How to Curb Carbohydrate Cravings

The human body converts carbohydrates into sugars during digestion. The sugar, in turn, effects brain chemistry and starts a roller coaster ride of energy boosts and crashes. Over time, carbohydrates can become an addiction, as the body craves the boost during the crash. Luckily, there are effective ways to curb the cravings and stop the roller coaster.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• High protein foods
• High fiber foods
• Unrefined, complex carbohydrates
• Fish oil capsules

Instructions

1. Drink a tall glass of water and wait 15 minutes before reaching for the carbohydrates the next time you have a craving. It's easy to mistake thirst for hunger, and you may find the urge passes.

2. Combine carbohydrates with proteins and fiber to help curb your cravings. Protein and fiber take longer to digest, slowing down the sugar spike caused by carbohydrates and extending the length of time that your body has access to energy sources. This will help to reduce the fast burn of energy and the following crash which brings on your cravings.

3. Replace refined carbohydrates with unrefined and complex carbohydrates. Instead of snacking on potato chips and ice cream, try yogurt with real fruit and whole wheat crackers. Not only do these healthy alternatives contain more vitamins and minerals, they are not burned as quickly by your body, again, reducing the boost and crash.

4. Take 1200mg of fish oil each morning, as studies have shown that the essential fatty acids found in fish oil help to curb strong food cravings throughout the day.

5. Speak to your doctor about possible medical conditions which may be causing your carbohydrate cravings. A few conditions that may cause cravings for carbs include depression, diabetes and thyroid imbalance.