The Carbs-Depression Connection
If you reach for something sweet when you’re stressed or angry – or simply out of habit – then you’re definitely not alone. Many people reach for simple carbohydrates like candy, icecream or cookies when they’re tired or upset.Some researchers are convinced that carb cravings like this may indicate depression because they’re linked to a drop in serotonin – the feel-good hormone, and is marked by a decline in mood and concentration. If you’ll go to great lengths to satisfy your carb craving – like leaving work to visit the bakery down the street in the middle of the afternoon, or looking for the same food several times a week – it might indicate a tendency to be depressed. It pays to look at your carb-satisfying habits.
Does the craving hit at a certain time?
Many researchers believe we all crave carbs or something to eat in the late afternoon. They theorize that this is why the English teatime, with its carb-rich treats, began. Do your cravings happen as you face stress, like before a meeting, presentation or even balancing your checkbook? Keeping a food diary for a few weeks can examine these questions, and once you have a handle on why they happen, you can figure out what to do when cravings strike. Try satisfying those sweet cravings with a sensible, carb-rich food, like crackers and fruit or cereal. Time the rest of your eating habits so that cravings aren’t so strong – start the day out with a good breakfast, continue with lunch and focus on satisfying protein choices.
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Thank you for visiting my blog, and taking the time to read my post. I hope you find it helpfully and interesting, please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments. If there is something you would like to ask or want to see please email or message me. ~ Mike G
Mike’s Weight Battle
