Glycemic Index and Cravings
You can make the glycemic index work to battle your cravings as well, a fact that might be exciting news when trying to lose weight.
According to recent research, women experience cravings about 10 times throughout a single day. The most common times for these cravings to occur are 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Interestingly, these cravings correspond almost exactly to common times for low blood sugar levels, as well as low levels of serotonin. If you’re not familiar with this substance, it’s the chemical that drives women to eat.
In fact, recent research shows that serotonin produces such a strong drive to eat, it can be extremely difficult to overcome (Now you have another excuse to get caught with your spoon in the Ben and Jerry’s carton!).
Research performed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Clinical Research Center uncovered a relationship between carbohydrates in the brain and weight loss. Dr. J. Wurtman, lead researcher of the study, found that eating carbohydrates high on the glycemic index raised the serotonin levels in the brain.
The results also demonstrated that women suffering from premenstrual syndrome tend to eat too many carbohydrates and, consequently, gain weight. Others overeat when they’re depressed or angry in an effort to balance these serotonin levels.
What Triggers Men’s Food Cravings?
Men, on the other hand, don’t seem to be affected by low levels of serotonin. But that doesn’t mean they don’t succumb to cravings. It’s just that their cravings are triggered by the hormone testosterone, not serotonin. According to the same research that studied women’s cravings, men eat to raise their levels of testosterone.
If men’s trigger for overeating is different from that of women, so are the types of food that they crave. While women yearn for carbohydrates, men tend to crave high-protein foods such hamburgers, ribs and steaks.
When you choose foods that release glucose into your bloodstream slowly, you set yourself up so you won’t be hungry again for a while. Foods like oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and vegetables will not only help with those pesky cravings, but it will also help make losing fat much easier.
Now that you understand a little more about the glycemic index and how carbohydrates affect the body, this book can clue you in on some of the secrets of smart eating. This book will teach you how to make the index part of your weight loss program, promoting high energy levels and overall health for life.
