Chapter 1: The Craving Dilemma

I recently indulged in five mini sweet potato samosas and nearly finished an entire pack of biscuits. Now, I’m left feeling nauseous, with a burning sensation in my stomach. Yet, the urge to keep eating is overwhelming. I know that in just ten minutes, I'll be hungry again.

The sight and smell of food, especially carbohydrates, trigger an uncontrollable response. Despite knowing I’m full, I find myself reaching for more. What causes this behavior?

The answer lies in a phenomenon that many can identify with—hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstruation. But what about those times when there's no hormonal excuse?

What Exactly Are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are essential components of our diet, serving as a primary energy source. They can be categorized as either 'simple' carbohydrates, which are primarily sugars, or 'complex' carbohydrates, which consist of numerous simple sugars linked together. Regardless of type, one gram of carbs contributes four calories to our energy intake.

You might have heard the common myth that all carbohydrates are detrimental to health and should be avoided to lose weight. This notion is misleading.

Moderation is key; excessive consumption of anything—even healthy foods like sprouts—can lead to adverse health effects. Sugary snacks, chips, and sodas are the worst offenders. If you're bingeing on Maoam Pinballs after having some just yesterday, you're likely setting yourself up for trouble. Conversely, enjoying pasta or rice a few times a week is generally acceptable and even encouraged by programs like Slimming World.

Personally, I prefer whole grains over refined options like white rice and bread, which make me feel less satisfied.

The Hormonal Connection: Why the Cravings Intensify

If you're male and feeling uneasy about the mention of menstruation, I assure you this discussion has broader relevance.

During my period, cravings can become insatiable. I'm not reaching for salads but for chocolate, sweets, and fast food—anything carbohydrate-rich. Kelly Klump suggests that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to heightened hunger driven by hormonal changes. After ovulation, shifts in hormone levels can activate genes related to eating disorders, making some people more susceptible to binging during their cycle.

It seems I may fall into this category.

The fluctuations of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone exacerbate my cravings, sending my hunger signals into overdrive.

Pip Reed posits that the irritability and emotional overwhelm many women experience during this time can lead to cravings for sugary foods, as they help boost serotonin and dopamine levels—neurotransmitters associated with mood enhancement.

However, there are consequences to this behavior. Overeating often leads to weight gain, with women commonly gaining three to five pounds during their period, not solely due to food intake but also due to water retention linked to hormonal changes.

Interestingly, since the lockdown, I’ve experienced months where my usual post-menstrual cravings seem to vanish, allowing me to survive on just two meals a day. I wish this could be the norm.

The Allure of Carbohydrates

While I enjoy salads and vegetables, there's no denying my love for carbohydrates. It’s a common human trait.

The term 'carboholism' describes the physiological response triggered by carb consumption. Eating carbs stimulates insulin production, leading to energy storage in fat cells and creating a cycle of increased cravings for more carbohydrates.

Certain carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white pasta and bread, can cause a more pronounced insulin response. That's why I prefer brown options whenever possible, having eliminated white bread from my diet, with a few exceptions.

Research from 2017 even indicated that some individuals can taste starch more acutely, which may correlate with larger waist sizes—suggesting that our bodies could be working against us.

Additionally, low serotonin levels may also be a factor behind carbohydrate cravings. Carbs provide a quick energy boost, raising serotonin levels and explaining the phenomenon of "comfort eating."

This is disheartening; I wish I could escape this love for carbs. Are there any support groups for carbohydrate addiction?

Coping with Cravings

Life is challenging when hunger strikes, especially for women.

The odds seem stacked against us. Science indicates that humans are wired to crave fatty foods, while grocery stores often offer unhealthy carbohydrates at low prices. In contrast, healthier options are often overpriced and in limited supply.

So what can one do? Unfortunately, I don’t have any concrete solutions. I’m grappling with these cravings myself! The best advice I can offer is to cultivate mental resilience and find coping strategies.

Good luck in your battle against those carb cravings!

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