Satisfy your craving with these healthier alternatives.
Finally, the meeting is over and youre starvingyour body wants food STAT.
Without a second thought, you sprint to the vending machine to indulge in your favorite candy bar.
Photo:Lydia Whitmore/Getty Images
From sleep to food to hydration, your body likes consistency.
When consistency wanes, sugar cravings can come on strong.
Its a built-in protective mechanism, really; theres a legit scientific reason behind this, too.
So, we asked nutrition experts to explain the reason behind these sugar cravings.
She says that eating aslice of bread, fruit, or rice will help lower sugar cravings.
You’re Getting Insufficient Sleep
Weve all been there, dragging through the day.
Exhaustion will have you foraging through your pantry or the candy aisle at the corner store.
Through yourcravings, your body is sending you a signal that it needs energy ASAP.
The body craves carbs for energy as a pick-me-up, Stephens says.
Your brain craves sugar because it makes you feel good, according to Brooke Loewenstein, RD, CDN.
You’re Dehydrated
Similarly to how eating irregularly leads to cravings, so does notdrinking enough water.
Water is energy to the body, especially to your muscles.
When your body is thirsty, your energy plummets.
“Dehydration can be mistaken for hunger, leading to sugar cravings,” Loewenstein says.
Each group fuels our body in a unique way that is essential to our health.
Dont limit carbs, especially if youre exercising, Stephens says.
Your body needs carbs for energy, and more if youre exercising.
She suggests choosing carbs that offer additional nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and protein.
Examples include, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, or fresh fruit.
Balance Your Plate
Again, think back to the basic food groups.
Eat a mixed meal that consists of carbs, protein, and some fat, Stephens says.
Get Quality Sleep
Wanting sugar is a real feeling when youre exhausted, Loewenstein says.
It also lowers leptin, the hormone that helps you feel full.
She recommends seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
Establishing a pre-bedtime routine is also important to achieving quality sleep.
Avoid screens before bed, stick to a routine, and limit caffeine in the afternoon, Loewenstein suggests.
Stay Hydrated
Water makes up a large part of all the systems in your body.
So how much should you drink?
Aim for half your body weight (pounds) in ounces daily, Loewenstein says.
Build Muscle
Muscles play a large role in how your body works.
The muscles in your body help control those pesky sugar cravings.
Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, meaning your body processes carbs better and reduces sugar cravings, Loewenstein explains.
Eat on Schedule
We totally get itlife happens, and sometimes you cant eat on time.
Eating on a schedule helps your body absorb essential nutrients exactly when theyre needed.
Eat on a schedule, and start eating within two hours of waking up, Stephens suggests.
