FIND YOURSELF craving another slice of Christmas log or panettone? Needn’t mean you lack willpower – it could be down to a variety of physical and emotional reasons, or be caused by an imbalance in your appetite-regulating hormone, leptin.
A diet rich in sugar or refined carbs can lead to leptin resistance, according to University of California professor Robert Lustig. Leptin resistance is where your brain doesn’t recognise you’re full, and makes you crave high-fat, high-sugar foods for instant energy. Fortunately, balancing your blood sugar helps reduce these cravings, which is where spices such as cinnamon can help.
Dr Neal