Have you ever been on a diet and tried to lose weight and failed? Or have you been on a diet and were successful in losing the weight, but unsuccessful in keeping it off? The reason may be your addiction to certain types of foods. Addictions to food, or any other substance for that matter, can cause intense cravings, especially if you are stressed. Addictions can also be the cause of withdrawals if you go without the food or substance to which you are addicted. The discomfort caused by the food cravings and withdrawals is so bad that many people fail when attempting to eat less food or eat healthier food.
The typical American diet is made up of fried foods, sugar-rich foods, soft drinks and other foods which stimulate the production of toxins. After eating or drinking these unhealthy foods, the body goes through a detoxification process in order to remove these toxins. Detoxification is not a pleasant process for the body. It can cause both physical and emotional discomfort. In an effort to stop the discomfort, most people will eat again--because as long as the digestive system is working, the detoxification process is delayed.
So, how do we break this cycle? Here are a few suggestions--
Eat high anti-oxidant foods such as beans, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. These foods will help reduce the effects of detoxification and will also make it easier for the liver to eliminate the chemicals which are produced during digestion. These chemicals intensify the discomfort between meals.
Eat more, not less--just make sure it's more of the healthy, anti-oxidant foods that are mentioned above. Try to eat at least two to three servings per meal of the healthy foods so that your stomach will be full and you will feel satisfied. You'll also feel full longer than if you had eaten junk food.
Cut back on caffeine. Sometimes people who are trying to lose weight end up consuming beverages that contain a lot of caffeine. This may help temporarily, but when the caffeine wears off, they will have a craving for caffeine as well as food.
Socialize more. Yes, an active social life can help you lose weight. The pleasure you derive from being around friends and other people will help you experience self-confidence and pleasure--feelings that some people get from eating. So, instead of staying home and eating, go out and have some fun with friends.
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