Sugar addiction

[Guest guest]

Taken from the ACSM News Release:

SUGAR " ADDICTION " A SIGN OF HUNGER, NOT USUALLY LACK OF CONTROL

Plan Ahead to Avoid Over-Indulging Later

http://www.acsm.org/publications/newsreleases2004/sugar041604.htm

ORLANDO – Consistent cravings or indulging in sweets is usually a

sign that a person has gotten too hungry rather than a sugar

addiction, said sports nutritionist , M.S., R.D. today at

the American College of Sports Medicine Health & Fitness Summit &

Exposition. With millions of people trying to lose weight, strategies

to control food intake are extremely important. says active

people who are weight conscious can tame their own " cookie monster "

by following a few simple tips to fend off temptation.

" People who get too hungry tend to crave sweets, " said . " To

prevent these cravings, eat enough wholesome foods at breakfast and

lunch, along with a healthy afternoon snack, and voila, you will no

longer crave sweets, nor miss them. "

underscores the importance of dividing calorie intake evenly

throughout the day, noting the importance of a personalized balance

of carbohydrates, protein and fat in a diet so the scales don't tip

in the favor of cookies, cakes and pies.

" People eat food, not carbohydrates, protein or fat, " said . She

recommends getting the right balance of carbs, protein and fat by

eating three kinds of food with a meal. Breakfast, for instance,

could be cereal + milk + banana. A balanced lunch or afternoon snack:

bread + peanut butter + yogurt.

People can also help themselves by planning an eating schedule, such

as eating every four hours, like 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.,

or a similar pattern.

also suggests developing a calorie budget in a daily food plan

that accounts for energy needs throughout the day. Keeping your body

fueled during the day will help you avoid snacking between meals, she

says. To lose weight, take in fewer calories and use more through

exercise and physical activity.

Finally, offers tips for coming to peace with sugary

treats. " If a food has power over you, you need to eat it more often.

Why do apples not have power over most people? Because they can eat

an apple any time. But why do cookies have power? Because they

are 'bad foods,' and we feel we must deny and deprive ourselves. If

it were three days of cookies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the

desire for cookies would diminish and apples would become more

enticing. "

On diets, said they do not work. " What we need is to learn how

to eat healthfully and manage the abundant supply of food in America.

If diets worked, everyone in America would now be thin. "

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Do any of the members have any other tips to 'curb those cravings?'

Carruthers

Wakefield, UK