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5 things they do that give you sugar cravings!

Learn what really causes your sugar cravings and how to avoid it.

Those sugar cravings are moments from the devil himself! Well, maybe they are more of a wake-up call that we have to take about something that is happening to our body. Some things that cause these cravings:

  • Depression or a low mood Maybe you didn’t know, but consuming carbohydrates increases the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood and many other things. So what happens when you eat carbs? It increases the concentration of serotonin a little and you feel a little happier. It is normal for your body to ask for something sweet if you are not feeling well emotionally. You’re looking for that little hit that sugar gives. What you can do is look for food alternatives that also generate a serotonin boost, such as bananas, nuts, salmon or green tea.
  • Lack of sleep Stopping sleep affects what you crave. If you don’t get enough sleep your body produces more of the “hunger hormone,” and you end up eating more. It also produces less of the hormone that makes you feel fuller, which makes it harder to realize that you don’t want to eat more. Try to sleep at least 7 hours a night. Remember that sleep is not only about sleeping x amount of time, but also deep, quality sleep to reap the benefits.
  • Iron deficiency You’ve probably heard that iron deficiency affects your energy levels. As before, this will most likely translate into you reaching for sugar. Action: If you are having problems with low energy, visit a healthcare professional to check your iron levels. Make sure your diet contains foods like spinach, whole eggs, red meat, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.
  • Carbohydrates Oh, the irony. You follow a strict low-carb diet wanting to lose weight quickly. By the 3rd day you will be craving sugar like few other things. Why? Your body needs carbohydrates to function. If you restrict the carbohydrates you eat, your body will eventually ask for them very badly. Remember that there is nothing wrong with reducing your carbohydrate intake, just remember that your body still needs some! Eat low GI carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, beets, whole grains and brown rice.
  • Proteins You also need protein. When it comes to sugar cravings, protein consumption is important to keep your sugar levels stable throughout the day. Protein and fat reduce the release of sugar from food into the body. Make sure you eat nuts, seeds, meats, seafood, mushrooms, lentils, beans, etc.