The AIP diet and food cravings
When you're following the AIP diet, you may experience 'food cravings,' which is an uncontrollable urge for food, usually unhealthy options high in salt and sugars. Unhealthy nutrition, while baked and roasted, can cause fine particulate matter. Read about this in here. In this article, we delve deeper into this phenomenon and how to best deal with it.
Craving for food
The AIP diet avoids foods that often trigger inflammatory reactions, such as gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, nightshades, and refined sugars. However, when you start this diet, it can be a shock to your body and mind because our bodies have become accustomed to excessive amounts of salt and sugar in our current consumption-oriented society. When we no longer consume these, withdrawal symptoms can occur, leading to an increased desire for unhealthy food. We are also constantly surrounded by food in our daily lives, from advertisements to billboards on highways, on our phones, or that chocolate bar tempting you from the vending machine. All of this can contribute to uncontrollable food cravings. Or write about your diet in a diary.
The food craving based on emotions
These irresistible urges prompt us to consume specific foods, ranging from mild to extreme cravings that can occur at any time. Often, these foods have strong flavors, textures, or aromas, such as sweets, savory snacks, or desserts. Emotions and food are interconnected, and they can play a significant role in these irresistible urges. Stress (and the subsequent release of cortisol), sadness, boredom, or even happiness can lead to a desire for specific foods. Learn more about the impact of the AIP diet on our stress levels. This is because our brains have been trained to associate certain foods with comfort, reward, or pleasure, making us crave them when we are emotional.
The influence of our brain
Our brains regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in experiencing pleasure and reward. The brain's release of pleasure when eating certain foods can intensify cravings when it no longer experiences this pleasure. This can strengthen the desire for food. Learn more about the influence of the brain on our digestive system here.
Food cravings and the AIP lifestyle
External stimuli certainly don't help when you have foodcravings. The presence of food advertisements, the smell of food, or even seeing other people eating can trigger our brains. This is where the AIP lifestyle comes in. It emphasizes tranquility, regularity, and rhythm, with relaxation and stress reduction being essential. During stressful moments, it's important to have foods on hand that can provide comfort, such as caffeine-free chamomile or rooibos tea, for example. The AIP lifestyle also recommends going into the woods to walk, possibly with friends or family, so you can talk about your feelings and get support in dealing with food cravings.
Good nutrition, for example, includes primitive nutrition. This type of food takes care of the food cravings. Read more about this type of nutrition in this blog.
Planning meals in advance can also help reduce food cravings. Knowing when you'll eat at a specific time can help prevent unnecessary snacking in between. Alternatively, you can bring your own AIP-friendly snacks to ensure you consume the right foods. In social situations, you can clearly explain to friends, family, and colleagues what following the AIP diet means for you. This can help foster understanding and reduce social pressure. It's always beneficial to join online AIP communities, such as Facebook groups, as they provide opportunities to share experiences, exchange tips, and gain inspiration from others. It's crucial to be kind to yourself and stay focused on the long-term benefits of the diet. This leads to success in your journey with the AIP diet. If you're interested in potential AIP snacks, consider purchasing our meal plan online.
