How Can I Stop My Sugar Cravings?

Are you hungry?

Have you considered taking a hot shower?

Have you tried a brisk walk?

Have you considered fruits?

Are you depressed or stressed?

Do you get a good night's sleep?

Skipping meals or not having enough nutrients are some of the most common reasons for sugar cravings. You're not giving your body enough food for its optimal performance and it is demanding it from you by triggering sugar cravings, so you would grab something sweet and fuel the body. Though your body would get the sugar it needs, for the time being, it is not the ideal way to eat as these sugary items are nothing but empty calories that have no nutritional content. Instead, have proper meals and preferably at around the same time every day.

While there is no scientific backing for this, many people have opined that when you take a hot shower and allow the hot water to follow through your neck and back for about 10 minutes, your sugar cravings disappear. Though you may tend to have a hazy feeling, the sugar craving goes. A word of caution here. Hot shower means water that is slightly uncomfortable for you and not something hot enough to burn your skin.

Exercise in general and running/walking, in particular, control your sugar cravings for two reasons. Firstly, it releases endorphins or "feel good" hormones that can reduce the craving. Secondly, running or walking is good as it takes you far away from food, and by the time you come back, you're ready for a meal or the endorphins would have ensured that your sugar cravings are gone.

Fruits are a good alternative to junk or processed foods because they have a bit of sweetness in them that can satiate your cravings and at the same time, it is good for you health as it contains other nutrients and minerals as well. Some fruits tend to be sweeter or calorie-denser than others, so make sure you have fruits like oranges, berries, or watermelon handy and also prefer them over bananas and apples. If nothing else is available, still bananas are better than processed fruits.

When you're stressed or going through bouts of depression, you tend to turn to comfort foods and those are nothing but the sugary and unhealthy drinks and sweets. Instead, consider meditation or some other activity to take your mind off what's bothering you. Another good alternative is to talk to a close friend or family member and by the time, you come back, your sugar cravings would have gone down and you'll feel better too.

Great! Consider other ways to stop your sugar craving. In particular, take up an activity or hobby to take your focus off the food.

A good night sleep is necessary for the smooth functioning of your metabolism and hormones, so make sure you do everything needed for a good sleep at night.