How does carb craving happen and how can I stop my addiction?

Carb craving occurs when the body (and mind) have become conditioned to using carbohydrate almost exclusively as the energy source.

When you eat a meal high in rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, you stimulate the release of serotonin, a feel-good chemical, in the brain. This results in the "sugar high" sensation. The brain can only store limited amounts of serotonin and this is rapidly and easily exhausted with high sugar consumption. The body naturally responds by "craving" the sugar it needs to restore the feel-good sensation. 

The key to stopping the craving cycle is to balance your meals with protein, ensuring a steadier release of sugars to the brain. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins also stimulate a chemical messenger which tells the brain you are satisfied.

You can also "teach" the body to use alternative fuel sources such as fat. This is achieved by gradually reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats that contain a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids (such as linseed, fish oils, sunflower, lecithin, canola). Protein levels need to be maintained at optimum levels throughout. It usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks for the body to switch on its fat metabolising mechanisms, so it does require some patience and discipline.

You can obtain a guideline to the appropriate levels of protein, carbs and fat from the PCF Calculator. However, remember to be gradual and allow a 2 to 3 week transition from current eating habits to the recommended PCF levels.