Are you addicted to cupcakes, chocolates or cookies? Are you not able to get rid of your sugar cravings?
Not only sugar is harmful but it is also one of the causes of obesity. Sugar is as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Want to get rid of sugar cravings for good? Go through this article.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Crave For Sugar?
A sweet tooth means when you crave for sugar. But do you know why do you crave for sugar?
There are many reasons for it. Sugar does not have a good taste and it relaxes your body. It satisfies your hunger. Sugar is a carbohydrate. It stimulates the release of serotonin (happiness hormone).
That is why you often eat chocolates during the times of stress. Sugar consumption leads to more cravings for it. You will desire to drink juice after you consume cookies.
This is true that you get indulged in a sweet treat. That is why you cannot imagine a day without the sugary stuff.
Why Should You Tame Your Sweet Tooth?
Reaching for sweets too often can have short and long-term problems. When you consume sugar, it promotes a state of euphoria. But, it makes you hungry later on. Sugar also leads to hormonal swings. For example- you will feel tired or moody. Cravings for sugar lead to weight gain. Definitely, you don’t want that to happen.
It also causes diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. A sweet tooth can lead to bitter consequences in your future. Sometimes you won’t suspect some food items to have sugar. In that case, you must look for some ways to tame your sweet tooth.
Not only sugar causes diabetes, but it’s not the best thing for your health. Craving for sugar can lead to many problems. It can lead to:
- Tooth Decay
- Weight gain
- Premature aging
- Acne breakouts
- Food allergies
Cravings for sugar also lead to inflammation and chronic diseases. Not only this, but it also increases your chances of cancer. Sugar has no nutrients in it. Instead, it depletes your body of essential minerals and vitamins.
It might seem fun to indulge in a bowl of ice cream. But ladies, you need to watch your health. A little consumption of these sweet cravings isn’t dangerous. But when it becomes an obsession, then it calls for concern.
Still, want those cupcakes and cookies?
Here are different natural ways which will help you to curb this problem. Also, they have no or least side effects.
Natural Ways To Tame Your Sweet Tooth
a. Divert Your Mind
If you are having the urge to eat chocolate, distract yourself. Go for a walk or read a book. To stop yourself from reaching to sugars, start doing this.
b. Reward Yourself
It is hard to give it up if you are addicted to sugar. Get yourself a reward when you are able to break this habit. You can dine in a good restaurant. You can also get yourself a spa. Likewise, reward yourself with something that you want to do.
c. Don’t Skip Your Meals
When you skip your meals, your blood sugar level lowers. It makes you urge for more sugar due to more hunger. That is why eat daily. Otherwise, you will more likely crave for a sugary snack.
d. Eat Whole Foods
Not only processed foods are harmful, but they contain a lot of sugar. Always avoid the processed items and try to eat only the whole foods. For example- Have an orange instead of orange juice.
e. Spice It Up
You can add flavor to your food with spices. Avoid adding sugar to your food. It will definitely help you tame your sweet tooth.
f. Detox
You can do a detox to stop yourself from eating a lot of sweets. When you do the detox, it cleanses your body. It also flushes out toxins from your body. It helps in rebalancing the gut flora. It makes your body desire for some healthy foods.
g. Drinking Lots Of Water
Have a glass of water instead of a soda or soft drink. Water will curb your sugar cravings. You will feel satisfied.
h. Have Plenty Of Greens
Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. You can also have green drinks. They are rich in nutrients and boost your energy. It is an effective and natural way to kick off your sugar cravings.
i. Include Fermented Foods In Your Diet
Fermented foods help eliminate your sugar cravings. You can drink probiotic liquids available in the market. The taste of fermented foods and drinks relieves the desire for sugar.
j. Go Cold Turkey
Going cold turkey helps your cravings diminish after some time. It is definitely difficult to suddenly cut off all the sugars. But it can be very helpful for you to curb sugar cravings.
k. Checking For The Hidden Sugar
Obviously, candies and ice creams are the sources of sugar. But the bread you eat in the breakfast is also a source of sugar. Likewise, pasta also contains complex carbohydrates (sugar).
l. Eat High-Fat Meals
A diet rich in fats will give you energy for longer hours. It will make it easier for you to avoid sugar. it will help you stop your cravings for sugar.
m. Check For Any Emotional Issues
Do you often eat chocolates when you have stress? Sometimes we often crave sugars due to emotional issues. You must figure out the reasons why you are craving for the sweets. Try some healthy food items as the alternatives.
n. Balance Your Diet
Ensure that you are eating a balanced diet. It must include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It will supply you with sufficient energy and satisfaction. That will help reduce your cravings for sweets.
o. Reach For Fruits
Whenever sugar cravings hit, reach for fruits. You will get nutrients and sweetness too. Fruits will provide you with enough fibers. This will help you tame your sweet tooth.
p. Skip Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid artificial sweeteners. You may think it is a good idea. But they make you crave more for sugar. They can never help you to lose weight.
q. Check For Labels
You must check the labels of the foodstuff that you are buying. Pay attention to the ingredients list. Some foods like yogurt have a combination of natural and added sugar. The artificial sweeteners increase your hunger and let you eat more.
r. Start Slow
Sugar is truly an addiction for some people. Start by cutting out one sweet thing that you take regularly. Try cutting out a small portion of it in the beginning. For example- Cut the amount of sugar to its half in your tea.
s. Boost Your Serotonin
Serotonin is the happiness hormone. You can raise its level through diet and sleep schedule. Try to stay happy and you will less likely have cravings for sugar.
t. Have More Seafood
Sea vegetables contain minerals and vitamins. Include seafood in your diet as it will provide you with minerals.
u. Mediate
Mediating will relieve your stress. Stress makes the body to release cortisol that increases your blood sugar level. It results in adrenal damage and creates sugar cravings. Mediating also relaxes your body. It also helps in better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Alternatives To Sugar
First of all, you should avoid taking sugar as far as possible. But there are times when your desire for sugar feels so strong. In order to avoid sugar cravings, replace the sweet tooth with alternatives to sugar. Here are some of the alternatives to sugar you can rely upon.
a. Raw Honey
Honey is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and K. it is also rich in magnesium and potassium. Honey itself has many health benefits. It is a good alternative to sugar. Honey is rich in calories. So, you need to consume a little bit of it.
How To Consume?
- You can stir it into hot cereals.
- Also, you can mix a tsp. of honey into lemon juice.
b. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup contains anti-oxidants and vitamins. It comes from the sap of maple trees. It is also rich in phytonutrients and minerals. It is healthy and tasty too.
How To Consume?
- Drizzle it on hot cereal or in salad dressings.
- Use it in baked goods.
c. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has 70% of cacao. You may think chocolate to be unhealthy but not always. Dark chocolate contains high amounts of antioxidants, healthy fats, and trace minerals. It is a healthy treat for your body.
How To Consume?
Look for the bars with 65-85% of cacao. Go for the least amount of sugar in your chocolate bars.
d. Coconut Palm Sugar
It is made from the sap of coconut plant. It is a great substitute for granulated sugars. Coconut palm sugar has a lower glycaemic index than honey.
e. Dried Fruit
Reach for dried blueberries, cherries, or dates. These are great options when you need something sweet. They are also rich in calories. So, a little goes a long way. Always purchase the unsweetened variety of dried fruits.
How To Consume?
- Sprinkle a few tablespoons of dried fruit on your salads.
- Snack on a few dried fruits when your cravings hit.
f. Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits have high water content and fibers. Fresh fruits will keep you full for longer. Eating fresh fruits is the best you can do. Not only do the fruits taste delicious, the nutrients supply you much energy. Eat a range of colorful fruits for highest nutritional value. Stick to the seasonal fruits.
g. Smoothies
You can have smoothies instead of sugary stuff. You can try making a smoothie with frozen bananas and carob powder. It tastes very rich and sweet.
h. A Cup Of Coffee Or Tea
Drink a cup of coffee or tea with cream and honey. It is a delightful treat that can prevent your sugar cravings.
i. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter with raisins is a good alternative to sugar. You can mix carob chips to it. But only buy that the grain sweetened chips rather than ones having sugars.
j. Homemade Lemonade
Prepare lemonade yourself at your home. You can try this method
How To Consume?
- Add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of water.
- Add 1-2 packets of stevia according to your taste.
It is really helpful and tastes good.
k. Butter Toast
Make a buttered toast instead of reaching for sugars. Give it a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
l. Hot Carob Milk
Prepare this delicious drink and kick off the habit of sugars.
- Heat 1 cup of milk in a pan.
- Add 1 tsp. of carob or cocoa.
- Add honey and stir it for few minutes.
- You can also use a capful of vanilla and a bit of cinnamon.
m. Plain Yogurt
Have a bowl of vanilla when you desire for sugars. You can add some vanilla or honey to it. Also, add almonds to it. It is healthy and tasty.
n. French Toast
Have a French toast with vanilla and cinnamon. Drizzle it lightly with real maple syrup. It is another one of the best alternatives to sugar.
What Are Added Sugars And Natural Sugars?
Added sugars are those sugars added during preparation and processing of the product. For example – Beverages and snacks contain added sugars.
Natural sugars are the sugars which are present in whole unprocessed foods. For example- milk, fruits, and vegetables.
How Are Added Sugars Harmful?
If you consume too much-added sugar, it can result in many health problems. It leads to obesity, tooth decay, and heart diseases. Added sugars are made from empty calories. The calories don’t accompany nutrients and vitamins. Too many empty calories lead to health problems.
How Can You Check The Numbers Of Sugars You Are Consuming?
- Look at the labels on your food package. You will not find a list of added or natural sugars on the package.
- You can see the total amount of sugar in the package.
- Divide the no. of grams of total sugar by four; this is how many teaspoons of sugar you are taking.
- Check the ingredients list. If you find any word sugar, then the food is high in added sugar.
How Can You Cut Down Your Consumption Of Added Sugar?
- Don’t add it to foods. For example- you often add sugar to cereals after cooking; avoid that.
- Drink water instead of sugary beverages. Avoid soda or soft drinks.
- Avoid the consumption of fruit juices that have added sugar. Consume only fruit juices which are 100% pure. It is better to consume fresh fruit rather than its juice.
- Choose your breakfast cereals carefully. Include the brands that have more fiber than sugar. Also, try to avoid colorful brands.
- Be careful with the condiments. Salad dressings and ketchup do contain added sugar. It is better to consume salads without sprinkling condiments. Likewise, jams, jellies, and syrups also contain added sugar. Use them carefully and limited amount.
- Avoid processed foods strictly. They are rich in added sugars.
- Skip the cupcakes or cookies. Instead, try on the naturally sweet fruits for your dessert.
- Don’t go for the fat-free products. They are often very high in added sugar.
- Go for the recipes that use less sugar when you are cooking.
- Ensure that your blood sugar level is stable.
- Reach for decadent and flavorful foods in the beginning. It will curb your cravings better when you are starting to kick it off.
- Focus on quality instead of quantity.
Conclusion
In the first place, avoid getting addictive of sugar. But if you are addictive, you need to inculcate small changes in your daily habits to get rid of that. You may find it impossible to kick your sugar habit because it is really addictive.
There are various causes of sugar addiction such as allergies or hormonal changes. But when you know it is harmful, you must try and win this challenge against the sweet tooth. Try the given ways and enjoy a healthy diet.
Don’t cut out the sugary stuff completely. You can have a little bit of sugary stuff occasionally but in limited proportions only.
