CAFFEINE STIMULATES A RUSH OF ADRENALIN

CAFFEINE STIMULATES A RUSH OF ADRENALIN, WHICH PUTS IT INTO FIGHT OR FLIGHT MODE.

CAFFEINE

That sustainable double shot could be responsible for your hunger pangs by 11am. Caffeine stimulates a rush of adrenalin, which puts it into fight or flight mode. As you are not on the run from mammoths, the adrenal hormones that would once have given you energy for a quick getaway circulate in your system, making you feel depleted and worn out. This fatigue can promote cravings for carbs and sugar as the brain screams for its favourite fuel source, glucose.

PREVENTION:

Switch to herbal tea or a coffee

substitute like dandelion tea – caffeine can be dehydrating.

Choose single shots rather than double. If you must have a coffee daily, do not have more than one.

Avoid energy drinks and colas, which are also high in caffeine.

When suffering an energy dip, stop for five minutes, drop your shoulders and slow breathe, instead of reaching for some Java.

TOO LITTLE PROTEIN

Too little protein may lead to an insatiable desire to eat according to a growing body of evidence supporting the protein leverage theory. Research seems to show that animals, including monkeys, rats, locusts, caterpillars and humans, have a set point of protein they need for good health and reproduction, says David Raubenheimer, a professor in nutritional ecology at the Charles Perkins Centre. In humans, we may keep eating until we reach that protein set point and if we do not get enough, our bodies do not switch off our hunger hormones, which causes us to keep craving food Though the best level of protein is still being researched, studies suggest it may be around a quarter of your daily energy intake.

PREVENTION:

Eat some form of protein at every meal, such as fish, lean red meat, lamb or beef, skinless chicken breast, eggs and pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas.

If you are ravenous between meals, choose a protein-rich snack such as a chicken drumstick or a small tub of plain yoghurt with a little fruit.