What is most important to know about breaking a carb addiction?

Addiction Specialist Mike Dow, PsyD, discusses the most important things one should know about how to successfully break a carb addiction.

Transcript

00:00

Carbohydrates release serotonin in the brain. That's that happy, peaceful, sedating chemical that makes you feel really good.

00:06

But the good news is is that there are so many other ways that you can get this feel-good chemical. [UPBEAT MUSIC]

00:21

One thing that I would really like people to know about carb addiction is that it is so much more about what

00:27

you need to add to your life rather than what you take away if you're going to successfully treat that addiction.

00:35

Carbohydrates release serotonin in the brain. That's that happy, peaceful, sedating chemical that makes you feel really good.

00:42

But the good news is is that there are so many other ways that you can get this feel-good chemical.

00:50

Relationships, non-food activities like lighting a candle, taking a bath, taking your dog for a walk, or volunteering

00:59

are all fantastic ways for you to get that healthy, sustainable feel-good serotonin.

01:07

And when you add that to your life, you will notice that taking away some of those unhealthy carbs, like white pasta, bread, and pizza or French fries,

01:17

won't be so difficult. So focus on what you're adding to your life, not what you're taking away.