The Health Diva

Nibbling in-between meals can have a detrimental effect on your waistline.

Many of us turn to sugary, high carb treats as a result of stress or boredom.

Simple dietary strategies help binge eaters, eating small regular meals help keep sugar levels on an even keel.

The signs for hunger and thirst can often be confused, try drinking a glass of water first before you hit the sweetie cupboard.

Snack of healthy snacks such as blueberries and organic yoghurt both of which help balance sugar levels.

Sometimes we just need Chocolate, 70% Organic dark chocolate, the Aztecs regarded cocoa as the nourishment of the gods and used it as a tonic, an elixir, like the fountain of youth. Only the most powerful warriors and the priests were allowed it. With high-quality chocolate you’re actually getting the good quality cocoa, with less sugar and fat than your average milk chocolate bar. Chocolate is also rich in magnesium and B vitamins so a little of what you fancy is a good thing, tag it on to a main meal, to offset any sugar hit.

There are many remedies to help keep your sweet cravings in check

5-HTP Helps Control Hunger Cravings, Binge Eating, Compulsive Eating and Excessive Hunger.

A major obstacle to successful weight loss programs is the tendency towards binge eating during and following a diet or weight loss program. Here is where 5-HTP comes into play.

What is 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP?

5-HTP helps the nervous system by encouraging the production of serotonin. It is manufactured by the body from L-tryptophan, an amino acid which is found in many protein-rich foods. 5-HTP itself is not found in foods to any appreciable extent. For use as a weight loss supplement, it is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia).

5-HTP is a precursor of serotonin and has been found to be an effective nutrient to promote weight loss. A deficiency of 5-HTP can cause serotonin imbalances that are associated with insomnia, anxiety, and high glycemic food cravings.  5-HTP appears to work by giving the feeling of satiation and a calming effect.  5-HTP is becoming a key nutrient in many of the new weight loss supplements.

5-HTP is an effective weight loss supplement

5-HTP reduces cravings for carbohydrates and high glycemic index foods.  This in turn reduces calorie intake and increases weight loss.  It is believed that calorie restricted diets reduce serotonin levels which cause over eating or binge eating.   Increasing the level of serotonin levels therefore contributes to the success of weight loss programs.

Several studies have shown a benefit for 5-HTP in weight loss. All studies reported decreased appetite, decreased carbohydrate, fat intake, and weight loss.

We recommend 50mg 5HTP mid morning and mid afternoon.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is thought to help curb appetite, burn fat and result in significant weight loss without side effects, it also promotes healthy blood lipid levels and reduces Body Mass Index, an indicator of healthy body weight. But the most exciting news of all is that HCA is thought to increase levels of serum serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep and appetite control, which may help address many of the emotional issues overweight people face, including binge-eating and depression.

Spirulina is the ultimate super food, made up of natural plant enzymes this powerful nutrient is rich in magnesium, and b vitamins, and helps to curb the appetite, whilst improving your nutrient levels.

Researchers in Germany used 15 human volunteers to test an appetite reducing effect. Obese outpatients, who were following a weight reduction diet, took Spirulina tablets before each meal three times a day for four weeks. In this double blind crossover study against a placebo, about 6 tablets three times a day over four weeks showed a small but statistically significant reduction of body weight. There was also a significant drop in serum cholesterol levels.

Chromium (200-600mcg)  when taken with meals, helps the healthy function of the Insulin Receptors on the surface of the cell and facilitates the transfer of glucose from the blood stream inside the cells to be used as cellular energy. Chromium helps regulate sugar levels, easing sugar cravings.

Taking a good multi vitamin and mineral is an excellent way to ensure you have adequate B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc to help satisfy cravings.

Craving, and boredom eating is a symptom of a much bigger issue, what in your life is not satisfying you?

Seeking out professional help from a councilor, try meditation, or just getting active, all you need to do is take one step.