Why Do I Crave Sugar So Much? Top Reasons and Ways to Reduce Cravings
Why Do I Crave Sugar?
Whether you have a sweet tooth or a sour tooth, we all have cravings for sugar sometimes.
If you find yourself craving sugar all the time, or more often that you used to – don’t fret.
There are a few reasons you may be craving sugar so much, and quick and easy solutions to reduce (or even stop!) the cravings.
5 Reasons You May Be Craving Sugar
Your body craves sugar when it is trying to get an instant energy boost or when it is lacking an essential nutrient. Fortunately, you can reduce the cravings by following these 5 tips.
1. You are Tired and Seeking a Pick-Me-Up
You are more likely to crave sugar if you are tired. This is why so many of us reach for the high-sugar, high-carb snacks in the mid-afternoon!
The easiest way to reduce sugar cravings is to get more sleep! Try to get to bed sooner and turn off electronics near bedtime. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, it may be time to upgrade your bedroom to improve the quality of your sleep.
If it’s 3pm and taking a mid-afternoon siesta is not an option for you, opt for a high protein snack like almonds or a piece of fruit with natural sugars (like an apple) with low-fat string cheese.
If you are working from home, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a decaf iced-coffee smoothie either!
2. You Are Addicted to Sugar
I used to CRAVE ice-cream. Like – seriously crave it. I used to remember the days of being at school, where I just couldn’t WAIT to get home to have a cup of ice-cream. Or the stressful days of MBA school, where I couldn’t wait to get home and devour three high-sugar energy bars as a treat.
Then, I cut out sugar. Cold turkey. I stopped eating ice-cream completely. I threw out the energy bars. I stopped adding sugar (pure cane sugar AND fake sugar) to my coffee too.
Over time, the cravings waned.
If you are used to eating lots of sugar, your body will continue to crave it. Cut out sugar, and you’ll notice that your cravings will subside over time. Give yourself 30 days. That’s about how much time it takes to build a new habit.
3. You Crave Sugar Because You Just Need to Drink Water
You often crave food when you are actually just thirsty. Try drinking more water!
4. You’re Stressed or Sad and Craving Comfort
Everyone handles stress differently. If you are an emotional eater (as many of us are!), you may crave sugar when you are stressed or sad and need comfort.
As an alternative, try watching a funny TV show, listening to fun music, calling a friend, borrowing a neighbor’s pet for a day, or trying a CBD bath bomb.
5. You Are Low on Magnesium
Sounds weird, right? But it’s true! Magnesium helps control blood sugar levels, and also helps regular blood pressure and support the immune system.
To up your magnesium levels, chow down on almonds, spinach, fatty fish, and bananas.
A magnesium supplement helps too. I’d recommend a calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement.
Check out this article for more vitamins women should take daily.
6. You Need More Protein to Curb Sugar Cravings
You may have sugar cravings when you need more protein.
It sounds illogical, but it’s true.
The solution to fix sugar cravings may be to add a high-quality protein to each meal. I’m a big fan of eggs, turkey burgers from Trader Joe’s, and salmon.
How to Reduce Sugar Cravings
Here are a few tips and tricks to reduce sugar cravings, which are also mentioned above.
1. Get More Sleep
2. Get Sunshine in the Afternoon
3. Have a Decaf Coffee
4. Eat a High Protein Snack
5. Take a Vitamin Daily
6. Drink a Glass of Water
7. Cut Out FAKE Sugar in Your Diet
8. Ask for a Hug (Reduce Your Stress)
9. Reduce Your Sugar Intake for 20 Days to Cut the Habit
10. Eat High Protein Beef
Have Any Health Questions? Leave a Comment!
Have any health, food, or nutrition questions? I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below!
Cheers to fewer sugar cravings,
Chrissy from The Jeans Fit
