Have you ever thought to yourself – “Everyone has their poison and mine is sugar!”
Controlling sugar cravings can be a challenging but important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Genetic factors can affect how your body metabolises and responds to sugar. This can influence how quickly you experience cravings after consuming sugary foods and how your body processes sugar for energy.
The key remains to understanding your body and feeding it accordingly.
Side effects of sugar cravings
Sugar cravings can have various side effects on your health and well-being when they lead to excessive or frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Here are some of the potential side effects:
• Weight gain: Excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Sugary foods and beverages are often high in calories but low in nutrients, leading to an imbalance in calorie intake.
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: A diet high in added sugars is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It can lead to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.
• Dental problems: Sugar is a primary contributor to dental cavities and tooth decay. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks can erode tooth enamel and lead to oral health issues.
Here are a few tips on how to control your sweet tooth!
Understand the cause
Try to identify what triggers your sugar cravings. It could be stress, boredom, hormonal fluctuations, or even habit. Understanding the cause can help you address the root of the problem.
• Stay hydrated
Sometimes, your body may confuse thirst with hunger or sugar cravings. Make sure you’re adequately hydrated throughout the day by drinking water or herbal tea.
• Eat regular, balanced meals
Make sure you’re eating balanced meals with a mix of protein (legumes, fish, lentils or dals, paneer, soybean, eggs), healthy fats (avocados, cheese, nuts, chia seeds) and complex carbohydrates. This can help stabilise your blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
• Include protein
Protein can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. Include sources of lean protein like poultry, fish, green peas (matar), chickpeas or legumes in your meals and snacks.
• Sleep well!
Giving your body the right amount of sleep would mean that all parts of your body are at rest and have the time to rejuvenate and work for the next day. A good night of sleep would mean the hormones being regulated adequately and the hunger cycle would be on track.
Avoid processed sugars
Consuming large amounts of processed sugars would lead to constant cravings. Consuming the same in larger portions would deprive the body of being able to control the blood sugar levels in our body too. Hence, be mindful of what you are consuming and replace unhealthy sugars with whole food like fruits and nuts.
• Exercise regularly
Including a half hour walk or a 45-minute cardio can go a long way as far as body cycle is concerned.
Maintaining a balanced body cycle can have each one of us on a better pathway to healthy living. The body would not crave for what it already has when we are healthy.
Remember, it’s normal to have occasional sugar cravings, and it’s okay to enjoy sugary treats in moderation. The key is to find a balance that works for your health and well-being. Set realistic goals, track your progress and reward yourselves as it is important to celebrate achievements!
*Content from WoW team
