Calming Sweet Cravings Is Possible With These 5 Foods
Foods with dietary fiber prolong feelings of fullness and help restore glucose levels to quell sweet cravings. We tell you which are the most prominent.
There is an interesting variety of foods that help you quell your sweet tooth. Although sugars have been a part of the diet for many years, their negative effects have been the reason why many prefer to exclude them from the diet.
However, leaving this ingredient overnight is not as easy as it sounds. Although willpower helps a lot, those who try it often fall into repeated episodes of anxiety that make them feel a strong urge to eat sweets again.
Therefore, in order to avoid this ingredient as much as possible, it is essential to apply some strategies that allow you to control those cravings. Do you know allied foods? This time we want to share in detail the best 5. Consume them!
Why do sweet anxiety attacks occur?
Sweet anxiety attacks occur because, at certain times of the day, the body experiences a drop in its blood glucose levels. When falling into this state, the brain sends signals to the body telling it that it needs to replenish sugars.
As a consequence, a strong anxiety to eat is triggered that leads us to ingest all kinds of sweets. The reason we prefer this variety of foods is because sugar provides an immediate glucose supply that satisfies the brain.
Now, another reason for this anxiety has to do with stress. When we are exposed to stressful situations, the secretion of cortisol increases, which is the hormone that prepares us to react to dangerous situations.
As the demand for energy in the body increases, the need for glucose appears again and, therefore, we feel the need to take a sweet food.
In addition, some scientific articles, such as the one published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , affirm that sugar is capable of generating a certain addiction, which increases the desire for its consumption.
What happens in the body when eating candy?
What happens in the body when eating candy? After providing sugar to the brain, a feeling of well-being and hyperactivity occurs because it increases the secretion of endorphins. However, this effect is short-lived, as foods with refined sugar contain fast-absorbing carbohydrates.
Then, excess sugar in the blood causes hyperglycemia that makes the body react by generating insulin. This process helps lower the glucose concentration, which brings us back to where we started.
The problem is that a vicious cycle occurs that, over time, makes insulin more inefficient at restoring glucose in the blood. Consequently, disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes develop, as stated in a study published in the journal Nutrients .
Foods to quell sweet cravings
The nutritional makeup of some healthy foods can help quell sweet cravings without affecting health. In fact, some have properties that promote the regulation of glucose in the blood, which reduces the risks related to the intake of refined sugars.
1. Cinnamon
This spice contains essential oils and antioxidant compounds that protect the body against various diseases. It has long been known for its ability to help prevent diabetes and other metabolic problems. For this reason, its infusion is recommended to calm sweet cravings in moments of anxiety.
2. Pumpkin
Both the pulp and pumpkin seeds can counteract that insatiable craving for sweetness. Its main advantage is attributed to its content of dietary fiber, a nutrient that causes carbohydrates to be absorbed little by little to avoid high spikes in glucose.
3. Carrot
Carrot is an excellent ally against food anxiety attacks. Not only does it prevent sugars from accumulating in the bloodstream, but it also favors its use as a source of “fuel” for cells.
4. Oats
One of the most complete foods for any diet is oats. In fact, it is known as “the queen of cereals” due to its incredible nutritional properties.
Its consumption at breakfast or between meals not only increases the energy level, but also helps to calm the cravings for sweets. This is mainly due to its soluble fiber content. Thanks to the consumption of this substance there is a selective growth of the bacteria in the intestine. At the same time, the feeling of satiety is prolonged and the glucose curve stabilizes, as stated in a study published in the journal Nutrition Reviews .
5. Nuts
Walnuts, almonds and other varieties of nuts provide dietary fiber and protein to the body. Due to this, its moderate intake is beneficial against the desire to eat sugar. In addition, they prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, and support weight loss.
Add foods to your diet to quell sweet cravings
Have you not been able to calm your sweet tooth? Are you eating sugars in excess? Do not stop including these foods in your diet. As you can see, they are delicious and nutritious alternatives that, instead of causing you to lose sugar, allow you to regulate it.
