The following tips can help people who have frequent and strong cravings for sweet-tasting foods.
Sugar
addiction
Understand that sugar sometimes is addictive, although certainly not all
experts are in agreement on this point. What we do know is that when you eat
sugar, your brain releases neurotransmitters, known as opioids, which activate
the brain’s pleasure receptors. Drugs such as morphine have the same
physiological effect.
Sugar
intake
For a few days, write down and add up your sugar intake. This number may shock
you. It is recommended that you not consume more than 15−25 grams/1000 calories
consumed. Once you see which of your favorite foods contain the most sugar, you
can determine which are the easiest to get rid of and which you would like to
try to keep in small portions.
Mealtime
Eat regularly, every 4 hours, to avoid the strong cravings for sugar that
result from hypoglycemia, which is brought on by meals that are spaced too far
apart.
High-fiber
grains
Replace refined grains with higher-fiber grains. The fiber will slow the
glucose response to the carbohydrate and will help to increase your sense of
fullness.
Ingredients
Know that sugar is sugar by any name. Fructose, maltose, sucrose, dextrose,
cane sugar, turbinado,
organic sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup, and honey are all sugars.
Cravings
Try to determine if your cravings for sugar increase at specific times. Many
people crave sugar more when they are physically tired. Other people have
strong cravings following meals. Try finishing your meal with a piece of fruit
and always keep healthful snacks on hand.
