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Fat/Oil Craving
  Fat/Oil Craving
 Conditions that suggest it
 It can lead to...
 Treatment recommendations
 


Our bodies see fat as the fuel for survival: it is the richest source of energy, with more than twice the energy per gram than any other nutrient. Alcohol is the only other substance that comes close. It is this biological respect for fat that makes it so hard for people to defeat fat cravings; we have a basic instinct to eat fat. Most Americans have crossed-wires when it comes to fats. Because of bulging waistlines, most battle with fat-phobia and fat-craving. The human body is programmed to crave fats; without essential fats and fatty nutrients, animals and humans cease to thrive. Omega-3 and omega-6 fats from flaxseed and cold-water fish were found to be essential for human health by physiologists in the 1930s.

Causes & Development

Scientists are suggesting that a brain protein called galanin is triggered in greater amounts when we eat fat. They also suggest that galanin levels are increased when we go without eating for a period of time. Galanin is a neuropeptide that causes us to eat or crave fat. This may explain why, when eating a pack of cookies, a significant proportion of consumers have great difficulty stopping at just one cookie. It also offers an explanation as to why, when we are hungry, we are likely to crave fat.

Treatment & Prevention
The first step to controlling emotional hunger is to identify whether you are hungering for food or simply emotional satisfaction. You can do this by keeping a food journal. Write down for one week what you eat, the time you eat and the amount and quality of the food you eat. As you write each entry, note down how you are feeling emotionally. Then review the week and identify when you ate food that related to how you felt emotionally at that time.





SpacerConditions that suggest Fat/Oil Craving:
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MetabolicIcon  Problems Caused By Being Overweight
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SpacerFat/Oil Craving can lead to:
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MetabolicIcon  Problems Caused By Being Overweight
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SpacerRecommendations and treatments for Fat/Oil Craving:
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DietIcon  High/Increased Fiber Diet
SpacerWhy Foods high in dietary fiber such as bran cereals and wholemeal breads are suggested as ideal tools for dampening a fat craving.

Nutrient
Icon  Essential Fatty Acids

Psychological
Icon  Stress Management
SpacerWhy There is an emerging link between stress and people's desire to eat fatty foods. People under pressure often tend to reach for the fatty foods - they are "comfort foods". In order to combat this we need to manage our stress levels better and practise pausing before reacting to stress triggers.
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KEY
PlusSpacerWeak or unproven link
PlusSpacerStrong or generally accepted link
TickSpacerLikely to help
TickSpacerHighly recommended



GLOSSARY

Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.

Dietary Fiber (Insoluble Fiber, Insoluble Fibers, Soluble Fiber, Soluble Fibers)
There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge; it absorbs water and moves solid waste out of the intestines. It is found mainly in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, and legumes. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats and oat bran. It forms a gel when mixed with liquid producing a softer stool. It also prevents and reduces the absorption of certain substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.

Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.

Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.




Last updated: Jan 03, 2010
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