How to overcome the craving for sweets: 10 simple ways to do it

Foods with a low glycemic index or high chromium content, vanilla flavors, and exercise are just some of the ways you can overcome your sugar cravings.

OBOZREVATEL offers to familiarize yourself with 10 ways published on thehealthsite.com that will help you get rid of sugar addiction.

Eat more foods with a low glycemic index (GI)

A craving for sweets is often a sign that your blood sugar levels are not balanced. To fix this, you need to eat a little and often (small snacks throughout the day). At the same time, it is important to choose foods with a low glycemic index that will slowly release energy. These include non-starchy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and complex carbohydrates such as oats and brown rice.

Stabilize blood sugar with chromium

The mineral chromium stabilizes blood sugar levels. Those who have a regular and intense desire to eat something sweet should consider that this may be a sign of low amounts of it in their diet. To solve this problem, you should increase your intake of foods such as apples, broccoli, mushrooms, asparagus, whole grains, and grape juice.

Focus on the benefits of cutting sugar in the diet

Sometimes it can be difficult to stay determined to cut back on sugar. However, it is necessary to focus on the benefits that can be gained to stay motivated.

Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that sugar can alter the ability to learn and remember information, while studies have shown that it is as harmful to the body as alcohol and cigarettes. In addition, high blood sugar levels can cause a glycation process that damages collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

Use vanilla flavor

Those who struggle with a constant sugar addiction should use a vanilla-scented perfume, air freshener, or candle. A study conducted at St. George's Hospital in south London found that applying vanilla stains to participants' hands significantly reduced their appetite for sugary foods and drinks. It is believed that the smell of vanilla can help suppress cravings for sugary foods.

Make your days more pleasant

According to researchers, midday is the most dangerous time for cravings: 62% of people break their diet in the middle of the day. The researchers also found that stress and boredom were the most common reasons for dieting.

Choose healthy and nutritious alternatives

It's hard to resist eating sugar if your loved ones eat all kinds of sweets. Instead of feeling deprived, you should choose tasty and healthy snacks. Alternatively, you can prepare a fruit salad, snack on whole grain crackers, or try fruit with natural yogurt.

Increase your happiness level

Eating carbohydrates triggers the release of the hormone serotonin, which is why you often crave sweets when you feel down. To naturally increase your serotonin levels, you should use mood-boosting essential oils such as neroli and lemon, or spend more time in the sun or with friends.

Increase energy levels through exercise

One of the reasons why you crave sugar is because you lack energy. While exercise may be the last thing you want to do, regular physical activity can increase energy levels naturally. Exercise will also help you feel good about yourself, which will encourage you to take care of your figure and resist the urge to eat sweets.

Identify triggers

To help you overcome sugar cravings and resist temptation, you need to identify the patterns of your sugar addiction and avoid the things that trigger it. For example, those who usually buy sugary coffee on the way to work should try to choose a different route, away from their favorite cafe. If the urge to eat sweets is caused by stress, you need to find a healthier way to cope with your emotions.

Eliminate diet drinks

Diet drinks may seem like the perfect solution for those who struggle with sugar cravings. However, although they are considered low-calorie, research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has shown that drinking such drinks can actually increase waistline size and lead to weight gain. This is due to the fact that artificial sweeteners increase appetite and make the situation worse.