Sugar is everywhere you look and it might pop up in some surprising places. Did you know that most whole grain breads have at least one form of sugar in them? We have a national sweet tooth epidemic. Even if you don’t eat a lot of sugary treats you may experience intense sugar cravings in the first few weeks of the Atkins diet. So many “healthy” carbohydrate foods have hidden sugars in them, your body may be experiencing withdrawal.

The Major problem with sugar is that your blood sugar is tied into your energy levels and your overall health. When your blood sugar is too low, you will experience intense cravings. High blood sugar is a result of eating high-sugar meals. When you eat concentrated sugar, your blood sugar will raise to high levels. Your pancreas thinks there is something wrong and then it secretes insulin to lower the blood sugar. As this happens more, you can create pre-diabetic conditions in your body as your pancreas becomes worn out and eventually cannot secrete insulin.

Fortunately, getting started on the Atkins diet plan can put a stop to this cycle. However, this doesn’t mean that sugar cravings go away automatically. Sugar products are everywhere and temptation is sometimes hard to fight.

The best way to approach sugar cravings is with planning. 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. Also, do not go too long between meals without eating. Snacks are an important part of keeping your blood sugar stable. Have some handy snacks like cheese, nuts, seeds and boiled eggs on hand with you so you can quickly stabilize your blood sugar without turning to sweet treats.

Sugar cravings can also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. When you are low on magnesium, you will crave chocolate and other sweets. Zinc and chromium can also stave off sugar cravings. If you aren’t taking a good multivitamin supplement with these minerals, start immediately. If you are and you are still experiencing cravings, consider trying additional supplements of these nutrients.

Another tactic is to brush your teeth. Many Atkins dieters find that brushing their teeth or using Listerine breath strips can help with cravings. Both methods will numb your mouth and prevent you from wanting to eat. Drinking two large glasses of water can also help eliminate cravings. If your stomach is full, then you’ll be less likely to reach for a sugary treat.

Sometimes out of sight, out of mind is the best approach. If you find yourself overcome with cravings while you are at home, get outside and take a walk. The distraction will have you forgetting your sugar craving in no time. Calling a friend for support or logging into an Atkins support forum can also go a long way toward preventing you from succumbing to sugar cravings.

Having a low-carb version of your favorite treat is another good idea. You are less likely to feel deprived if you can have a satisfying low carb treat. There are a wide variety of low-carb products available on the market that can beat your sweet tooth. Low-carb yogurt, chocolate, ice cream and candy can all help you stay on the Atkins plan and still get something sweet to eat.

Sugar cravings are a reality of following the Atkins plan, but the previous tips will help you overcome them and stay committed to your weight loss efforts. Read more other articles about Calcium Health and Summa Health.

Visit this blog in order to know more about effective weight loss!

Weight Loss News Nov.7th, 2008

weight loss programs

Should Blood Type Control Your Diet?

J.Y. Chia has only good things to say about the blood type diet.

“I would credit the boost of energy as the biggest gift that I can get from the blood type diet as I can accomplish the goals that I set for the day,” Chia, 21, says.

The blood type diet, founded by Dr. James D’Adamo, requires a diet of certain foods and even an exercise regimen based on blood type. It is also referred to as the D’Adamo Diet.

Although the diet helps many lose weight, Chia, who has type O blood, says her motivation was to boost her energy level. She has been following it for about a year.

“It took awhile for me to give this diet a shot. as I am skeptical about it,” she says. “The large motivation came when I was getting fatigue easily and there wasn’t enough energy to get me by to do the things that I needed to accomplish.” She admits that initially the experience was not easy.

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diet plan

Yarona fat boy challenge on

Once again, the Yarona FM Fat Boy Challenge is back , but this time there is a lady in the mix.

The Fat Boy Challenge started last year after a discussion among the two big gentlemen from Yarona FM -Dumi Lopang and Owen Rampha- about the alarming rate of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles prevalent among the youth of this country.

Giving a background of the project, Yarona FM Sales and Marketing Manager. Robin Chivazve said the initiative is about having a big heart and the willingness to make a difference.

Chivazve noted that the participants need to commit themselves to extreme lifestyle, which included a diet to be followed and the way they operate.

Robbie Rob as he is called by his legion of fans said last year the project raised P10 000 after participants collectively lost 20kg.

Robbie Rob stated that the project succeeded with the support of their sponsors and that all proceeds from the project went to charity. Thus, he said, it gives him great motivation to loose weight.

The 2008 leg of Fat Boy Challenge kicked off Monday for a period of four weeks.

The project will be administered by Madame Et Monsieur, and the participants are Yarona FM big guys Lopang, Chivazve, Rampha, SCAR Matlhabaphiri and the lady Oratile ‘Jazelle’ Kebakile.

The crew will follow a four week eating plan provided by Madame Et Monsieur.

Madame Et Monsieur diet guarantees fat burn, reduction of flab and cellulite, improved blood circulation and also rejuvenates the body.

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exercise equipment

Different factors motivate exercise

Buying exercise equipment may help to get couch potatoes on their feet but they will need more to keep themselves motivated, researchers said.

They found that people who invested in some type of exercise gear were 73 per cent more likely to start exercising than consumers who didn’t.

But after a year, without some additional stimulus, many revert back to their old ways.

“There are likely to be different factors that help you maintain your exercise program than the factors that helped you get started to begin with,” said Dr. David M. Williams, of Brown University and The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.

“Just like with weight loss and addictions, exercise must be thought of as a lifestyle change, with constant attention to maintaining the program,” he noted. “Otherwise, yo-yo exercising is likely.”

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Atkins Brand Products

Review prices and details for Atkins brand products.

• Advantage Bars
• Morning Start Breakfast Bars
• Endulge Low Carb Bars
• R-T-D Drinks Shakes
• Low Carb Ready To Drink Shakes