Carbohydrate Addiction
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nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Do you even steak? lol.
In all seriousness, the majority of men I know would rather have salty foods than sweet foods. I have frequently foregone desert for more steak, wings, lamb, veal, etc.. In fact, if it's not a Klondike, I barely have desert.
I like both, but steak vs. most sweets and steak wins, easy.0 -
Here is one perspective on carb addiction: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/processed-carbohydrates-are-addictive-brain-study-suggests/
The "Keto flu" or "Atkins flu" usually refers to a lack of nutrients such as sodium(most likely), potassium, and magnesium.
The first few days of a low carb/keto diet, if you've never done it before, can be pretty rough - but shouldn't last more than 2-3 days. Drink water, don't restrict your salt or total calories.
There are MANY resources out there to help you avoid common keto pitfalls, this is just one of them:
http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/ketogenic-diet-plan.html
If you really want to dive into the research, check out the top 10 posts at this site:
http://eatingacademy.com/
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mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
I don't hit the MFP fibre targets but I don't particularily try to either. If I have issues in the future, perhaps I will.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
Even potatoes? They are one of the foods with the highest satiety values.
Honest question, what happens if you combine a high gi food with a low gi veggie? Does it alter the outcome?0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
But I thought we established that you didn't minimize carbs.0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
It wasn't semantics when you said, "Because they're not mostly fat," but now it's semantics when, yeah, they kinda are? Gotcha.DeguelloTex wrote: »
A typical chocolate chip cookie has double the RDA of fat compared to carbs and more calories from fat (at 9 per gram instead of 4) than from carbs.It is true for some people, not you maybe. Definitely true for me. When I have a craving it is never for something high protein, it is ALWAYS for carbs. Sometimes I crave cheese, but more often it's bread, cakes, crackers or cookies.
I don't understand why these things always get thrown into the carbs category when they are mostly fat?
For instance, a chocolate chip cookie is about 3% of the RDA of carbs and 6% of the RDA of fat. Cake is 17% carbs and 25% fat.
It just drives me a little batty because then whole food carbs like potatoes and rice get thrown in with these other types of carbs (fats) and people avoid them even though they are good for you.
Because they're not mostly fat. I don't know what kind of chocolate cake you eat, but the stuff I eat is 57% carbs and 39% fat. Chocolate chip cookie: 53% carbs and 43% fat. Yes, a lot of fat, but not "mostly" fat. I don't think anyone in this thread is talking about craving carbs like potatoes, rice, beans, fruits or vegetables. They're talking about carbs that are also high in fat. But still carbs.
Call them whatever you want. It doesn't matter. Semantics. I call them carbs. The point is, they tend to make you want more and more. Because they are manufactured to, but that's another thread derailment that I won't get into.
I'm at 43.5% carbs, so I probably missed the low-carb cutoff point.
To the extent I crave anything, it's chips and salsa -- carbs, but also salty and very spicy -- and grilled meat. Am I addicted to the endorphins from eating habaneros and ghost peppers?
Spicy is probably what I crave the most in general. It's nice, because although there are some higher calorie foods that satisfy that craving I can satisfy it in very low cal ways also.0 -
It would depend on what you eat. You can eat high-carb and low-fiber.lemurcat12 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
But I thought we established that you didn't minimize carbs.
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nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Do you even steak? lol.
In all seriousness, the majority of men I know would rather have salty foods than sweet foods. I have frequently foregone desert for more steak, wings, lamb, veal, etc.. In fact, if it's not a Klondike, I barely have desert.
True. It seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.
Um... what?
I said, it seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.... I didn't say ALL women, I didn't say it was true for ALL men. I stated how it appears to me. Chill.
Oops. Flagged. I take back the "chill". It was snarky. Sorry.0 -
It would depend on what you eat. You can eat high-carb and low-fiber.lemurcat12 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
But I thought we established that you didn't minimize carbs.
Oh, I agree, but I thought the question was directed to low carb types.
For the record, I don't have an issue meeting fiber targets, but I'm not low carb. ;-)0 -
nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Do you even steak? lol.
In all seriousness, the majority of men I know would rather have salty foods than sweet foods. I have frequently foregone desert for more steak, wings, lamb, veal, etc.. In fact, if it's not a Klondike, I barely have desert.
True. It seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.
Um... what?
I said, it seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.... I didn't say ALL women, I didn't say it was true for ALL men. I stated how it appears to me. Chill.
Oops. Flagged. I take back the "chill". It was snarky. Sorry.
Okay. I questioned you, simply because it was a pretty blanket statement to make.0 -
Did you edit the fiber question out or did I misread? Was there a question about fiber?lemurcat12 wrote: »
It would depend on what you eat. You can eat high-carb and low-fiber.lemurcat12 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
But I thought we established that you didn't minimize carbs.
Oh, I agree, but I thought the question was directed to low carb types.
For the record, I don't have an issue meeting fiber targets, but I'm not low carb. ;-)
I now meet fiber goals without even trying. I have a couple micros I need work on and probably should eat more protein, but I'm getting very close to the healthy, well-balanced diet I strive for.0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
A typical chocolate chip cookie has double the RDA of fat compared to carbs and more calories from fat (at 9 per gram instead of 4) than from carbs.It is true for some people, not you maybe. Definitely true for me. When I have a craving it is never for something high protein, it is ALWAYS for carbs. Sometimes I crave cheese, but more often it's bread, cakes, crackers or cookies.
I don't understand why these things always get thrown into the carbs category when they are mostly fat?
For instance, a chocolate chip cookie is about 3% of the RDA of carbs and 6% of the RDA of fat. Cake is 17% carbs and 25% fat.
It just drives me a little batty because then whole food carbs like potatoes and rice get thrown in with these other types of carbs (fats) and people avoid them even though they are good for you.
Because they're not mostly fat. I don't know what kind of chocolate cake you eat, but the stuff I eat is 57% carbs and 39% fat. Chocolate chip cookie: 53% carbs and 43% fat. Yes, a lot of fat, but not "mostly" fat. I don't think anyone in this thread is talking about craving carbs like potatoes, rice, beans, fruits or vegetables. They're talking about carbs that are also high in fat. But still carbs.
Call them whatever you want. It doesn't matter. Semantics. I call them carbs. The point is, they tend to make you want more and more. Because they are manufactured to, but that's another thread derailment that I won't get into.
what if I "manufacture" my own cookies...
fact is that "junk" is just delicious...we like delicious things...ergo, we crave a cookie. it's not fecking crack.0 -
nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Do you even steak? lol.
In all seriousness, the majority of men I know would rather have salty foods than sweet foods. I have frequently foregone desert for more steak, wings, lamb, veal, etc.. In fact, if it's not a Klondike, I barely have desert.
True. It seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.
Um... what?
I said, it seems to me that carbs are often more of an issue for women.... I didn't say ALL women, I didn't say it was true for ALL men. I stated how it appears to me. Chill.
Oops. Flagged. I take back the "chill". It was snarky. Sorry.
Okay. I questioned you, simply because it was a pretty blanket statement to make.
Thank you.0 -
nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Clearly, you've never met my kid. She would, and has cried over not getting enough butter! Give her a choice between a good steak and a lollipop, steak will win every time.0 -
nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Clearly, you've never met my kid. She would, and has cried over not getting enough butter! Give her a choice between a good steak and a lollipop, steak will win every time.
I'm guessing that stands out from the usual kid? And I'm jealous. My kids never cry for steak.0 -
mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
No, I don't find the evidence for the ever increasing recommendations for fiber or even fruits and vegetables to be particularly compelling so it's not a concern. I do think fruits and vegetables are healthful though so using fiber as a proxy for that I'm pretty satisfied with getting around 10g a day.
P.S. I do have an issue with carbs but it's not an addiction for me. For those concerned about their steak, wings and cookie consumption you can get a gauge of how trivial or severe your issue might be with the Yale Food Addiction Scale.
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nvsmomketo wrote: »nvsmomketo wrote: »Medically speaking, no. Carb addiction has not be verified as real.
That being said, carbs affect people in ways that fats and proteins don't, and can be linked to cravings and over eating in some people. No kid ever cries for another steak or an extra pat of butter on their veggies. They do cry over lollipops and pop. Carbs, high sugar carbs especially, are different.
Carbs DO do something to some people. Those with insulin resitsance (T2 diabetes) may well feel greater hunger due to their different hormone levels. I think they may be affected the most by carbs.
IMO, carbs are not technically an addiction (for some people) but it appears to not be benign for everyone either.
I have a difficult time moderating carbs. I am also prediabetic and have other health issues, so I chose to go very low carb. For me there was a period of around 10 days or so of adjustment (keto flu as lemurcat said). Once I got through that my distracting carb cravings were virtually gone, and I know I didn't just break a habit as it takes longer for that.
Talking about carbs as an addiction is stirring the hornets' nest around here... Good luck.
Clearly, you've never met my kid. She would, and has cried over not getting enough butter! Give her a choice between a good steak and a lollipop, steak will win every time.
I'm guessing that stands out from the usual kid? And I'm jealous. My kids never cry for steak.
My boys, growing up, much preferred their proteins over desserts. Steak was a favorite.0 -
Did you edit the fiber question out or did I misread? Was there a question about fiber?lemurcat12 wrote: »
It would depend on what you eat. You can eat high-carb and low-fiber.lemurcat12 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »mantium999 wrote: »For those who find carbs to be a particular issue, do you still try to hit suggested fiber targets, while minimizing your carb intake?
Yes, I was 2 grams away from hitting fiber yesterday.
(It's not all carbs that are an issue, more high glycemic load foods.)
But I thought we established that you didn't minimize carbs.
Oh, I agree, but I thought the question was directed to low carb types.
For the record, I don't have an issue meeting fiber targets, but I'm not low carb. ;-)
I now meet fiber goals without even trying. I have a couple micros I need work on and probably should eat more protein, but I'm getting very close to the healthy, well-balanced diet I strive for.
Now I'm confused, but no worries. ;-)0
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