Find out what type of foodie you are – then learn how you can spin your craving into something that’s better for your body.
It’s easy to spot a sweetivore from a mile away – they’re the ones who always have room for dessert. People who love sweets tend to be very agreeable and fun to get along with – but then again, maybe it’s simply all that sugar in their bloodstream. Be careful – a fondness for sweets can lead to various complications such as diabetes and obesity. Keep your sugar rush in check by choosing naturally sweet snacks (such as fruit) over those made with processed sugar. If you must eat sugary snacks, mix them with healthier options, such as spreading a bit of Nutella on a banana. If you really have a sweet tooth, you may consider integrating more fiber into your diet. Fiber helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of a healthy diet. Soluble fiber, such as psyllium, forms into a gel-like substance that helps trap sugars.* Supplements can help you get your daily dose of psyllium. *Source: A. Moreyra. “Expert Views: The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre” in GI Health & Wellness. Issue 4. February 2011
You’re not picky when it comes to your cravings and will eat whatever is available. Your fast-paced lifestyle may mean that you prioritize convenient choices over healthful, nourishing ones. This can take a toll on your weight in the long run, since Snackivores may find it hard to control the urge to snack at any given opportunity. While it’s tempting to just eat whatever is available all the time, you can bring more balance and structure into your eating habits by pre-packing your lunches at home, or bringing healthy snack options in your bag all the time. You may also consider taking fiber supplements with psyllium fiber, to help you feel less hungry between meals. Psyllium forms a gel in the stomach to slow down digestion and absorption, contributing a sensation of fullness and allowing you to feel fuller between meals*. *Source: McRorie, J. W. (2015) Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits, Part I. Nutrition Today, Vol 50 (2)
French fries, sisig, crispy friend chicken: nothing makes your mouth water more than oily, fatty food. We often associate fried dishes with celebrations and relaxed times – so you might be unconsciously craving those happier moments when you think of bacon. While fried food offers instant comfort, too much of it can bog you down and cause toxin buildup in your body. If you’re a constant sizzling fanatic, make sure to do a regular detox (through water and fiber-rich diets) to ooze out the bad stuff. Psyllium fiber – such as those found in fiber supplements – can also help you detox by improving digestive health.* Fiber adds bulk to digested food to help it pass easier through the digestive tract. Psyllium fiber also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It has been scientifically proven to help trap some unwanted wastes like excess bile acids and some cholesterol.** Sources: *McRorie, J. W. (2015) Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits, Part I. Nutrition Today, Vol 50 (2). **A. Moreyra. “Expert Views: The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre” in GI Health & Wellness. Issue 4. February 2011
People who love meat and protein-rich fare tend to be outgoing and sociable. Likewise, their eating habits tend to seek excitement and variety. It’s no wonder they’re the life of the party and the buffet line! Just bear in mind that eating too much meat can lead to high cholesterol problems. Balance your meat cravings by incorporating vegetables and fruits in your diet or the actual dishes themselves. Make sure to flush out all the toxins from your system with a fiber-rich diet, too. Another way to “clean up” your diet is to take fiber supplements. Those with Psyllium fiber can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Psyllium has been scientifically proven to help trap some unwanted wastes like excess bile acids and some cholesterol.* *Sources: A. Moreyra. “Expert Views: The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre” in GI Health & Wellness. Issue 4. February 2011; and Anderson, J.W. “All Fibers are Not Created Equal” in Journal of Medicine 2009:2(2):121-124
You profess a love for baked pastries or steaming white rice: food that can be easily acquired and digested. The fact that carbs are easier to eat and make us feel full faster may be linked to your psychological desire to seek instant comfort. When digested, carbs boost the levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, so your body may be inducing a craving for donuts to kick the blues away. Bear in mind that eating too much carbs introduces too much sugar to your body and affects your weight. If you must load up on carbs, you may consider taking fiber-rich options. Fiber helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of a healthy diet. Soluble fiber, such as psyllium, forms into a gel-like substance that helps trap sugars.* Exercise can also be a good mood-booster! *Source: A. Moreyra. “Expert Views: The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre” in GI Health & Wellness. Issue 4. Febuary 2011