Sugar cravings may be difficult to control, especially because it has proven to be addictive. In order to address the question concerning why you crave sugar, there is a need to first look at what sugar does to our bodies.
What does sugar do to our bodies?
– Too much sugar ages you.
– Lowers your immune system and increases inflammation.
– Can disrupt normal brain function and can cause increased anxiety and depression.
– Can lead to obesity and diabetes.
Why do I crave sugar?
If sugar is unhealthy and is bad for our bodies, then why do we crave it? There may be many answers to this question.
Not Eating Enough
One reason why you may be craving sugar is that you are not be eating enough. When you do not eat enough, your body loses energy. In order to gain energy quickly, your body starts to crave sugar. Sugar provides quick energy, even though it is not necessarily a good kind of energy. Because calories provide energy, you should focus on consuming them consistently, especially in the form of whole foods.
Habit
Similar to salt cravings, you may be craving sugar because it is a bad habit. Sugar is in many processed foods that we consume every day so it may be difficult to get away from it. Change the bad habit by becoming aware of what you are eating. Ask yourself if you are doing things habitually.
Eating Too Much Starch
When you eat too much starch and not enough fiber and protein your body is not satisfied. By consuming too much starch you only set yourself up for wanting more food and more sugar. Instead of eating too much of something, such as pasta, try to practice portion control. Learn to add more fiber and protein in your diet.
Eating Too Much Salt
Too much salt in your diet will lead to more sugar cravings. You may want to try eating more naturally salty foods including cheese or olives. This will lessen your sweet cravings and help you make healthier choices like drinking herbal tea or eating fruit for sweeter options.
How can I stop craving sugar?
Here are some suggestions for helping your sugar cravings stop:
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are as addictive as sugar. We become addicted to processed foods and sugar because it makes us feel good and stimulates a part of our brains called the nucleus accumbens. Your diet should include less processed foods and more natural foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
Increase Your Serotonin
Raise your serotonin, or also known as the “happiness hormone,” by getting enough sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet. Having plenty of serotonin will lead to less sugar cravings because your body will be in a balanced state.
Drink Water
If you are experiencing a sugar craving, try drinking water because your body may actually be dehydrated. Without knowing it, you may be craving water instead of sugar. You may also want to try drinking more tea.
Stabilize Your Blood Sugar
Ensure that your blood sugar is stable by eating small meals throughout the day. Skip three large meals and instead eat five smaller meals per day. These meals should include healthy options such as vegetables and foods high in fiber and protein.
Eat Greens
The more greens you eat, the better your chances are for avoiding a sugar craving. If you are not a fan of green vegetables, try green drinks or smoothies. Mixing spinach with your favorite fruit and a banana can add a sweet flavor to your smoothie. Not only will it reduce cravings for sugar, it also has a lot of nutrition.
Meditate
Mediation helps reduce sugar cravings by decreasing your stress levels. Stress can increase your blood sugar through the production of the hormone cortisol. Therefore, adding meditation before your meals can help you relax and have better digestion.
You are in control of your cravings.
Only you can decide how to treat your body. How you approach and control your cravings is entirely up to you. The suggested steps listed above are intended to help you make better choices so that you can more easily fight against sugar cravings.
One last tip: Do not believe what some advertisements say. Many advertisements try to sell you their products by telling you their stuff works. Not all products are trustworthy and can actually contain more sugar even if they do not tell you so. Be aware of what you are putting into your body and remember you are in control.
