Carb Right

By Dean L. Jones

Sweet tasting foodstuff releases endorphins that calm and relax us, and arguably offers a natural good feeling.  There are health dangers with eating too much processed sugar and because it is a carbohydrate it can stimulate the release serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical.  So, seeking to satisfy this potentially hazardousness craving can become a huge challenge, especially since something sweet is the first taste humans prefer from birth.

This is why the American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount processed sugars each day to 6-teaspoons for women and 9-teaspoons for men.  Therefore, it is fundamental to practice in consuming high-quality carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Some examples of foods that work to reduced and even eliminate processed sugar cravings are tomatoes that when eaten on a regular basis curb processed sugar cravings.  In addition, tomatoes are a great source of serotonin.  Serotonin is a chemical that functions as a neurotransmitter helping brain cells and other nervous system cells communicate with one another.

Like tomatoes, romaine lettuce and onions are up there at the top of the list of the most chromium-rich foods.  Black colored foods have more antioxidants than light-colored foods because of their higher pigment content.  Many black pigmented plants work to lower the risk for health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Black tea is an antioxidant that can help improve the recovery from muscle soreness after intense exercise.

Chicory greens are a bitter-tasting food that contains vitamin B6, a well known anti-sugar craving nutrient.  A half teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels and reducing sugary foodstuff cravings.

Fish works its anti-sugar craving by making the body more sensitive to the hormone leptin that promotes the development of gray matter in the part of the brain that regulates food cravings and can consequently result in fewer sugar cravings.  Apples contain pectin, a type of dietary fiber that makes you feel fuller and for a longer time, so you will eat less during the day. The high concentration of pectin also contributes to the fact that apples have a low glycemic rating compared to most other fruit.

Freshly cooked oatmeal has B vitamins as well as zinc with the highest satiety ranking of any food.  Also, eggs are a great source of B complex vitamins which are known for their ability to control sugar cravings.  Eggs are also packed with protein, which helps control food cravings and prevent overeating by making you feel full for longer.

Beans are loaded with protein and fiber — a stellar macronutrient combo for preventing sugar cravings.  Blackberries are a fiber-rich food because they contain polyphenols that help reduce cognitive decline in older age by cleaning up cells that impair brain function.  It is vital to good health to know our respective limits of bad foodstuff and to live SugarAlert!