Say goodbye to food cravings thanks to new research

March 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Did you know that a craving for chocolate is similar to a craving for heroin, as the same brain regions are involved during both types of cravings?

Three regions of the brain: the hippocampus, insula, and caudate, related to emotions, memory and reward, are activated with both cravings.

Rather than satisfy hunger, sugary, fatty or salty foods alter brain chemistry and stimulate the brain to crave more of the same.

Cravings often mean that our body wants or needs something to take the place of a lacking nutrient or something missing from our diet.

According to Weight Loss & Self-Image Specialist Life Coach Anna Aparicio, physically, we could have a medical condition that makes us crave salts and sweets, or our diet could be too restrictive and our cravings are a sign from our body that it needs certain nutrients.

Mentally, we could be experiencing cravings due to physical or emotional stress.

Anna says that, ironically, giving into cravings for unhealthy foods can play havoc with nutrient levels, and therefore stimulate feelings of anxiety, frustration and guilt. So, it’s a lose-lose situation that needs to be managed, and quick.

According to her, understanding what our body is trying to tell us through the cravings we have can help us get things under control. So, for example, if you crave:



SALTY FOODS

You may have a mineral deficiency. Studies show that women who eat low calcium diets want salty foods more than those who get enough of the bone builder.

Sodium is an electrolyte and an important element in how your body controls blood pressure and blood volume. Low levels of sodium in the blood can directly affect the nervous system and the overall function of your muscles. Sodium temporarily increases calcium levels in the blood, which tricks the body into thinking the problem is solved. But, you may have a shortage of other minerals too. In animal studies, researchers have found that a lack of potassium, calcium, and iron causes test subjects to devour table salt.

A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement could help manage cravings for salty foods.


CHOCOLATE

Chocolate stimulates the release of the hormone Serotonin in the brain. It’s basically an antidepressant in treat form that your body instinctively seeks out when you’re not producing enough happy chemicals and you need a quick lift. Sorry, your body is not really asking you for chocolate, it’s asking you to do something that makes you feel good, i.e.: think of happy memories, watch a funny movie, tell a joke, work out…


SWEETS

If you crave sugar, it could be that your blood glucose levels are low.  This tends to happen if do not eat on a regular basis (every 3 hours).

You’re looking to boost your mood, or it could be that you’re just low in energy. The body absorbs refined sugars (candy) faster than any other type of food, giving you immediate fuel. But watch out for the crash! It will happen within an hour or so and it will leave you back where you started, or worse!


SWEET & SALTY

Your body needs glucose and sodium to function properly, so when you get tired you reach for the chocolate covered popcorn, or a chocolate bar with crisps, to rev yourself up. Only you’re body is not really asking you for those… but for a healthy meal packed with lots of nutrients.


SPICY FOODS

If you’re having trouble cooling down, your body may crave spice to make you perspire. This may seem counterintuitive, but it helps explain why Mexican food is eaten in places where it’s scorching hot. Research also suggests that people become addicted to the rush of spicy food: the spiked blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and rapid breathing.



According to Anna, frequent or too intense cravings may be a reflection of an emotional or physical condition that requires treatment. However, as a general rule, following a healthy diet, staying well hydrated and eating at regular intervals will help.

Allowing ourselves to indulge in pleasurable foods on a moderate basis (once a week) to avoid feelings of deprivation, managing stress levels with exercise, meditation or coaching will help reduce emotional eating and keep food cravings at bay.



To find out more contact Anna at anna@delite.ie or at 01 254 20 38

# # #

Anna Aparicio is one of Ireland's most sought after Life Coaches. A Self-image Expert, she uses Neuro-linguistic Programming, Hypnosis and personal development tools to develop massive changes in her clients' lives, fast. Ger her free report "Why you'll never get what you want unless you do this" at http://www.delite.ie