Sweets are one of the most tempting foods. Whether it’s a simple candy, an indulgent dessert or a good old sweet, it’s hard to resist sugar-laden items. Some people get their sugar fix with carbonated drinks and packaged beverages. While cutting out sugar completely is not advised (read why Here), it’s still important to watch our intake. Consuming refined sugar has many health risks. But overcoming sugar cravings can be difficult. Many of us have a habit of eating something sweet after eating or at a particular time. So how can you reduce your sugar cravings? Here are some facts to keep in mind:
Read also: How to lose weight and not gain it back? Rujuta Diwekar explains
Why do we crave sugar after a meal?
Dessert is an instant solution to our sugar cravings. photo credit: iStock
The desire to eat sweets can be due to many reasons. They are often caused by an imbalance in your blood sugar levels. You may be tempted to have something sweet after your main meal because digestion requires energy and sugar can provide quick energy. Another possibility is that eating certain sweets may stimulate the production of serotonin, which lifts our spirits. So, you must be really looking for something to uplift your mood. Certain aspects of your lifestyle can also trigger sugar cravings. For example, research shows that poor sleep can make you crave junk and high-calorie foods that are often also loaded with sugar. Read more about sweet cravings after meals Here,
Read also: World Liver Day: Top Foods And Habits To Support Your Liver’s Vitality
So what can you do to make sure you don’t give in to sweet temptations? Here are some things you can try:
Can Salt Help Control Sugar Cravings?
According to celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, salt can actually help you lose weight fast. Sweet Ambition. “When we eat less salt, the addiction pathways in our brain become more active, so we’re more likely to eat 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 have a sugar craving? Expert-Recommended Tips to Beat Sweet Cravings
Salt may not always be the solution to your problems. Apart from this, you also need to keep a tab on your salt intake to ensure that it does not get out of control. You may choose to make some changes to your diet to control your sugar cravings. Dietician Manpreet Kalra recently posted about 10 ways to do just that, and summarized how they can help:
- Your protein intake can have an effect on insulin sensitivity. Eat protein rich Here are the foods that can help curb sugar cravings
- Consume foods with complex carbohydrates, as they can stimulate the release of serotonin. Avoid cutting carbs out of your diet completely.
- It is also important to consume magnesium-rich foods like nuts, quinoa, spinach, etc. as these can help control blood sugar levels.
- Dehydration can be one of the reasons for your craving for sweets. That’s why it is necessary to drink enough water.
- Consuming water with fenugreek seeds can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
- You can also consider drinking cinnamon water after your meals.
- Eating small, frequent meals can also help balance blood sugar levels.
- Maintain a healthy digestive system by including gut-friendly fermented foods like idlis, dosas, curd etc. in your diet.
- Consume a little ghee each day, as this ingredient is rich in essential fatty acids and can help combat sugar cravings.
- Vitamin D plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels as well. Hence, Manpreet recommends “getting at least 15 minutes of sun exposure from 9 am to 11 am”.
Not succumbing to cravings doesn’t mean cutting out sugar completely. It simply means paying more attention to how much to consume. Now you know what to do to ensure a healthy diet!
Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.
About Toshita SawhneyToshita is inspired by the play of words, wanderlust, awe and alliteration. When she’s not blissfully thinking about her next meal, she enjoys reading novels and walking around town.