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The following could be individual or collective reasons for sugar
cravings. Read each suggestion and notice how it applies to your
eating or lifestyle. Reducing your desire or addiction for sugar
should not require Herculean will power. Becoming conscious of the
physiological and lifestyle factors that stimulate sugar cravings
should make taming your sweet tooth a piece of cake--so to speak.
1. REDUCE SALT & PRODUCTS WITH SALT
The need for dietary salt from natural sources (sun-dried sea salt)
is dependent on several factors; a lack of salt can cause fatigue,
stimulate a desire to overeat and often result in a craving or animal
protein. However, with the availability of good quality sea salt,
miso paste, tamari soy sauce and natural pickles, it's quite easy
to overdose. Thirst and a craving for sweet foods is one of the
mostreliable indicators of excess dietary salt.
2.
REDUCE ANIMAL PROTEIN
The standard four basic food group
propaganda was force-fed to the American public along with the myth
that animal protein should be a dietary staple. The meat and potatoes
mentality has to re-think its philosophy since established research
shows excess animal protein can lead to colon and prostate cancer.
If this applies to you eat less in volume (2 to 4 ounce servings)
and limit it to three to four times per week (maximum), as opposed
to daily.
3.
REDUCE FOOD VOLUME
Overeating leads to fatigue and
sluggishness. This makes a stimulant like sugar (or coffee) more
appealing. Eating more frequently will allow you to reduce overeating
with a minimum of effort.
4.
EAT MORE FREQUENTLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY
One of the most common reasons
for sugar cravings--especially at night. By skipping meals or waiting
long periods you stop supplying your blood with glucose. The blood
sugar drops and by the time you finally get around to eating, you're
going nuts for simple sugar. You're also likely to end up overeating
or craving something fatty as a compensation for sugar. Initially,
don't wait more than 31/2 to 4 hours between meals.
5.
AVOID EATING PRIOR TO BED
If your body's digesting when
it requires much needed rest, you'll require more sleep, dream excessively
and find it difficult awakening with alertness. Good deep sleep
will result in wide-awake days. Eating to close to bedtime creates
a groggy awakening craving the stimulation of sugar (or caffeine)
the following morning. Eat a light evening dinner at least 21/2
to three hours before retiring.
6.
AVOID SUGAR
This might sound obvious, however,
continuing to eat simple sugars results in a falling blood sugar.
This stimulates a need for more sugar and the cycle continues. Even
though fruit is a simple sugar, switching to fruit instead of sugar
is a good first step. Eat the skin of the fruit as well since fiber
slows blood sugar elevation.
7. EXERCISE MODERATELY, BUT CONSISTENTLY
Daily aerobic exercise will increase circulation and strengthen
will power. Brisk walking, biking, light jogging, etc. naturally
increases sensitivity to the effects of sugar. Try to get 20 to
30 minutes of some type of pleasurable exercise at least 5 times
per week. Enjoy this. It should not be a chore.
8. EMPHASIZE NATURAL WHOLE COMPLEX-CARBOHYDRATES
If your daily diet is includes
whole grains (brown rice, oats, millet, barley, etc.), vegetables
(roots, greens and round vegetables such as squashes, cabbages,
etc.) as a primary fuel, you'll find you automatically crave less
sugar. Emphasizing sweet vegetables such as carrots, cooked onions,
corn, cabbage, parsnips, squashes, etc., adds a natural sweetness
to meals. Introduce some sea vegetables (aka "seaweeds")
for much needed minerals to enrich blood.
9. DON'T SUPPRESS FEELINGS
This doesn't mean you have to
broadcast every feeling--only those that matter and to those who
really matter to you. Food indulgence, especially with sweets, is
a convenient way to anesthetize feelings. Sugar can consume you
with sensory pleasure, temporarily providing mental relief from
whatever might be stressful. However, sweets can hinder energy levels
and mental clarity so in the long run your emotional coping ability
becomes compromised.
10.
BEWARE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TRIGGERS
The many psychological associations
we connect with food have a powerful influence. Beware of family
associations, movie rituals, familiar restaurants, childhood habits,
etc.
Verne Varona
Author of "Nature's Cancer-Fighting Foods"- www.vernevarona.com
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