If you are following a diet with the intention to lose weight, you may have to give up some of your favorite treats and try to opt for healthier foods instead. Many dieters experience sugar cravings when going on a diet, which may be hard to resist. Sugar cravings are one of the main reason why many dieters fail at losing weight, because they ultimately succumb to the sugar cravings and either overeat or fall off the wagon. Better understanding sugar cravings can help you stick to your diet more easily.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Sugar cravings are usually the results of a drop in your blood sugar levels, which can even fall in the hypoglycemia range for some people. A rapid drop in your blood sugar levels tells your brain that there is less sugar in your blood and your body responds by making your crave sugar to prevent running low on energy. The more carbohydrates you eat, the larger the fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. Try reducing your consumption of starchy vegetables, grains, pasta, rice, breads and flour-based foods, as well foods that contain sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit punches, candies and desserts, to stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent sugar cravings.
Carbohydrate Withdrawal
If you have already decreased your sugar and carbohydrate intake, your sugar cravings may be the result of carbohydrate withdrawal. If you body was previously used to running on large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, restricting your intake of carbohydrates may require some time for your body to fully adjust and learn to use energy from your body's fat stores more efficiently. The sugar cravings associated with carbohydrate withdrawal can also be associated with headaches, dizziness and irritability in some people, but all of these side effects, including sugar cravings, do not usually last more than two weeks.
Perseverance
Challenge yourself to stick to your diet and resist all sugar cravings for at least three weeks. If you can get through the first three weeks, you will be able to pass the carbohydrate withdrawal and the period required for your body to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Although the first week may not be easy, it will become easier and easier as you break your addiction to sugar. Do your sugar detox with a friend to provide support and motivation, or track your progress on your calendar by putting a sticker on each day you go through without succumbing to your sugar cravings.
Satisfying Your Craving Without Sugar
If you have a sugar craving and feel like you really need to eat something, opt for a sugar-free treat. Some people use sugar-free products that are sweetened with artificial sugars. Although these sugars do not influence your blood sugar levels, you should avoid them to avoid maintaining your sweet tooth; these sugar-free products can perpetuate your sugar cravings. Instead, have a piece of fruit like an apple, orange or pear; a smoothie made with milk, plain yogurt, bananas and berries; cottage cheese mixed with raspberries and almond or peanut butter; a handful of nuts; or a few pieces of 85 percent dark chocolate.
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