Carbohydrates and Atkins Diet

Carbohydrates are difficult to deal with, especially when you're trying to maintain a low carbohydrate balance. However, carbohydrates are not just a matter of willpower. As Dr. Atkins points out in his book, carbohydrates produce a tidal wave of insulin and an increase in blood sugar levels. There is indeed a physical trigger for carbohydrate cravings, and it is one of the reasons it is so easy to develop a carbohydrate-rich, low-protein diet.

There are many signs of physical carbohydrate cravings. You will experience a compelling hunger for carbohydrate-rich food. Over time you will develop a growing need for starch, snacks and sweets. In addition, you may crave and experience weight gain after using some of the carbohydrate act-a-likes such as sugar substitutes and alcohol.

Carbohydrate-rich foods are everywhere, making it even more difficult to overcome the cravings. Eating the high-sugar, refined starch food will nourish your cravings for food and create more, just like a drug habit. In fact, high levels of carbohydrates produce high levels of brain chemical seratonin, which is the chemical found in Prozac and other anti-depressants. So eating high levels of carbohydrates is self-medicating. People with low levels of seratonin tend to use carbohydrates as a medicine.

Tension and stress can also lead to overeating carbohydrate-rich foods. When we are tense, the adrenal gland provides more cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates the production of a chemical in the brain that causes the desire for carbohydrates. It also stimulates insulin, which leads to blood sugar dips and more fat storage.

Considering all these factors, it seems impossible to live on a low carbohydrate diet. However, following the Atkins plan is one of the best ways to break the cycle of carbohydrate addiction and take back your life and health. The Atkins plan helps you gain control over your desires and get rid of years of damage caused by eating too much carbohydrate.

During the Atkins diet, you may experience some carbohydrate cravings from time to time, especially during the early stages of the diet. However, these will diminish as your body becomes more accustomed to eating a protein centered diet. To keep your needs in check, eat small meals or snacks containing protein every few hours. This will keep your blood sugar stable and avoid the "crash" you feel when you are hungry. Skipping the meals causes your blood sugar level to drop and leaves you with sweets.

Protein and fat, which are the focus of the Atkins plan, give your body more energy. Make sure you get enough of the essential fats. Sometimes an Omega 3 fish oil supplement will help to slow down the desire for carbohydrates.

The desire for food can sometimes be caused by dehydration. It is a good rule of thumb to drink a glass of water before grabbing any snack. Sometimes thirst can mask itself as hunger. When your body is well hydrated, it will work more efficiently and you will see a decrease in hunger.

Recognize that there is a physical addiction to carbohydrates that needs to be broken. Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed by the need for carbohydrates after the first few days of the plan. This is normal. Your body is used to a diet full of sugar and carbohydrates. It will take some time to adapt to this new way of eating. Normally, these feelings do not last longer than the two-week induction period. Stay committed to this new way of eating and you will soon see the benefits.