How To Curb Your Sweet Tooth

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Do you always feel like you are craving sweets? If yes, then you are not alone. There are many reasons why we crave sweet things. One reason  humans prefer the sweet taste from birth. Carbohydrates release serotonin which is the brain's "feel good" chemical, and sugar is a form of carbohydrates. Registered dietitian, Susan Moores, says that the taste of sugar releases endorphins that calm and relax us and offer a natural "high."

Having sweets every now and then is not a problem. It is when we over-consume that it becomes a problem which is easy to do because sugar is added to so many processed foods. So here are some tips to help curb your sweet cravings.

Have a little. Eat a small amount of what you are craving. This will help you to not feel denied at the end of the day and hopefully prevent you from over indulging.

Combine foods. If a small amount of a sweet food won't seem to satisfy you, then combine it with a healthy food that will. For example, strawberries dipped in chocolate.

Opt for fruit. If you are craving sugar, try eating a piece of fruit. You will get some sweetness along with nutrients and fiber that will keep you full.

Chew on gum. Research shows that chewing on gum can reduce food cravings. This may help reduce your sugar cravings all together.

Get moving. When you get a sugar craving, get moving. For example, take a quick walk or do yoga. This will help you take your mind off of the cravings.

Eat regularly. Eating every 3-5 hours can keep your blood sugar stable and help make good food decisions. If you wait too long between meals, you are more likely to make bad food choices and over indulge.

Source:
Feature, Wendy C. FriesWebMD. "How to Stop Sugar Cravings: 13 Tips to Control Your Sweet Tooth." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 09 May 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/13-ways-to-fight-sugar-cravings>.