Did you know that an estimated 100% of women experience food cravings in a year? I bet as you read this you are saying, " well duh thats normal for me!" 
One of the most addictive food ingredients and most common food craving is sugar. When consumed the body triggers a production of your brain's natural opioids. This starts the addiction process. 
On your tongue you have 2 protein receptors called leptin.  Leptin is a hormone known to be a sweet-sensing modulator. The abnormally high stimulation of these receptors by our sugar-rich diets generates  an excessive reward signal in your brian. Overtime this can cause an override to normal self-control mechanisms, and lead to addiction.
CFS, adrenal fatigue, yeast/candidiasis overgrowth and hormonal imbalances can also lead to cravings especially sugary foods. 
Complex hormonal reaction is particularly responsible for sweet cravings.  Studies have shown that leptin targets taste receptors on your tongue, increasing or reducing sugar cravings, lack of leptin or your bodies failure to respond to the hormone is due to the effects in your receptors contributed by the "sweet tooth." 
Leptin is directly responsible in weight regulation by signaling when your fat cells are full. Low levels of leptin also diminish your feeling of satiety, leading to continuous intake of sweet foods.
Exposure of to much leptin overtime, can cause your body to become resistant to it. Eating habits that are high in sugar & processed carbohydrates cause the sugar to get metabolized to fat, and this in turn releases a surge of leptin. 
Leptin resistance will develop overtime if eating habits FAIL to change. When this happens your body can no longer "hear" it telling it to stop eating, burn fat, and  it fails to maintain good sensitivity to sweet tastes in your taste buds. 
Results = Still Hungry, Crave Sweets, & your Body Stores More Fat! 


When you become leptin resistant your liver has STOPPED metabolizing fat properly. To break the addiction, detoxifying your liver is highly suggested. Sugar consumption over time causes fat to build up in the liver cells, which decrease the livers ability to metabolize fat and sugars and detoxify your body properly!  So start KICKING the HABITS that are no longer serving you and allow your body to create a true wellness and balance from within! 


Next week comes Part 2: Cravings ~ Got Some? The Foods that promote healing & detoxing 

• In a large pot, combine broccoli, leek, garlic and broth. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, over low heat until broccoli is tender, about 10 or 12 minutes.
• Remove from heat and puree in the pot with an immersion blender (be careful not to spatter!), or transfer to a food processor or blender and puree. (I like to leave a few chunks though, for texture)
• Stir in yogurt and season to taste with salt and pepper.
•  Sprinkle each serving with a  bit of goat cheese and enjoy!