In reality, even though we watch our diet, blood sugar is not a perfect science. However it is known that some foods are more influential than others. These foods are mostly carbohydrates - and they can affect more than just our blood sugar. Carbohydrates can affect our moods and appetite through a neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Serotonin is unique in that it is indirectly controlled by foods, specifically carbohydrates. It's not surprising that eating foods like chocolate cake and potato chips can lift your spirits for a moment or two - but the aftermath doesn't always seem as exhilarating. This becomes a fattening trend, after a while. Why do we get a spiritual uplift from indulging in these no no yum yums?

There is an explanation for this fattening fix. Different sugars affect the brain in different ways. Beware of sugars that are more processed like: glucose, dextrose, and sucrose. These sugars enter the bloodstream quickly, reaching high levels in a short time. This triggers the release of large amounts of insulin. The evolution of man has not adapted for highly refined sugars. This type of sugar is quickly ushered to the cells. Depending on how active a person you are - this energy may not be used up and therefore results to fat storage. A good indicator to use when choosing carbs is the glycemic index. The lower you stay on the index, the less the overall impact on your blood sugar rise. Checkout Fifty50 glycemic index for a list of everyday foods.

A small molecule has been identified that controls diabetes in mice and may pave the way to the development of easier treatment for adult-onset diabetes.

This key molecule, called Boc5, can stimulate insulin function and reduce body weight by 20%. The molecule stimulates the production of the glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP1), responsible for metabolizing glucose. The study intended to discover ways to sensitize insulin by stimulating production of GLP1. Boc5 is not powerful enough to become a diabetes or weight loss drug. But researchers suggest that similar compounds could join the latest generation of diabetes drugs, called "incretin mimetics." The first FDA-approved incretin mimetic was Byetta. A second such drug, with the generic name liraglutide, is in clinical trials.

The problem with the existing FDA approved incretin mimetic treatments is that they are large molecules that must be administered through injection. Boc5 is a small fry with big potential. Being a smaller molecule gives hope for a new generation in diabetes treatment in the form of a pill many of us would be happy to swallow.

When Mike Adams, of NewsTarget, dropped 50 pounds of body fat using absolutely no drugs or pharmaceuticals of any kind -- he found that there are several foods and beverages that will suppress hunger pangs, without significant calories. The following list of foods are all easily accessible and worth a front-row in your fridge (or pantry).

The basic foods are quick and easy. Ready? #1 is water. Whether you prefer Poland Spring, Smart Water, or plain old tap - it should be your first line of defense in quelling hunger pangs. Drink a tall glass, and wait a few minutes. If water doesn't float your boat try a cup of chicken or vegetable broth. It will have higher sodium content but the calories are still negligible. Food #2 is a whole isle at your local grocery store: leafy greens! Fresh produce like lettuce, cabbage, and bok choy offer a tremendous nutritional advantage -- crunchy goodness without the guilt of carbs. They may not be high on the list of favorites, but chop a salad bowl full and stir fry till your hearts content. The 10 minutes of preparation might distract you from your hunger. Mikes #3 food sounds delicious! It's called instant banana pudding. You'll have to check his site for the secret recipe. It has near-zero carbs, no sugars, and is high in soy protein. The #4 food is pickles. That's right, pickles. Try not to buy pickles containing any added sugars or artificial colors. Last but not least, the appetite suppressing food #5 is apples. Eat the largest apple you can find. Sure, you'll get some calories and some carbs, but the apple will fill you up, and that might arrest your criminal cravings for more illicit foods.

Mike continues to explain why this strategy is practically failsafe. He says, "if you're crazy hungry, it's very easy to reach for some processed foods (bag of chips, for example) and start munching away until you've consumed 1,000 calories or more. And that's about half the total calories you need for the entire day! But I dare you to try to eat 1000 calories worth of apples. It's impossible." Sweet bulky fibers, leafy greens, salty pickles, refreshing water - and let's not forget the banana pudding. All these suggestions will find their way onto my next grocery list. As always, thanks for the good advice, Mike!