Sugar Cravings Explored

     Sugar cravings is something that has probably been experienced by everyone, at least once, if not a daily struggle.  This topic seems simple enough: just quit consuming sugar!?  Yet, it really isn’t that easy.  In lab tests, rats chose sugar over cocaine every time they had they option.  It’s not a surprise they call sugar the gateway drug.  Many people struggle daily to find balance between cravings, addiction, and just desire for something sweet in their lives.

     Too much sugar consumption can lead to candida, obesity, diabetes, acne, mood swings, head aches, energy highs and lows, lower immune system, and other diseases. Sugar feeds cancer.  Below are 7 Possible Reasons for Cravings and 10 Tips for Dealing with Cravings.

                      7 Possible Reasons for Cravings

1-Hormonal. Menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can fluctuate testosterone and estrogen levels and create unique cravings.  A lot of times, the underlying need may be a deficiency in the body. 

2- Sleep. Sleep problems can also attribute to hormonal imbalances. When we don’t have healthy sleep patterns, our brains don’t regulate our metabolism and appetite.

3-Low blood sugar. Sugar cravings are often triggered by imbalances in blood glucose levels. Low sugar levels may cause you to crave sweets to bring up the levels.  This can cause strong mood swings and create cravings to try to balance ourselves.  

4-Lack of nutrients. If we don’t eat balanced and nutritious meals, we may crave more sweets in between meals. Caffeine can also create sugar cravings.

5-Often times, craving come from foods we’ve recently eaten, foods from our childhood, or foods eaten by our ancestors.  One way to satisfy these cravings is to eat healthier versions of our childhood and ancestral foods. Our food source has drastically changed over the years, and packaged and processed foods have replaced home cooked meals.  These foods have tons more sugar and additives added to create addiction to keep eating and craving these foods.

6-Emotions.  Sometimes stress, anxiety, sadness, and a host of other emotions can effect our need for something ‘sweet’ in our life.

7-Convenience.  If we have packaged and processed food readily available, it is much easier to grab a bag or box and eat the entire thing in one sitting.

                      10 Tips for Dealing with Cravings

1-Crowd Out. Fruit and sweet vegetables help crowd out your sugar cravings. (cooked carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, beets, winter squash, onions, and peppers are examples of sweet vegetables to add to your meals.)

2-Natural sweeteners.  Use real maple syrup (not the corn syrup and artificial flavor fakes), raw honey, dates and date syrup, molasses, fruit, and sucanat. DO NOT ever use artificial sugars!(NO Splenda, sweet n low, diet versions, aspartame, etc)

3-Drink water. Half your weight in ounces. Sweet cravings are also a sign of dehydration.  Before you go to sugar, drink a glass of water and wait a few minutes.

4-Avoid processed and packaged foods.  Fast foods, and any foods not prepared at home, almost always have more sugar than needed.  Buy the unsweetened version and sweeten yourself.  You can use fruit, dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, as well as the natural sweeteners listed above. Having healthier choices readily available will help make better choices in the moment.

5-Sleep well. If you’re in a state of chronic stress and /or sleep deprived, your body will crave the quickest form on energy available-sugar.

6-Breakfast matters. Start your day off with a well balanced, hearty breakfast.  Not with sugary foods.  Even if you’re rushed, protein will help balance the blood sugar spikes to begin your day.

7-Balanced Meals.  Make sure your main meals are well balanced with nutritional choices.  This will leave you and your body feeling more satisfied and less inclined to want more, later.

8-Slow down.  Find your sweetness in other ways than food. Cravings almost always have a psychological component. Journaling helps identify underlying causes for sugar cravings. Making lifestyle adjustments can help find balance and take charge of your health.

9-Exercise. Exercise and getting out in nature helps reduce stress, can help with sleep, and calm sweet cravings.  If you don’t have time for workouts, just do a quick walk around the block, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further from your destination, or dance while you clean house or cook dinner.  There are many ways to add exercise into your day.

10-Go easy on yourself.  So many times we beat ourselves up when we regress or don’t follow our goals.  Keep aware of your intentions, repeat positive affirmations, and offer yourself forgiveness on this journey.

    Some people say they just have the “fat gene”.  It can be a true DNA pre-disposition if you have the FTO gene.  This gene is known as a fat mass and obesity associated protein.  It can lead to increased risks of binge eating, type II diabetes, and obesity.  Studies indicate that clinical doses of specific supplements can support healthy BMI and regulate metabolism for those who have these markers.  I offer a wonderful program and DNA testing for Healthy Aging.  This can help you understand your genetic Red Flags and what you need to focus on, while using the exact dosage of supplements exclusively created to help support your DNA.  

Contact me for a FREE Health Evaluation. YOU are worth it!!!

*as always-Consult your doctor with any questions.  And always remember, your doctor got less than 4 hours of nutritional training, and the Universities are funded by the biggest Drug Cartels in the World-Big Pharma.