Sweets are one of the most tempting foods. Whether it’s a simple candy, a gourmet dessert or a good old mithai, it’s hard to resist sugar-laden products. Some people get their sugar fix from soft drinks and packaged drinks. While it’s not advisable to completely cut back on sugar intake (read why here), it’s still crucial to watch our intake. Consuming refined sugar poses a number of health risks. But it can be difficult to overcome sugar cravings. Many of us have gotten into the habit of eating something sweet after meals or at other specific times. So how can you make yourself less likely to crave sugar? Here are some facts to keep in mind:
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Why do we crave sugar after meals?
Desserts are a quick fix to our sugar cravings. photo credit: istock
Sweet cravings can be caused by several factors. They are often caused by an imbalance in your blood sugar. You might crave sweets after your main course, as digestion requires energy and sugar can provide a quick energy boost. Another possibility is that the consumption of certain sweets can stimulate the production of serotonin, which lifts our spirits. So you might be looking for something to improve your mood. Certain aspects of your lifestyle can also trigger sugar cravings. For example, research suggests that poor quality sleep can make you crave junk food and high-calorie foods that are often loaded with sugar. Learn more about after-meal sweet cravings here.
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So what can you do to make sure you don’t give in to sweet temptations? Here are a few things you can try:
Can salt help control sugar cravings?
According to renowned nutritionist Pooja Makhija, salt can actually help you beat your sweet cravings fast. “When we eat less salt, our brain’s addiction pathways activate more, so we’re more likely to eat more sugar or any other substance,” she says. Therefore, what you may think is a craving for sweets is actually a sign that you need more salt. Read more about this surprising solution here.
What should I do if I crave sugar? Tips Recommended by Experts to Beat Sweet Cravings
Salt isn’t always the answer to your problems. Additionally, you should also monitor your salt intake to make sure it doesn’t get out of control. You may choose to make some changes in your diet to control your sugar cravings. Dietitian Manpreet Kalra recently posted about 10 ways to do this and briefly explained how they can help:
- Your protein intake can impact insulin sensitivity. Eating protein-rich foods can help curb sugar cravings.
- Consume foods containing complex carbohydrates as they can stimulate the release of serotonin. Avoid completely cutting carbohydrates from your diet.
- It is also important to eat magnesium-rich foods like nuts, quinoa, spinach, etc., as they can help control blood sugar.
- Dehydration can be one of the causes of your sweet cravings. Therefore, drinking enough water is essential.
- Consuming water with fenugreek seeds (methi) can prevent blood sugar spikes.
- You can also consider drinking cinnamon water after your meals.
- Eating small, frequent meals can also help balance blood sugar.
- Maintain a healthy digestive system by including gut-friendly fermented foods like idli, dosa, curd, etc. in your diet.
- Consume some ghee every day as this ingredient is rich in essential fatty acids and can help with sugar cravings.
- Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating blood sugar. Therefore, Manpreet recommends sun exposure for at least 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Not giving in to cravings doesn’t mean cutting out the sugar completely. It just means being more aware of how much you eat. Now you know what to do to ensure a healthier diet!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.
About Toshita SahniToshita is fueled by wordplay, wanderlust, wonder and alliteration. When she’s not blissfully contemplating her next meal, she enjoys reading novels and walking around the city.