All of us have gone through the phase when we are just tempted to reach out for sugar laden sweets. Here are some tips to get over cravings for sweets. People with sweet tooth are aware how difficult it is to keep away from the sweets. And those variety of tempting chocolates, who can say no to them? But all that tastes sweet can be bitter on your health in the long run. Here are some easy tips to keep sugar cravings at bay.
Pinpoint the spark offs
Identify the things or situations that trigger off cravings. It can be a bad mood or an easy access or boredom. Keep a diary and make an entry of every trigger that sets you off to hog on food. Note down if you are tempted to eat that pastry or an ice-cream. Was it while you were upset or were passing by a cake shop next door or was it when you were bored and doing nothing? Make a note. This will help to detect the problem and devise a solution to it.
Relinquish the diet drinks
Diet drinks aren’t good alternatives to keep away from sugar cravings. Researchers find that while these drinks are low in calories, they contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners. These trigger appetite and increase craving for sugar and thus they raise the chances of gaining weight.
Maintain normal blood sugar levels
If the blood sugar levels are not balanced, it can lead to sugar craving. Small frequent meals is the solution to balance the blood sugar levels. Aim to eat foods that release energy slowly during the day called as low-glycemic index foods. These include nuts, legumes, oats, brown rice and non-starchy vegetables.
Check chromium
Chromium is a mineral which helps to stabilise blood sugar levels and thus helps control sugar cravings. Get your chromium levels checked. Eat foods such as apples, mushrooms, broccoli, wholegrains and grapes, which are rich in chromium.
Decide and stick to It
Make a firm decision not to provide to your sugar cravings. Easier said than done, but certainly not impossible! Stick to your decision. Remind yourself of advantages of cutting down sugar from time to time. Count other benefits like prevention of tooth decay, wrinkles and saggy skin. Studies suggest that excess of sugar affects our ability to recall things and remember.
Exercise
Lack of energy is the commonest reason for sugar craving. You might find exercise the least appealing when you are low on energy but it actually helps to keep the cravings at bay and improve energy levels naturally. Exercise regularly. It will help to curb the craving totally.
The scent of sweetness
Study suggests that vanilla scent condenses sugar cravings. Use vanilla spray on body, use a vanilla based air freshener or light a vanilla candle when you are tempted to eat something sweet.
