Common Reasons for Sugar Cravings: 1) Force to Habit: As it turns out, sugar cravings are often the result of conditioning over time. In other words, it's a habit. "You've got a stimulus, a behavior, and a reward," 2) Gut Health and Gastrointestinal Issues: Poor gut health, gut inflammation, and other G.I. tract issues might be another cause of sugar cravings. “Pathogenic gut bacteria feed on sugar as one of their nutrient sources so that the craving is really the bacteria signaling it wants its food to multiply,” 3) Hunger Hormones: Another reason you might be constantly hankering for dessert could have to do with the hunger hormone "Ghrelin.“ Research has shown that ghrelin levels increase in response to sugar intake and may contribute to the development of sugar cravings, However, while ghrelin may play a role in regulating sugar cravings, it’s not the only factor at play. 4) Low Serotonin Level: “Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin have been linked to sugar cravings, as well as a variety of other symptoms such as mood disorders, anxiety, and sleep disturbances,” Serotonin is known to play a role in the regulation of appetite and food intake, as well as mood and overall feelings of well-being.” 5) Lack of Nutrients: When your body lacks certain minerals that are involved in regulating insulin levels, that could also affect your hankering for sweets. For instance, if your body doesn't get enough magnesium, it will have trouble bringing energy into the cells and crave sugar to help raise energy levels. Healthy Things to Eat When You Feel Sugar Cravings (Without Sacrificing on Nutrition) Fortunately, there are a ton of healthy foods you can munch on when you feel a sugar craving coming on, from fresh fruits and nuts, to Greek yogurt and dark chocolate.
Fresh fruit: Since fruit contains natural sugar, it can satisfy cravings while also offering plenty of fiber and micronutrients (hello, antioxidants!).
Nuts and seeds: If you’re looking for some extra protein, healthy fats, and fiber, nuts and seeds are jam-packed with these nutrients and promote feelings of fullness to boot.
Greek yogurt: Similarly to how nuts and seeds prompt feelings of fullness, Greek yogurt also offers that perk, along with providing lots of protein, gut-friendly probiotics, vitamins, and calcium. (Look for plain Greek yogurt varieties without high added sugar.)
Dark chocolate: Chocolate lovers, you don’t have to give up your comfort treat! “Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than milk chocolate and contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can promote health.” If you absolutely need some chocolate, opt for the dark stuff that’s at least 70-percent cocoa.
Whole-grain crackers with cheese: Bring out the whole-grain crackers (that have not been stripped of their good-for-you fibers) and cheese, this snack combo provides plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to satisfy hunger in a sustainable (and delicious) way. Consult Dr. Sunny Gupta for more Guidance. www.drsunnygupta.com