Would you believe that many carbohydrate cravings are actually caused by consuming too many carbs to begin with? That may seem rather odd but it’s actually a term in some medical circles as carb intolerance or even metabolic syndrome. It means that your body has developed an intolerance to a specific amount of carbohydrates, usually caused by consuming too many carbs in the first place! The amount of carbs you tolerate without gaining weight and start craving carbs is your own personal level of tolerance usually..
I work part time in a medical bariatric weight loss clinic and I see many cravings virtually disappear as the excess amounts of carbs vanish in the diet (and probably by adding healthier foods back into the diet). Every person is unique in how they personally respond to carbohydrates. Some can easily get by on 40%-50% total carbohydrate intake and others should be even more limited, especially when trying to lose weight.
So, readers what are your thoughts on how many carbs you need to consume, to lose or to maintain?
This is definitely true for me, but specifically related to grains and starches. I think too often we use the word "carb" as a replacement when we mean "starch." After all, all vegetables are carbohydrates, but you don't hear people complaining about craving Swiss Chard!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what my cut-off or tolerance is. Probably about 5-6 servings per day of pure grains and starches, using the 15-grams of carbohydrate measure as a serving size. At the moment, I am under doctor's orders to gain weight, and as a result am eating about double that in grains and starches, and therefore find myself craving them more. I know it is going to be really hard when I have to give them up. I think I may need to do so now, since I'm aware of the problem.
Hi Molly,
ReplyDeleteYour are correct when you note the difference between carb and starch. Fruits, vegetables and grains are all sources of carbohydrates (even dairy contains small amounts). So many people do not even perceive fruits and vegetables as "good carbs."
I am glad you are being so careful about your consumption of grains as they do seem to lead to cravings and it's easy to get carried away with them. But you seem aware so you will most likely be ok. Keep us posted. Thank you for your insights.-Elaine