Article Surfing Archive

Many North Americans suffer from a new condition I name in jest 'sweet tooth syndrome'. An unprecedented number of people are making unhealthy food choices or are struggling to lose weight due to overwhelming cravings for sweets. According to recent data from the US Food and Drug Administration, the average North American consumes approximately 20 teaspoons of sugar per day. This translates to 7,300 teaspoons of sugar per year.

What Causes Cravings?

Sugar cravings are often an indication that the body is biochemically unbalanced. Eating too many refined carbohydrates and sugars are among the main causes of sugar cravings.

For example, if a sugary soda is consumed, glucose (sugar) enters the bloodstream at a high speed and elevates blood glucose levels. In response to this rise, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin to transport the blood glucose from the blood into the cells. Unfortunately, if your diet is filled with refined sugars, the body will secrete too much insulin, which drops blood sugar levels too low.

Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, causes fatigue, fogginess, headaches, and irritability. In order to counteract these feelings, the brain signals the body to crave more sugar to increase the level of glucose in the blood. Grabbing another sugary treat will indeed raise blood sugar levels, but will also start the vicious cycle all over again.

Breaking the Cycle

When trying to rid your body of powerful cravings, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks to tame your sweet tooth. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars, and eat plenty of protein.

Natural Sweeteners

Indulging in a little natural sweetness will help keep the cravings at bay.

Diluted Juice

Take your favourite sweet juice and water it down (' of the glass water, ' juice). This will stave off sweet cravings without adding too many calories.

Herbal Tea

Try berry herbal teas, such as raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry, after a meal. Not only will they help eliminate cravings, they will also aid with digestion.

Dark Chocolate Treats

Freeze small squares of dark chocolate and eat only one per day following a meal or when a craving strikes. Current research shows that a small amount of dark chocolate per day has antioxidant benefits that can protect the heart.

Vitamin C

When craving something sweet, try chewable vitamin C. It will curb cravings and have the added benefit of pumping up your immune system.

Supplements

Additional vitamin supplements to help cravings are chromium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.

Next time you have a hankering for something sweet, or feel a bout of emotional eating coming on, combat it with natural, healthy sweeteners. That way you'll be beating your cravings at their own game.