FitSugar

Avoid Menu Items That Take You to Your Bliss Point

FitSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

The "once you pop, you can't stop" Pringles campaign seemed kind of cute, but the catch phrase actually embodied truth in advertising. Former FDA commissioner David A. Kessler says some foods are scientifically engineered with particular combinations of salt, sugar, and fat that ultimately take you to your "bliss point" and keep you reaching for more.

The appetite is manipulated by these flavor combinations and your willpower doesn't stand much of a chance after you've had a taste. The brain's pleasure system is shot into nirvana, and then you crave to relive that moment of pleasure by eating the same junk food. But that doesn't mean you're powerless - knowing what foods trigger your bliss point will enable you to avoid them, and ultimately those cravings should vanish.

In his book, The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, Kessler identifies some of the most blissful (and offensive) menu items. To see what they are, read more.

Classically comforting dishes like cheese fries, buffalo wings, chicken tenders, spinach dip, and potato skins, are all designed so you want to devour the entire plate. If moderation just isn't an option when you're presented with these foods, skip the order altogether and find a creative swap instead.

For example, satisfy your desire for potato skins by ordering a healthy baked potato instead. Top it with salsa or broccoli and go light on the cheese, butter, and sour cream for a nutritious and delicious substitute. You should notice your cravings subside the more you forgo those tricky foods that entice you to keep eating.

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Rate of Obesity Higher For Women Because . . .

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

I thought it was just my personality that causes me to have a hard time saying no to yummy treats, but it looks like the reason is actually my gender. New research indicates that women are less able to suppress feelings of hunger than men.

In a recent study involving 13 women and 10 men, scientists taught the participants a technique called cognitive inhibition, to enable both genders to ignore feelings of hunger. Then all the participants were asked to fast overnight. The next morning, the scientists showed the men and women delicious foods and scanned their brains monitoring their reactions, while the participants practiced the cognitive inhibition technique. Both men and women say the technique worked, but the brain scans showed the part of the brain that responds to food remained active in the women, while it decreased for the men. Even though the women said they were less hungry, the part of the brain that controls their drive to eat was all fired up.

This gender difference when it comes to food and hunger may explain why more women overeat, and therefore have a higher rate of obesity. Scientists think it may have to do with the difference in our hormones. What do you think? In your experiences, do you crave and think about food more than the guys you know?

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Walk Away From Your Chocolate Craving

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If you crave chocolate intensely, know that you are not alone. Considered the most commonly craved food, chocolate now has a new proven adversary - walking. A recent British study involving a small number of chocoholics found that the simple act of walking reduced cravings for this cocoa derived delight. Walking briskly for 15 minutes not only reduced the blood pressure of study participants, but it reduced their cravings as well.

Next time you are craving chocolate, take yourself for a walk. I think this little trick might just work with any craving. Test it out and see.

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Diet Tip: Curb Cravings With Mint

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

We're always looking for ways to fight cravings when they arise, and one my tricks of the trade is mint.

Yes, mint does wonders to keep my cravings under control as its strong scent is a natural appetite suppressant. I keep a mint scented candle in my kitchen and I like to light it at night. Not only does it keep the house smelling good, I feel like I am less likely to give into late night snacking temptations. Other simple ideas are to sip mint tea, chew sugar-free mint gum, or simply brush your teeth. It may all be psychological, but it works for me so I can't complain. Try it out and see if mint helps keep your cravings under control too. If not, check out some other great ideas for curbing cravings.

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Healthy Eating Tip: Give in to Your Cravings, Just a Little

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Cravings happen to the best of us and they're hard to ignore. One of the best ways to get rid of a craving is to give in to your craving, but just a little. Allow yourself to indulge in a food every once in a while, and don't go overboard. In fact, CNN even reported that people who occasionally give in are able to manage their weight most successfully in the long run. So be sure to practice portion control, which means if you're craving chocolate, have a piece instead of the whole bar. If you're craving french fries, order a small instead of a large. If you're craving soda, have only a few sips. You get the idea, right?

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Diet Tip: Whiten Your Teeth and Prevent Snacking

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700

When it's about 6 p.m. and I start making dinner, I sometimes find it hard to resist snacking. If this sounds familiar then here's an odd, but effective trick to keep you from munching. Try wearing Crest Whitestrips while you cook. For the 30 minutes they're in your mouth, you cannot eat or drink. It'll take you about that long to prepare your meal. By the time you're ready to eat, you can remove the strips and your appetite won't be spoiled with mindless snacking.

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Speak Up: What's Your Greatest Temptation and How Do You Avoid It?

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Yes, Thin Mints are my weakness, and actually anything made or coated with chocolate, I just can't resist. I don't think there's anything wrong with giving into your temptations and enjoying a few tasty bites. However, if I ate too much chocolate all the time I'd feel pretty crappy (and end up gaining a few extra pounds), so that totally helps to curb my cravings. Here is the thing: I'm human and if chocolate is in front of me, it can be tough to pass up. So I try to avoid temptations by only buying chocolate in bite-size pieces (instead of huge bars). Since I love to bake with chocolate, I also try to make cookies and treats for occasions or when I'm having people over. That way I can enjoy a cookie (or three), and share the rest.

So speak up and tell me, what do you crave the most and how do you stay strong in the face of temptation?

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Craving vs. Hunger: What's the Difference?

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:30:00 -0700

OK so we have all these great ways on how to curb cravings but how can you tell if it's just a craving or if you're genuinely hungry? In the heat of the moment (say, just before you deep dive into a tub of chocolate cookie dough) it's not always that easy to determine which you're feeling, so ask yourself one simple question: Is it your mind talking or your stomach?

Still not sure, then use the little chart below to help you determine if you're genuinely hungry or just having a craving:

Craving	Hunger
You are not physiologically hungry, just emotionally. Only one food will alleviate your craving and the emotion intensifies the more you focus on it. Cravings pass and go away if you give them time. Doing something else satisfies and distracts you and the craving usually disappears.	You are physically hungry and getting signals from your stomach (growls, pangs, or hollow feelings) and your brain (fogginess, lack of concentration, headache, or fatigue). Any food will alleviate your hunger. Hunger does not go away unless you eat.

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What's Your Advice For Curbing Cravings?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Sometimes a reader question comes along that I know you guys could provide a ton of great answers for so I wanted to share this question with you.

"Hey Fit. My new year's resolution is to stop eating so much junk food, especially Skittles but the problem is that I get these cravings and I have a hard time not giving into them. Do you have any tips for curbing cravings so I can finally stick with my resolution?"

So share your best tricks for curbing cravings in the comments section below. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with as I have recently rediscovered Reese's Pieces and could use a few new tricks myself.

What are you Craving?

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 07:30:00 -0800

Do you crave sweets like chocolate and candy? Or maybe you want something salty to snack on like pretzels or nuts. No No No. You're in the mood for a big, juicy, mouth watering steak.
Whatever you're craving, Dr. Oz says, "The gut and the brain are the two most closely related organs. So it makes perfect sense that the foods we eat change the way our brains function."

Your snack of choice could clue you into what you're needing and wanting emotionally.

Meat could mean you're angry
Sweets might be a sign of depression
Ice cream might mean you're anxious
Salty snacks could mean you're stressed
Pasta might signal loneliness or sexual frustration
All of the above might mean you're just a little bit jealous