fibres in your daily diet, you will prevent blood sugar drops that lead to sugar starvation. Also, don't go too long between meals without eating. Snacks are an important part of keeping your blood sugar level stable. Have some handy snacks such as cheese, nuts, seeds and boiled eggs at hand, so you can quickly stabilize your blood sugar level without having to turn to sweet treats.

Sugar rusts can also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. When you have a low magnesium content, you will crave chocolate and other sweets. Zinc and chromium can also counteract sugar sorrow. If you don't take a good multivitamin supplement with these minerals, start immediately. If you are hungry and still hungry, consider trying additional supplements of these nutrients.

Another tactic is brushing your teeth. Many Atkins dieters find that brushing their teeth or using Listerine breath strips can help with their appetite. Both methods will numb your mouth and prevent you from wanting to eat. Drinking two large glasses of water can also help eliminate cravings for water. If your stomach is full, you'll be less likely to reach for a sugary treatment.

Sometimes out of sight, out of mind is the best approach. If you are flooded with cravings at home, go outside and take a walk. The distraction will make you forget your sugar sorrow in no time. Calling a friend for support or logging into an Atkins support forum can also go a long way to preventing you from succumbing to the sugar sorrow.

Having a low-carb version of your favorite treat is another good idea. You're less likely to feel robbed if you can get a satisfying low-carb treat. There is a wide variety of low-carb products on the market that can beat your sweet tooth. Low-carb yogurt, chocolate, ice cream, and candy can all help you stay on the Atkins plan and still get something tasty to eat.

Sugar cravings are a reality of following the Atkins plan, but the previous tips will help you overcome them and stay committed to your weight loss efforts.