One of the most common complaints I hear from weight loss clients is that they are experiencing carb cravings, so I thought it would be helpful to give you a brief explanation of some of the reasons why this might be happening and suggest some ways to deal with them.
My first step is to make sure you’re eating enough food in general. It’s counterintuitive, but not eating enough can also stop weight loss. You’d be surprised how common it is that people don’t eat enough and can’t understand why they fight fatigue and don’t lose weight.
Next is to make sure you eat balanced meals that include adequate protein, healthy fats, and fiber from non-starchy vegetables that will keep you full and satisfied and also stabilize your blood sugar. Of course, if you have other underlying health issues, you should try to address them with your healthcare professional.
We often reach for a simple carbohydrate like a cookie, candy, or cracker when we start to get hungry or need a quick boost of energy. This is where being well prepared with a better alternative will pay huge dividends. Keep ready-to-eat hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator. A small handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios is a great high-protein, healthy-fat alternative that will fill the bill without fueling that carb craving.
Sometimes protein just isn’t enough and you want something sweet. Choosing a low-sugar fruit like berries or Granny Smith apples is a great option. Choosing a healthier carbohydrate option is also a good strategy. I always like to make healthier substitutions. Keeping roasted vegetables that are seasoned right can stop a carb craving in its tracks. Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with Himalayan crystal salt, pepper and Ceylon cinnamon are a very comforting, satisfying and much healthier option. So are roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or butternut squash. Beans and vegetables are also a good substitute for simple carbohydrates. Seasoned Roasted Chickpeas are another snack you can whip up quickly and enjoy from time to time that provides protein, fiber and a touch of crunch.
The point is to substitute better quality carbohydrates or replace them with a healthy protein.
It’s also important to realize that if you’ve been eating simple carbs regularly, it will take some time to break that addiction. Don’t overlook the emotional component. Often when a carbohydrate craving strikes, you are in the midst of a strong emotional reaction. Try to stop and analyze what is happening mentally and emotionally before giving in to the craving. It is very possible that you are just looking for comfort and there are better and more effective ways to get it than eating simple carbohydrates.
This is exactly why the Today is Still the Day Plan addresses issues of the spirit and soul and not just physical nutrition and detoxification. You need to pay attention to your mental, emotional, and spiritual state and take them into account when it comes to weight loss and overall health.
What triggers carb cravings for you and how do you manage them?
