Sugar is almost everywhere — added to countless products advertised on every form of media, and included in nearly every holiday and casual meal. And while cravings on their own are not necessarily harmful to your health, it’s how you respond to cravings that could become problematic.
Here are some options from Healthline.com for managing sugar cravings:
Give in!
Eating the odd square of chocolate or piece of cake on your birthday is probably not going to damage your health. And it can be good for your mental health to savour something delicious now and then. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the occasional sweet indulgence is fine — just not every day.
Glance at the label
Sometimes a reality check can curb your craving. If you’re craving something that has a packaging label, look closely at the nutritional content, so you can make an informed choice about what to eat.
Take a quick walk
A brief 15-minute walk could cut the cravings. As a bonus, the walk could pep you up more than a sugary snack.
Opt for a nap instead
If you’re one of the millions of folks who are chronically sleep deprived in this age of overstimulation, a power nap may do more to revive your energy levels than something sugary.
Swap it out
If you want a hint of sweetness consider healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, trail mix or dark chocolate.
