Ooo, sugar, sugar… A muffin, a cupcake, a chocolate bar – your mind says “no”, but your hand reaches for something sweet and sugary. It doesn’t always make life sweeter – a craving for sugar often signals fatigue, excessive stress or a lack of energy.
It’s not for nothing that they say that we eat stress, but sugar cravings can be controlled – choose healthy snacks instead of sugar, making life sweeter and improving your well-being.
Why do we crave sweets?
We grab a snack with coffee or in the evening after dinner – we feel happier and more energetic. However, these feelings are temporary, because sugar promotes the release of dopamine, which creates this joy and energy, but over time the brain adapts to the dopamine levels and demands more and more sugar.
But there are other physiological reasons for sugar cravings:
- unbalanced meals (if meals are low in protein and fiber, you do not feel full after a meal);
- lack of sleep (have you noticed that after a bad night’s sleep you crave something sweet?);
- stress (sugar briefly increases dopamine, making you feel calmer, but it doesn’t last long, so sweets become an emotional support);
- dehydration (sometimes just drinking water is enough to feel better).
We have already written about how excessive sugar consumption affects your well-being in the article “Sugar – how does it affect your well-being?“
Healthy alternatives to sweets in your daily diet
It’s definitely not necessary to completely ban sweets, but when you’re standing at the store shelf, choose them thoughtfully – pick what you really want at that moment, and forget about the thought of taking it if you want it later.
Eat regular and balanced meals – 3 meals a day, rich in protein and fiber, will naturally suppress sugar cravings. Choose a healthy lifestyle without sugar overdose – proper sleep, walks and physical activity.
A smart alternative to controlling sugar cravings on a daily basis is to introduce natural products into your diet – snack on seasonal berries or fruit, or choose nuts as a snack, which are an excellent source of fiber.
The World Health Organization recommends consuming up to 25g of sugar per day (assuming a standard 2000 calorie diet per day). So – 5–6 teaspoons per day, but keep in mind that this is not just about how much sugar is added to tea or coffee. Sugar is found in most foods, so if possible, use natural sweeteners: stevia, erythritol, coconut sugar and others.
Prebiotics as a support for controlling sugar cravings
By reducing your sugar intake, you increase the amount of fiber in your diet, which will help to organize your microbiome, thus not only reducing cravings for sweets, but also strengthening your immunity and helping to prevent digestive disorders.
Prebiotics are soluble fibers that act as “food” for the intestinal microflora and good bacteria. Prebiotics are found naturally in whole grain products, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, legumes, fruits and berries, as well as in the form of supplements in specialized diets.
An excellent balance of prebiotics is provided by Preimmu Biotic – a dietary supplement developed by nutrition scientists and specialists, which will not only improve intestinal health and overall well-being, but also help reduce cravings for snacks, sweetened sodas and sugar as such.
By understanding the reasons why you reach for chocolate or a bun and consciously choosing healthier alternatives, it is possible to live a sweet life without an overdose of sugar. A sweet and juicy apple will be just as delicious as a chocolate bar, but a glass of water will be more effective than a third piece of cake.
Learn more about Preimma Biotic and start your journey to a sweeter life without a sugar overdose!
Nutritional supplement.
Dietary supplements do not replace a complete and balanced diet.