Why you crave sweets, how to learn to control it

It is very common to hear 3StepDiet® clients mention their cravings for sweets. We are conditioned to think that there is something wrong when we crave sweets, but these can be easily controlled by making some small adjustments in your eating pattern and mindset.

Want to know what you can do?

One of the main reasons we crave sweets can be irregular eating patterns, including skipping meals throughout the day. Long periods without eating can greatly increase the craving for sweets. The answer to this is purely physiological. If the body is not getting what it needs, it will figure out the easiest way to obtain it. Going too long without nourishment can cause sharp drops in blood sugar, and this is not a comfortable situation for your body. The nutrient that can raise blood sugar and give the body some energy quickly is glucose, or sugar, and this is why we crave it! When sweet hits your taste buds, signals are sent to the brain, which releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes an intense feeling of pleasure.

The sugars naturally present in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are much more nutritious than added sugars, since they contain important vitamins and nutrients. In addition, the fiber and protein they contain slows digestion making them a more balanced source of energy.

Finding ways to switch out added sugar is a good option to improve your energy levels and overall health:

1. Opting for foods like almonds, rich in healthy fat, can help control sugar levels and their fiber content keeps you satiated longer.

2. Avocados can also be a good option as the monounsaturated fat they contain plays an important role in satiety and satisfaction, while helping to keep blood sugar levels balanced.

3. Fresh fruits such as berries; blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are a great source of fiber which allows the slow release of naturally occurring sugars.

4. Eggs are an excellent option, as they are a good source of high biological value protein and rich in many nutrients.

If you’re experiencing sugar cravings, try to consider what you might be missing in your diet and what your relationship is with food. If you find this exercise too challenging to do alone, don’t hesitate to seek out one of our 3StepDiet® nutritionists to help you.