Q&A with Dr. Joey - Are my Cravings Normal?
Although I am losing weight on the Truestar program, I am experiencing cravings for sweets throughout the day. Is this normal?
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Although I am losing weight on the Truestar program, I am experiencing cravings for sweets throughout the day. Is this normal?
According to Dorland’s dictionary, a craving is the intense desire for a particular thing or object. In terms of sweet cravings, it is often an indication that your blood sugar is “off”. In other words, when you eat too many high glycemic index foods, your blood sugar bounces around and triggers the over secretion of the hormone insulin. Excess insulin will plunge blood sugar into a state of hypoglycemia—low blood sugar. In addition to feeling tired and foggy, when you are in a hypoglycemic state, your body will send you a craving as a signal to once again raise blood sugar. Remember, there is a difference between, “I would like a piece of chocolate cake” and “I need a piece of chocolate cake now!” A craving is an intense biochemical response that is nearly impossible to resist.
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So…the question begs, how do I clear up my cravings? The first step is to ensure you are eating a balanced diet that consists of adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat. If you are experiencing extreme hypoglycemic symptoms, the Truestar Metabolic Booster Phase is likely the most suitable for you. You should follow this plan for a minimum of 6 weeks. This plan is slightly higher in protein (10% higher) than other Truestar meal plans. Protein will facilitate the release of the hormone glucagon which has the opposite response to insulin. In other words, more protein will help balance your blood sugar.
In addition to eating a balanced diet full of fiber, vegetables and fruits and protein, there are also natural steps to take to reduce cravings:
1. Drink plenty of water with freshly squeezed lemon. I recommend using distilled or reverse osmosis water. Drinking a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses of water per day will ensure hydration and proper elimination, fill you up and reduce cravings.
2. Drink sweet fruit herbal teas. Berry-flavor herbal teas such as raspberry, cranberry, strawberry, blueberry or peach will help take the “sweet edge” off your craving without affecting blood sugar levels.
3. Take chewable vitamin C to help with cravings. Recommended amounts are approximately 500 to 1000mg at a time.
4. Experiment with natural sweeteners, such as stevia, that do not alter blood sugar levels.
5. If cravings are severe, consider taking a chromium supplement available at all health food stores.
6. Watch alcohol intake. The metabolic process involved in breaking down alcohol can contribute to cravings and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Alcohol is not recommended on the Metabolic Booster Plan (Phase I).
Take home point:
From cravings to fatigue, the only voice the body has is the symptoms it sends out. Paying attention to symptoms is the most effective method to get to the root cause of the problem. In terms of cravings, maintaining proper blood sugar control is the key to success. In the first week of fighting your cravings, you may find your sweet tooth intensify before is starts to subside. This is completely normal and quite a common occurrence. Continue eating according to the Phase I meal plans, follow the steps above and you will be crave free in no time!
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