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Sugar cravings are common and can often be explained by simple things, like the side effects from certain foods in your diet or a bad habit that has reprogrammed your brain.

But some sugar cravings can be a result of an underlying nutrient deficiency.

CAUSES

Meal skipping

When you don’t eat enough calories, your body starts looking for fuel fast as a way to catch up. So what do you do? Crave sugar! As you know, sugar gives you quick energy, even though it’s not necessarily good energy

Too much starch

When you eat a heavy, starchy meal, you’re pretty much setting yourself up for a guaranteed gelato craving. All that food with no fibre or protein is like a big bowl of sugar. Those calories are absorbed fast and they do not keep you feeling full or satisfied. In other words, that big bowl of sugar doesn’t provide satiety as protein or fat does.

Sugar Addiction

Another signal your body could be sending is that it is in full-blown sugar addiction mode, and the cravings you are having are a result of sugar addiction. If this is a signal you pick up on, it could indicate that perhaps you do not need sugar, but rather your brain is demanding you to satisfy its yearning for euphoria.

SOLUTIONS

Consume more fibre

Fibre helps to slow the absorption of the foods you eat and it can also help to curb cravings you have by keeping you full for longer. Consider eating foods that are naturally high in fibre like vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains to help curb cravings.

Add in lean protein

Eating lean proteins such as salmon, halibut, and chicken can help to fill you up at a meal and keep you feeling full for longer. This means that your blood sugar levels are better managed, which means a possible reduced risk for a sugar craving before the next meal.

Healthy substitutions

By switching out your chocolate or candies for some fresh fruit or vegetables, you are telling your brain that you no longer want to load up on sugar and you’ll avoid setting off sugar cravings as well. Consider cutting up fruit or vegetables as a snack, nuts to curb appetite, or even unsweetened hot tea to turn your midday treats healthier.