Sugar cravings or “Sweet Tooth” is an extremely common attribute that most people are guilty of possessing. In fact, most of us also consume a lot of processed sugar without even realizing it, further increasing the risk of diabetes and heart diseases with time.
This has been affirmed by Sherry Pagoto who said;
“Like any addiction, sugar addiction can be overcome. Unlike a drug addiction, you don’t have to give sugar up entirely…. even if your diet has not changed in 20 years, you are undoubtedly eating more sugar.”
It has been estimated that over 97% of women and 68% of men experience strong sugar cravings. While one may not be addicted to sugar, one may still sometimes experience strong urges to eat products rich in sugar.
Sometimes the urges are so overwhelming – particularly when you are tired or stressed – that you end up caving in and consuming a large quantity of sugar-rich products at a time.
However, there are healthy food alternatives available to control those irrepressible urges and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
Berries
Berries offer themselves as the best sweet substitutes to replace with sugar. They not only help when it comes to satisfying sweet urges but also lower the sugar cravings in your body. Despite their sweet taste they are low in sugar as well which makes them all the more nutritious. It should also be noted that their antioxidants reduce risks like heart diseases and diabetes as well. You can pop them in whenever you feel an urge to have something sweet anytime.
Chia Seeds
What makes Chia seeds a unique source of food intake in avoiding sugar cravings is that apart from their omega-3 fatty acids, they contain soluble fibers. These soluble fibers absorb water and produce a jelly like matter in your guts that serve to prevent your sugar cravings. Making delicious chia seed pudding is the best way to incorporate these little seeds in your daily diet.
Yogurt
Yogurt is generally the go-to food recommended to curb your appetite and cravings in general according to this study. In another study, it has been found that women who consumed Greek yogurt in an afternoon were less likely to go hungry for the entire day as opposed to those who did not consume the yogurt.
This is why it is highly recommended you add yoghurt to your daily food intake, not only to prevent sugar cravings but also to complete your nutritional requirements for protein and calcium.
Prunes
Prunes are dried plums that are full of nutrition and fiber and serve as another sweet source to satisfy your sugar needs. You can replace them with your candy stash and consume them whenever you feel the sugar crave returning.
You can add prunes to shakes and cereal and enjoy them just as much as you would do your processed sweets, without the calories and the health risks.
Dates
Dates are another form of dried fruit that are sweet yet full of nutrition at the same time. These crunchy treats are rich with fiber, potassium and iron which prevent any increase in sugar cravings.
You can opt for dates instead of chocolate or candy the next time your sweet tooth calls for attention. It should be noted that dates are quite sweet, so you must exercise limits when consuming them as well.
In Conclusion
It is not that you should worry if you have sugar cravings. But it is wise to exercise restraint when you feel as if the urges are beyond your control. So if you find yourself unable to stay away from sugary treats, it is best to turn to healthier sweet foods like the ones mentioned above.