The Atkins Diet and Sugar Cravings
When getting started on the Atkins diet you may have sugar cravings that sometimes occur at the start of a low carbohydrate diet. Sugar is everywhere, even the foods labeled "low carbohydrate" contain some sugar. Even if you don't usually eat a lot of sweets you may experience sugar cravings in the first weeks of on the Atkins diet.
Do not let this discourage you or allow you to cheat. It's just your that your body may be experiencing sugar withdrawal. When your blood sugar is too low you may experience a more intense craving. You may feel really hungry or even a little jittery.
If you maintain a balance of protein, fat and fiber in your daily diet you will prevent blood sugar drops, that lead to sugar cravings. It is best to eat more frequent meals or snacks. Do not go too long between meals without eating.
The best solution to controlling your blood sugar is to have some snacks like cheese, nuts, seeds and boiled eggs on hand so you can quickly stabilize your blood sugar. These foods contain the protein needed to control hunger and quickly satisfy sugary cravings.
Taking a good multivitamin supplement that contains Zinc, Chromium and Magnesium can also stave off sugar cravings.
Having a low-carbohydrate version of your favorite treat is another good idea. You will not feel deprived if you can have a satisfying low carbohydrate treat. There are a wide variety of low-carbohydrate products available. Low-carbohydrate yogurt, chocolate, ice cream and candy can all help you stay on the Atkins plan and still enjoy a sweet treat.
Add some real cream to caffeine-free coffee for a refreshing way to way to lower sugar cravings.
On the Atkins diet it is important to consume plenty of fluids, at least eight glasses of water plus other low carbohydrate drinks daily. These fluids will help your stomach feel full and help your body to burn fat.
Sugar cravings are a reality on any low carbohydrate diet. However, by following the previous tips, the Atkins diet will help you to stay committed to your weight loss efforts.
Published by Judy Kaelin
Retired with fifteen years experience in the Administrative Offices of a school district. She is interested in writing articles based on personal experience and research of health issues. She has an intere... View profile
- Low Carbohydrate Diet Menu and RecipesLow-carbohydrate diets are fairly easy to follow as long as you plan ahead and have many snacks available!
- All About AtkinsA brief description of the Atkins diet.
- 3 Meats You Can Eat on a Low-Carbohydrate DietThis article provides the dieter with 3 delicious meats to help spruce up a low-carbohydrate diet.
- Low-Carbohydrate Diets During Lactation, BreastfeedingFor many women, the choice to use a low-carbohydrate diet, after pregnancy, is quite common but not always recommended if lactating.
- Appetite Suppression - Why the Atkins Diet is so EffectiveThis article gives an explanation on why Atkins diet is effective - though appetite suppression. The low carb, high protein component of the diet has been effective in controlling appetite and hence reducing calorie i...
- Is the Atkins Diet for You?
- How the Atkins Diet Controls Cravings
- Are You Sure the Atkins Diet is the Right One for You?
- Reducing Your Appetite with the Atkins Diet
- How to Deal with Sugar Cravings When on the Atkins Diet
- Weight Loss Battle: Atkins Diet Versus South Beach Diet
- How to Find Carbohydrate Substitutes for the Atkins Diet