Dr. Mehmet Oz is a regular on the Oprah Show and writes articles that appear on her website. He wrote recently about sugar cravings and his suggestions for dealing with them. You can see the article on the Oprah site.
He identifies 3 basic categories of sugar cravings, what may be the cause and his suggestions to counteract them.
In today's post we'll review the first one...
"Feed me now, or I'll kill you." Hmm...I can relate to this one! This is typically due to low blood sugar. One of the typical responses is to eat sugar...this helps short-term but then as you plunge down the sugar abyss it just gets worse.
To break the low blood sugar curse Dr. Oz suggests sucking on a Tic Tac or two to stop the major craving, then eat more protein (and reduce sweets) to keep your blood sugar more even. Eating many small meals throughout the day rather than 3 main meals can really help.
I knew a guy who said he had PMS...3 times a day..."Pre Meal Syndrome"...if you suffer from this, get grumpy or irritable or fatigued, then definitely try the mini-meal approach. It has really helped me a lot!
A book that helped me break the sugar blues is The Perricone Prescription by dermatologist Nicholas Perricone. By eating more frequently and learning about even healthy foods that are higher in sugar content I was able to make better choices that helped my skin and my body.
For me, this worked temporarily but it was just too much work...so I couldn't keep it up.
I later did find Dr. John Gray's Mars Venus Wellness Solution and that helped my cravings and it was super easy!
Next post we'll talk about the other two causes of sugar cravings according to Dr. Oz.
Showing posts with label Mars Venus Wellness Solution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mars Venus Wellness Solution. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Controlling Cravings Through Chemistry
Sixth (and final?...oh never say final!) in a series on controlling cravings!
Today's Success Tip:
You can check out the link in the sidebar if you are interested...or if you have any questions, let me know!
His book can be found in a lot of libraries--so get informed and see if this feels like a great tool for you to use.
Today's Success Tip:
Balance Your Brain Chemistry
"Will power" is an over-used phrase that, frankly, has little basis in reality.
Most dieters I know have lots and lots of will power! We have given up foods we love for years, only to have the cravings for them coming crashing through the gate of "will power"!
That is what leads so many of us to give up hope and become resigned to being fat the rest of our lives.
But you have made the conscious decision to change your life! Fantastic!
You are making the small changes necessary to achieve your goal! Terrific!
You are repeating your affirmations, you are exercising, you have your plan and you are instituting it--You are a Rockstar!
So, how come some of us STILL have cravings and feel like we are not yet in control of our lives?
It could be brain chemistry!
This should not be surprising if you really think about it. How long have you been putting extra sugar (through the white stuff and through other refined carbs) into your brain? It doesn't just go into your body...it also affects the brain. That's why we get that sugar "high"...and that can be just as addictive as some of the other illegal drugs. What's hard for us is that our "drug" is sold just about EVERYWHERE so it makes it really hard to avoid.
The good news is that we can rewire our brains so they no longer crave this "drug"...
The Mars Venus Wellness Solution by Dr. John Gray has helped me from the beginning to balance my brain chemistry, which reduces the cravings. He didn't design this as a weight loss product! (although for me and lots of other people that has been a great side-benefit!) John is the author of the series of books Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, and his specialty is communication -- and brain chemistry plays a part in that.
So if you want some extra support in balancing your brain chemistry, and wouldn't object to having that help you with your relationships, moods and maybe even your waist line, then give it a try!
You can check out the link in the sidebar if you are interested...or if you have any questions, let me know!
His book can be found in a lot of libraries--so get informed and see if this feels like a great tool for you to use.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Cookies, the Good the Bad and the Ugly
Well, maybe there aren't any ugly cookies, but I couldn't resist!
Why am I talking about cookies, when this blog is about achieving health (and weight) goals? Well, if you remember I have said with my program I have no forbidden foods. That includes cookies.
One of my wonderful neighbors came by the house today selling cookie dough as a fundraiser for his grandson's pre-school. The child was sick and therefore could not assist Grandpa, but will be helping with the delivery of the buckets. Hmmmm. Since each bucket weighs in at 3 pounds I'm not sure just how much help the little guy will be, but at least he will be present!
My neighbor said, "I know you are on a diet, so if you don't want any that's okay". It was really sweet that he wanted me to know that he was aware that I've lost a lot of weight and that I should not feel obligated to participate. I did have to tell him that I refuse to diet! People just don't seem to understand that--how is it possible to lose weight without dieting? Well, I'm proof that it is possible!
Know what else? I was glad that he didn't assume and make the decision for me! Since most people think if you are losing weight you never eat treats, he could easily have made that assumption!
We did buy one bucket. I figure it will last us about a year!
I know that I won't go crazy...because I have evidence to prove that now. So this is the first time I have ever bought one of these food fund-raisers and not had a level of fear associated with the purchase!
Sometimes a freshly baked cookie is just what the doctor ordered (well, maybe not Dr. Linda!)
We'll chat another time about some really healthy cookies that I make that are part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution. They are so rich and chocolately...my mother said
Oh, if only all of life's problems were so simple!
Why am I talking about cookies, when this blog is about achieving health (and weight) goals? Well, if you remember I have said with my program I have no forbidden foods. That includes cookies.
One of my wonderful neighbors came by the house today selling cookie dough as a fundraiser for his grandson's pre-school. The child was sick and therefore could not assist Grandpa, but will be helping with the delivery of the buckets. Hmmmm. Since each bucket weighs in at 3 pounds I'm not sure just how much help the little guy will be, but at least he will be present!
My neighbor said, "I know you are on a diet, so if you don't want any that's okay". It was really sweet that he wanted me to know that he was aware that I've lost a lot of weight and that I should not feel obligated to participate. I did have to tell him that I refuse to diet! People just don't seem to understand that--how is it possible to lose weight without dieting? Well, I'm proof that it is possible!
Know what else? I was glad that he didn't assume and make the decision for me! Since most people think if you are losing weight you never eat treats, he could easily have made that assumption!
We did buy one bucket. I figure it will last us about a year!
I know that I won't go crazy...because I have evidence to prove that now. So this is the first time I have ever bought one of these food fund-raisers and not had a level of fear associated with the purchase!
Sometimes a freshly baked cookie is just what the doctor ordered (well, maybe not Dr. Linda!)
We'll chat another time about some really healthy cookies that I make that are part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution. They are so rich and chocolately...my mother said
They taste so sinful I cannot get it into my head they are legal.
Oh, if only all of life's problems were so simple!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Feeling Good and Grateful
I am just feeling so good!
I'll confess that I'm not thrilled with how early it is getting dark these days, but other than that life is pretty darned good!
Walking in the morning is more enjoyable when it isn't dark and it has gotten a few degrees warmer. Maybe that helps balance out the dark afternoons (Hey--4pm is still afternoon and it is getting dark here by then!)
This time of year can be a challenge for me--or has been historically. Since I started the Mars Venus Wellness Solution 13 months ago I have been through an entire year. SO, I expect that this late fall/winter will not be the issue for me that it has been in some years past.
I am shocked and amazed at how different I am about food. I literally still have HALF A BAG OF HALLOWEEN CANDY in the house! It is not "calling my name" at all! I am so happy. It means that the rest of the household does not have to suffer just because I don't have control--because NOW I DO!!!!
I'll confess that I'm not thrilled with how early it is getting dark these days, but other than that life is pretty darned good!
Walking in the morning is more enjoyable when it isn't dark and it has gotten a few degrees warmer. Maybe that helps balance out the dark afternoons (Hey--4pm is still afternoon and it is getting dark here by then!)
This time of year can be a challenge for me--or has been historically. Since I started the Mars Venus Wellness Solution 13 months ago I have been through an entire year. SO, I expect that this late fall/winter will not be the issue for me that it has been in some years past.
I am shocked and amazed at how different I am about food. I literally still have HALF A BAG OF HALLOWEEN CANDY in the house! It is not "calling my name" at all! I am so happy. It means that the rest of the household does not have to suffer just because I don't have control--because NOW I DO!!!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Starting My Day
This morning I woke up to the most beautiful sunrise. Wow! It was the perfect complement to my morning lemon drink.
Part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution is to start each morning with a glass of "Lemon Cleanse". I really enjoy it. I like the taste and I like how I feel when I drink it. It feels very light.
I used to be a huge coffee drinker. Hmmm. Well, actually I was pretty big, but what I meant to say is that I was an avid coffee drinker. Before I started John's program I used to drink pretty much a pot myself. There were times in my life where one pot would have been nothing!
Now I have coffee when I want it--as part of an experience as opposed to a habit. For example, it is Saturday morning...I'm going to enjoy a large mug of coffee this morning because I like the flavor of it. I like that I am in control of even my coffee intake! I no longer need that daily jolt of caffeine to get me going.
Part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution is to start each morning with a glass of "Lemon Cleanse". I really enjoy it. I like the taste and I like how I feel when I drink it. It feels very light.
I used to be a huge coffee drinker. Hmmm. Well, actually I was pretty big, but what I meant to say is that I was an avid coffee drinker. Before I started John's program I used to drink pretty much a pot myself. There were times in my life where one pot would have been nothing!
Now I have coffee when I want it--as part of an experience as opposed to a habit. For example, it is Saturday morning...I'm going to enjoy a large mug of coffee this morning because I like the flavor of it. I like that I am in control of even my coffee intake! I no longer need that daily jolt of caffeine to get me going.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Falling Off the Wagon
I recently got an email from someone on the Mars/Venus Solution and she mentioned that she was on a business trip and "fell off the wagon." I know this is a common way to looking at our eating behaviors--I've said it often enough myself.
When you feel this way, be sure to be gentle with yourself about "falling off the wagon"...it can happen. Remember, we are making life changes, this is NOT a diet. Therefore there really isn't any falling off the wagon! How liberating is that?
For many of us, losing weight is a multi-dimensional challenge. I believe that people may become overweight because they simply like to eat more calories than they can burn off. I also believe that those of us who have become obese or extremely overweight get that way in large part because of the emotional triggers and habits we have developed. In other words, we are using food as a way to self-medicate. For me, ice cream was my drug of choice.
I don't know if any of this will resonate with you--I used food (in particular, but not limited to ice cream) as a way to numb out the world. It was a way that I could not feel what was going on, but not endanger others by driving while intoxicated, and not participate in any illegal behavior. For someone who likes control, overeating was a way to exert some control over my life when I was feeling completely out of control.
Therefore the challenge comes in changing my behavior to better suit my health goals.
The Venus Solution helps with that because by balancing my brain chemistry, the cravings are gone--or when not completely gone--they are manageable because I can now recognize that they are emotionally triggered and their strength/power is greatly diminished.
It is not that I never want to eat foods that are fattening and/or "comfort foods". It is that I am better able to be in the driver's seat rather than just being pulled this way and that.
This has made all the difference for me.
Did this happen immediately, day 1? No. It did happen pretty quickly however.
It is also important to acknowledge that changing habits takes time. So let the Venus Solution assist you so that you don't have to struggle and at the same time, be aware of your feelings and the food that you take in. The awareness, now supported by balanced brain chemistry, will allow you to change your habits of eating for emotional reasons and thereby break the cycle.
Come back tomorrow and we'll talk about a plan of action for when we are feeling emotionally challenged!
When you feel this way, be sure to be gentle with yourself about "falling off the wagon"...it can happen. Remember, we are making life changes, this is NOT a diet. Therefore there really isn't any falling off the wagon! How liberating is that?
For many of us, losing weight is a multi-dimensional challenge. I believe that people may become overweight because they simply like to eat more calories than they can burn off. I also believe that those of us who have become obese or extremely overweight get that way in large part because of the emotional triggers and habits we have developed. In other words, we are using food as a way to self-medicate. For me, ice cream was my drug of choice.
I don't know if any of this will resonate with you--I used food (in particular, but not limited to ice cream) as a way to numb out the world. It was a way that I could not feel what was going on, but not endanger others by driving while intoxicated, and not participate in any illegal behavior. For someone who likes control, overeating was a way to exert some control over my life when I was feeling completely out of control.
Therefore the challenge comes in changing my behavior to better suit my health goals.
The Venus Solution helps with that because by balancing my brain chemistry, the cravings are gone--or when not completely gone--they are manageable because I can now recognize that they are emotionally triggered and their strength/power is greatly diminished.
It is not that I never want to eat foods that are fattening and/or "comfort foods". It is that I am better able to be in the driver's seat rather than just being pulled this way and that.
This has made all the difference for me.
Did this happen immediately, day 1? No. It did happen pretty quickly however.
It is also important to acknowledge that changing habits takes time. So let the Venus Solution assist you so that you don't have to struggle and at the same time, be aware of your feelings and the food that you take in. The awareness, now supported by balanced brain chemistry, will allow you to change your habits of eating for emotional reasons and thereby break the cycle.
Come back tomorrow and we'll talk about a plan of action for when we are feeling emotionally challenged!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Nutrition not Calories
Nutrition is the key to successfully shedding those pounds of fat--not counting calories.
Calories are not all equal. So many people get caught up in counting calories that they ignore what those calories consist of.
I am a proponent of indulgences--it is so important to not feel deprived. So rather than having little 100 calorie this or that snack, I focus on being nutritionally sound and then really enjoying it when I have a splurge. I have found a couple of benefits--I splurge less because I don't have the cravings for the foods; I have broken the sugar and carb habit; when I do have a treat I typically share it with a friend because it is just too much for me alone--so I save money, too!
Even Dara Torres (41 year old woman who one 3 medals at the Beijing Olympics) is keen on nutrition. Here is a woman who can pretty much eat anything she wants because of the amount of exercise that she does, and probably her metabolism. So we're not in that league, but we can take some pointers from her.
She says she drinks a nutritional drink every morning--and before each race. This drink provides her with the nutrients and protein that she needs from a meal.
I don't know what product she uses, but I know what I have been using with great success. The Mars Venus Wellness Solution shake gives me all the nutrients including amino acids that I need in a meal and to optimize my brain chemistry.
Why is brain chemistry important? It is the brain chemistry imbalance that got me into trouble physically. For some people the imbalance leads to drug addiction or alcohol abuse. My drug of choice was food--especially ice cream. I couldn't have ice cream in the house, it "called my name" so loudly that I would eat whatever was there, even when I didn't want it!!!
Thanks to Dr. John Gray's Mars Venus Wellness Solution I no longer have those cravings. I am finally in control of my eating and have what I call a "normal relationship" with food.
Calories are not all equal. So many people get caught up in counting calories that they ignore what those calories consist of.
I am a proponent of indulgences--it is so important to not feel deprived. So rather than having little 100 calorie this or that snack, I focus on being nutritionally sound and then really enjoying it when I have a splurge. I have found a couple of benefits--I splurge less because I don't have the cravings for the foods; I have broken the sugar and carb habit; when I do have a treat I typically share it with a friend because it is just too much for me alone--so I save money, too!
Even Dara Torres (41 year old woman who one 3 medals at the Beijing Olympics) is keen on nutrition. Here is a woman who can pretty much eat anything she wants because of the amount of exercise that she does, and probably her metabolism. So we're not in that league, but we can take some pointers from her.
She says she drinks a nutritional drink every morning--and before each race. This drink provides her with the nutrients and protein that she needs from a meal.
I don't know what product she uses, but I know what I have been using with great success. The Mars Venus Wellness Solution shake gives me all the nutrients including amino acids that I need in a meal and to optimize my brain chemistry.
Why is brain chemistry important? It is the brain chemistry imbalance that got me into trouble physically. For some people the imbalance leads to drug addiction or alcohol abuse. My drug of choice was food--especially ice cream. I couldn't have ice cream in the house, it "called my name" so loudly that I would eat whatever was there, even when I didn't want it!!!
Thanks to Dr. John Gray's Mars Venus Wellness Solution I no longer have those cravings. I am finally in control of my eating and have what I call a "normal relationship" with food.
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