Cravings for sugar are quite prevalent, particularly in women. According to a Susan Yanovski study, up to 97% of women and 68% of men say they occasionally have food cravings, including sugar cravings. People who have a sugar hunger have a strong want to eat anything sweet, and they may struggle to restrain themselves when it comes to food. According to a study conducted in 2016 by Ariana M. Chao and colleagues, this can result in binge eating or excessive calorie consumption, sometimes on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lessen the discomfort. Dr. Jen Nash, a psychologist from the Diabetes Organization, presents her opinion on how to handle sugar cravings and provides insight into their underlying reasons. What does a sweet tooth's sour side entail? Everyone, whether they have diabetes or not, can benefit from decreasing their intake of sugar because it has become a common ingredient in modern cuisine. However, given our diets' high sugar content and the fact that in our societies, which value food over all else, sweets are frequently given as expressions of love, this is easier said than done.
Why do some people crave sugar so much? It is very normal to like sugary foods. We have evolved from a time when food was in short supply and eating high-calorie meals was beneficial for both our survival and taste buds. Some people report feeling "addicted" to sugar and finding freedom only after quitting it. The reward circuits in our brains are undoubtedly influenced by sweet food, and for the majority of us, sweet food improves mood, at least temporarily. According to Susan Yanovski, when people experience sugar cravings, they typically turn to high-fat, high-sugar foods like chocolate. When you have a sugar craving, switching from junk food to fruit may provide you with the necessary sweet hit and put an end to your craving. According to Helen West of Healthline, fruit is naturally sweet but also contains loads of healthful plant components and fiber, letting you satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
Berries are also a delicious and healthy option for reducing sugar cravings. Despite having a sweet flavor, they have a low sugar level due to their high fiber content. This may make them a wonderful option if you believe that your sugar cravings are caused more by habit than by a lack of food. When people have a sweet tooth, one of the foods they most frequently mention eating is chocolate. For women specifically, this is true. But if you have chocolate hankering, dark chocolate is a better option in terms of health. Not all snack foods are healthy, and some contain a lot of sugar and fat. There are, however, some excellent, healthier options available if you're in the mood for a sweet treat. Instead of using table sugar, try looking for a snack bar made with whole oats and sweetened with fresh or dried fruit. Omega-3 fatty acids, soluble dietary fiber, and a few beneficial plant chemicals are all present in chia seeds in significant amounts. In actuality, soluble fiber comprises 40% or more of chia seeds. In your gut, this type of fiber easily absorbs water and expands to form a jelly-like material, which may help you feel fuller for longer and reduce sugar cravings.
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent plant-based sources of protein and fiber. In fact, 1 cup (198 grams) of lentils has 16 grams of fiber and almost 18 grams of protein. Another nutritious food that is high in calcium and protein is yogurt. Yogurt may also be a healthy snack to help control your cravings and regulate your appetite, according to several research. The dried fruit of the date palm tree is known as a date. They are incredibly delicious and very nutrient-dense. They are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron, and healthy plant chemicals even if they have been dried. You can get a sweet fix and be healthy by eating a few dates instead of a soda or some candies. Sweet potatoes are full, healthy, and sweet. They are mostly composed of carbohydrates, but they also include fiber, a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Some people experience sugar cravings as a result of undereating during the day. Helen West underlined that most individuals are happy with the occasional sugary treat, so you shouldn't feel bad if you do so. It's worth looking more closely at your diet, though, if you frequently experience sugar cravings or feel out of control around sweet foods. If you're craving something sweet, consider replacing some of your sugary snacks with some of the tastier alternatives on this list. Cravings for sugar, as well as for pleasure, comfort, and celebration, are normal. Keep in mind that it's acceptable to occasionally use sugar to deal with life's issues; in fact, most people do. Problems arise when sugar is used as a "go-to" solution to issues that it was not intended to address. You will be in control, not the sugar, by identifying what you are actually seeking and coming up with a variety of strategies for coping with it.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
- 19 Foods That Can Fight Sugar Cravings
By Helen West, RD on January 8, 2018
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-fight-sugar-cravings
- Sugar cravings
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/food-psychology/sugar-cravings
- Sugar and fat: cravings and aversions
Susan Yanovski