Are you craving for sugar?

There are times when you are tempted to eat sugary snacks. Here's how you can beat it.

People who have a sweet tooth know just how difficult it is to stay away from the array of sweet treats that are available in the market today. And as tempting as it may seem to reach out for that sinful piece of chocolate, you're only setting yourself up for health issues in the long run. Keep sugar cravings at bay with these simple tips...

Pinpoint the triggers

What sets off your cravings? Is it your mood or easy access? Do you reach out for sweet treats when you're depressed, stressed or anxious to make yourself feel better? Or do you eat it when you're in a good mood? Is there a dessert, pastry or ice-cream shop close to where you work or live, which you hop in to whenever temptation beckons? One of the first things to do when you want to beat sugar cravings, is to look out for recurring patterns. Keep a journal if you want and write down the time and place when you usually get these cravings. This will help you identify the problem and devise a solution as well.

Forgo the diet drinks

While diet drinks may seem like a great alternative to those wanting to diet and keep away from sweet cravings, researchers warn that while these drinks are low in calories, they increase the chances of of weight gain - that's because the artificial sweeteners which are present in them, trigger appetite and increase sugar cravings since your body yearns for the real thing.

Maintain blood sugar levels

Sugar cravings could indicate that your blood sugar levels are not balanced. To rectify this, eat smaller meals often instead of just three large ones. Also, eat foods that are low-GI (glycemic index). These are known to release energy slowly during the day, so your energy levels don't fluctuate. Low-GI foods like nuts, legumes, oats, brown rice and non-starchy vegetables are good options. Also, get your chromium levels checked. Chromium is a mineral which stabilises blood sugar levels and helps control sugar cravings. Include food items like apples, mushrooms, broccoli, whole grains and grape juice in your diet.

Be mentally strong

Easier said than done, true. But certainly not impossible. Telling yourself a firm no and then sticking to your decision can be tricky. But you need to tell yourself the advantages of cutting down sugar from your diet. Not only will it do wonders for your health, it will also avoid tooth decay, wrinkles and saggy skin. Studies also say excess of sugar affects our ability to recall things and remember.

Vanilla to the rescue

Strange as it may sound, vanilla scent reduces sugar cravings. You could spray vanilla-scented perfume, use a vanilla-based air freshener or light a vanilla-scented candle when you feel tempted to reach out for something sweet.

Workout more

The human body craves for sugar when it lacks energy. And although exercising may seem least appealing when you're down, it is actually a good idea. To keep sugar cravings at bay and increase your energy levels naturally, make sure you exercise regularly. Not only will you feel better about your body, exercise will also serve as a reminder why you should not give in to sweet temptation.

Opt for healthier food

Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to sticking to healthy foods. When you get a sweet craving, munch on some fruits instead or have a tasty salad, whole grain biscuits, yogurt or juices. And stay away from people who encourage you to give in to temptations. You should also eat carbohydrates, which are known to trigger the release of happy hormone serotonin in the brain. Source-Times of India.