Are you finding yourself reaching for sweets when you’d rather not? You are not alone! Sugar cravings are prevalent and can make it challenging to create healthy habits. In moderation, sweets are fine, but persistent sugar cravings can affect your energy, and your mood, and contribute to weight gain or other health problems.
In this blog, we will discuss some how to control sugar cravings. We will also get insight into the simple and natural ways to take action.
What are Sugar Cravings?
Sugar cravings are an intense urge to eat something sweet or sugary. While sugar cravings can arise from hormonal fluctuations, eating habits, emotional stress, etc, they often have a much deeper cause. Cravings can sometimes be related to stress or fatigue and may occur due to a lack of certain nutrients. If you can pinpoint your cravings leftover from food mistakes, you can make changes to eliminate them.
7 Simple Ways to Control Sugar Cravings
Here are a few simple and natural ways to control cravings for sugar:
1. Drink Water and stay hydrated
Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. In fact, dehydration is one of the reasons we may feel sugar cravings. Water counters cravings, so be sure to drink plenty of water every day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses every day.
2. Manage Stress
When we are constantly stressed, our cortisol levels can increase making us crave sugar as a quick boost of energy andcomfort. There are numerous wellness strategies to manage stress. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, and practising gratitude can help keep cravings at bay.
3. Increase Protein
Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels and helps keep you fuller for longer. Include protein-dense foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, Greek yoghurt, or lean meats in your meals and snacks.
4. Sleep More
Not enough sleep can affect the hunger-regulating hormones ghrelin and leptin causing increased sugar cravings. You should take 7-9 hours of good sleep each night to support your hormones and reduce snacking.
5. Plan your Meal
Missing meals or irregular eating can affect blood sugar levels leading to sugar cravings. It is vital to prepare element meal plans, including healthy snacks, to help eliminate impulsive decisions about food.
6. Do Exercise
Regular movement and exercise boost mood and energy, which decreases emotional eating and dependence on sugar. Even going for a brisk 30-minute walk makes a difference in your overall physical and mental health.
7. Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber slows digestion helps stabilize blood sugar levels and gives you the feeling of fullness for longer periods. Increase your intake of fiber-dense foods, such as; oats, lentils, chia seeds, fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Sugar cravings are not about avoiding sweets; it is about understanding your body and making informed decisions. With a few simple changes to your lifestyle to limit sugar cravings, you will create a healthier relationship with food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What deficiency causes cravings for sugar?
A: Sugar cravings are usually from deficiencies such as magnesium, chromium or sometimes B vitamins. If you are eating a balanced diet, the cravings will likely diminish.
Q: How to stop sugar cravings naturally?
A: Drink water, find ways to relieve stress, eat balanced meals that contain protein and fibre, and rest! Also, natural herbs such as cinnamon, and fenugreek may enhance blood sugar balance.
Q: What to eat instead of sweets at night?
A: Greek yoghurt and berries, bananas with almond butter or a piece of dark chocolate are healthier alternatives to sweets.
Q: How to stop craving sweets at the end of a meal?
A: Finish your meal with a mint tea or piece of fruit; higher fibre/ higher protein and healthy fats may keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Q. Why am I craving sugar all of a sudden?
A: Cravings can come on suddenly after an episode of poor sleep, stress, hormones, or thinking you are “hungry” possibly because you might be experiencing blood-sugar imbalance or even some form of emotional eating.
