Causes Of Sugar Craving

Why we overeat and how we can overcome it

We all experience food cravings. Often when focused on healthy eating we go through phases of making healthy choices with ease, and then at times a certain 'something' happens and we do everything we know we're not supposed to. Fast food, sugar, and overeating become uncontrollable. This 'something' we refer to as triggers, which are an emotional reaction. Examples of triggers include stress, boredom, anxiety, or fatigue. When these triggers show up, overeating occurs. What typically causes these triggers is a dip in our body's serotonin levels. When our levels are low, cravings for starchy and sweet foods set in and it is no wonder why we reach for ice cream, chocolate, cake, candy, bread, potatoes, or fried foods. Serotonin helps us maintain "Happy" feelings and calms anxiety. Therefore, even a small stressor increases our need for these foods. Having these foods available increases our dependency on them.

Refined sugars are toxic and lead to increased insulin level which causes weight gain, stress, anxiety, a lowered immune system, migraines, mood swings, fatigue, cavities, depression, and inhibits your body's absorption of nutrients.

What does this tell us?

If lowered Serotonin levels lead to stress and anxiety, which causes overeating, which again leads to more stress and anxiety we are virtually in a lose-lose position.

Its no wonder so many people feel lost, lonely, stressed out and that they cannot control their thoughts, moods and behaviours.

The good news is you're not alone and there is something that can be done. Here's are some hints on healthy alternatives to satisfy sweet cravings

1. Choose natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, organic sugar, or stevia and avoid chemical sweeteners.

Natural sweeteners are gentler on your body and won't cause your insulin levels to spike as high.

How to Stop Sugar Cravings: Tips to Prevent Craving of Sugary ...

It's not surprising that Americans consume an average of 22 teaspoons of added sugar every day. Not only do foods with added sugar taste good, these foods also produce a calming effect on the body. However, consuming sugary foods also causes cravings for even more sugar. Those who want to cut back on sugar consumption may find themselves dealing with intense cravings for sugary foods. Following these simple tips may help stop sugar cravings.

Combining a bit of healthy fats , protein, and complex carbohydrates at every meal and snack reduces the risk of triggering sugar cravings. Both healthy fats and protein leave the body feeling full longer than sugary foods and complex carbohydrates contain many essential vitamins and nutrients the body needs. Protein slows down digestion so that even when consuming complex carbohydrates, there is no rapid rise in blood sugar.

Not eating frequently enough can cause blood sugar levels to drop lower than normal. When blood sugar levels drop too low, food cravings kick in because the body craves food that can be converted quickly to energy. This is when many people reach for a sugary snack. This starts a vicious cycle of eating sugar as a “pick me up” since the boost in energy only lasts for a couple of hours and another “pick me up” is needed. Eating small meals and snacks frequently will prevent blood sugar levels from dipping too low and the desire for a sugary energy boost.

Keeping fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds readily available not only makes it easier to reach for these foods instead of a sugary treat, but also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber also promotes feelings of fullness for extended periods, which reduces the chances of experiencing a craving for sugary foods.

Sugary foods are fine in moderation, but many people find consuming even small amounts of sugar causes intense cravings for more and more sugar. Those who cannot eat sugar in moderation may want to stop consuming sugar altogether. While the first two to three days without sugary foods can be difficult, cravings for sugar usually subside within a few days.

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