Why Do I Crave Carbs At 10 AM?

This is a common scenario, especially for those of us that work. Let me explain why this happens. Your body goes through an overnight fast (unless there was a midnight raid on the fridge). In the morning, you are in a hurry to get to work and maybe get the kids off to school, so you hand them a Pop Tart and orange juice and either grab one for yourself or get a much more healthy bagel (that was a joke). This "meal", full of highly processed simple carbohydrates, causes your blood sugar to sky-rocket. In response, your pancreas produces insulin to get things back under control. The insulin spike causes your blood sugar to plummet and voila, your body tells you that it needs fuel, and fast, due to the low sugar. It also tells you to eat carbs to correct the problem, which is why you proceed to the break room on the hunt for doughnuts, sticky buns, or another bagel. This continues throughout the day, week after week, and year after year, until you are overweight and begin to develop related health problems. Insulin resistance develops following this type of eating pattern as the body attempts to protect itself from the chronically elevated insulin level. Bringing things back into balance requires planning. Meals need to be balanced with regard to protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. Eating low glycemic foods and plenty of fiber will decrease the blood sugar rise and mute the insulin response. Plan your meals like you plan other aspects of your life. You will look great and feel even better.