Changes in Food Cravings and Eating Behavior after a Dietary Carbohydrate Restriction Intervention Trial

Abstract

Compared to low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate (CHO) diets cause weight loss (WL) over a faster time frame; however, it is unknown how changes in food cravings and eating behavior contribute to this more rapid WL in the early phases of dieting. We hypothesized that reductions in food cravings and improved eating behaviors would be evident even after a relatively short (4-week) duration of CHO-restriction, and that these changes would be associated with WL. Adult participants (n = 19, 53% males, mean ± SD: BMI = 34.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2; age 40.6 ± 1.9 years) consumed a CHO-restricted diet (14% CHO, 58% fat, 28% protein) for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, specific and total cravings were measured with the Food Craving Inventory (FCI) and eating behaviors assessed with the Three-Factor Eating questionnaire. Food cravings were significantly reduced at week 4, while women had significantly greater reductions in sweet cravings than men. Dietary restraint was significantly increased by 102%, while disinhibiton and hunger scores were reduced (17% and 22%, respectively, p < 0.05). Changes in cravings were unrelated to changes in body weight except for the change in high-fat cravings where those who lost the most weight experienced the least reductions in fat cravings (r = −0.458, p = 0.049). Changes in dietary restraint were inversely related to several FCI subscales. A short-term, low-CHO diet was effective in reducing food cravings. These data suggest that in subjects that have successfully lost weight on a low-CHO diet, those who craved high-fat foods at the onset were able to satisfy their cravings—potentially due to the high-fat nature of this restricted diet.

Cognitive restraint directed at carbohydrates in individuals on low-carb diet with binge eating: the role of guilt about food cravings

“…(3) Regarding the appearance of an intense desire for food resulting from this type of restriction, Castro et al, demonstrated a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (supervised prescription) did not cause increased food craving. (4) The same was described by Anguah et al, who verified a decrease of food craving and an increase by 102% in cognitive restraint, (5) when using a ketogenic diet with proportions of 14% of carbohydrates, 58% of fat and 28% of protein. In another randomized clinical trial using a low-carb diet, individuals who lost more weight had an increased desire for caloric foods in the sixth month, but gave in to desires less frequently.…”

“…(21) Thus, carbohydrate restriction should be discussed as a possibility of intervention if it occurs under specialized care, for a determined time, with adaptation phases and behavioral evaluations. (4,5) Nevertheless, the prevalence of unsupervised practice of restrictive diets is increasing. (22)(23)(24)(25) Hume et al, demonstrated that individuals who went on successful diets reported lower consumption of carbohydrates, higher dietary restriction, higher protein intake, and more vigorous physical activity.…”

“…(30) When the cultural aspect is brought into question, such as the disclosure of concepts, quantities and different ways of eating, issues related to the nutritional factor (as nutrition proposes), and also to behavior factor (exemplified in cognitive restraint), may be associated with an imbalance between the actual amount consumed and eating attitudes (emotions, thoughts, and feelings) directed at carbohydrates. (5,28,29) In this respect, Anguah et al, demonstrated that after four weeks of carbohydrate restriction, there was a drop in food cravings and an increase by 102% in cognitive restraint. (5) In the present study, on the other hand, the scores of cognitive restraint and carbohydrate restriction did not correlate with food craving (trait and status).…”

“…(5,28,29) In this respect, Anguah et al, demonstrated that after four weeks of carbohydrate restriction, there was a drop in food cravings and an increase by 102% in cognitive restraint. (5) In the present study, on the other hand, the scores of cognitive restraint and carbohydrate restriction did not correlate with food craving (trait and status). Future longitudinal studies can investigate, in a more robust way, causal relations between food cravings, cognitive restraint, and diet, especially those with carbohydrate reduction.…”

Finding the Sweet Spot: Measurement, Modification, and Application of Sweet Hedonics in Humans

“…It is undetermined if there is a specific diet that works best to limit flavor cravings. Low-carbohydrate diets have been associated with both reduced ( 130 , 138 , 139 ) and increased ( 131 ) sweet cravings compared with habitual diets. A role of genetics is uncertain.…”