How to Control Sugar Cravings: It’s Not as Tricky as You Think!

Sugar is inflammatory, and eating too much of it can put you at risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, liver failure, unhealthy digestion, and a variety of malignancies. Excess sugar can also promote dental disease, and obesity, speed up the aging process, and even impair cognitive function. Furthermore, when we take too many calories from sugar, we miss out on critical nutrients found in complete meals. I understand how intimidating this lovely beast might be, but we’re going to alter that.

Why We Crave For Sugar!

Let me tell you, I have asked this question all the time, so let’s get started! Sugar has been proven in studies to have a profound effect on the same areas of the brain that are activated by addictive substances, leading to greater tolerance and dependency.

In one study, participants received meals with fast digested refined sugars vs those who were given portions with a lower blood glucose impact. Blood flow to the area of the brain that governs cravings, rewards, and addictive behaviors increased in the group that consumed fast digested refined carbohydrates. When this reward center illuminates, it might keep us wanting more (learning)!

Sugar can also interact with our appetite-regulating hormones, leading to even more overeating. But there is some good news! When you eliminate or severely reduce refined sugars from your diet, you’ll notice a reduction in cravings in a little over a week (though this varies by person, so allow your system time to readjust!).

How Much Sugar Is Too Much Sugar!

It is unrealistic to avoid all sugar. Some sugar, particularly sugar derived from natural sources such as fruit or dairy, can be a healthy part of the diet. Restricting specific meals might also lead to a crash diet, or consuming the food you’re trying to avoid. However, most of us intake far too much sugar, which can be hazardous to human health.

Keep in mind that adding sugar to many unexpected meals when you assess your sugar consumption and compare it to these guidelines. Biscuits, nut butter, pasta sauce, and ketchup, for example, frequently include added sugar.

Track Your Sugar Intake

So, how do you keep track of your sugar consumption? Checking the ingredients list of your packaged goods is one of the most foolproof approaches. If a component ends in “ose” it is sugar. Isomaltulose and sucrose, for example, are both sugars.

Furthermore, many seemingly healthful components, such as pure maple syrup, local honey, sustainable cane sugar, molasses, and juices, are really sugars. In most circumstances, you’ll need to utilize your investigative abilities to keep track of your added sugar intake.

Healthy Sugar Alternative: Fight With Unhealthy Cravings!

With these healthy sugar alternatives, you can add some healthy sweetness to your life! Here’s some more information about the alternatives to help you decide which one is ideal for you:

Organic Stevia Sweeteners

Stevia sweetener is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, which is ancestral to South America. This plant-based organic stevia sweetener may be made using the molecules stevioside and rebaudioside. It has no calories, is almost 350 times sweeter than sugar, and will have a somewhat different flavor than sugar.

Because stevia leaves are abundant in phytochemicals and minerals, it’s no mystery that the sweetener has previously been linked to a variety of health advantages. Stevioside, the sweet element in stevia, has been shown to lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.

Look no farther than Nutrizo’s Sugar Fighter is the largest stevia manufacturer in India, for the best organic Stevia products. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for organic stevia sweetener-based goods.

Monk Fruit

This sugar substitute is zero in calories and sugar-free, making it ideal for diabetics, those with blood sugar issues, and anyone on a keto diet. Monk fruit is a Chinese fruit that is significantly better than sugar, therefore you only need a small amount to have a sweet flavor. It’s also known as Lo Han Guo. However, there is a chance that monk fruit will end up leaving an aftertaste or excessively sweetened foods.

Xylitol 

Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that does not raise blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for diabetics and keto dieters. Some persons, like other sugar alcohols, may experience gastrointestinal troubles.

Honey

Raw honey, especially raw local honey, is like dates in that it is both a genuine meal and nectar of the gods. Honey contains amino acids, electrolytes, and a range of antioxidants in addition to sugar. It has been hailed for its inherent antimicrobial properties as well as its ability to alleviate allergy symptoms. While honey carries more fructose than sugar, it has a low glycemic index and is, therefore, one of the best sugar substitutes. 

Erythritol 

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting maize sugar. It has the appearance and taste of sugar yet has no calories. Erythritol includes antioxidants that help combat free radicals. Furthermore, it is approximately 60% as sweet as sugar and has no effect on blood sugar.

Because erythritol is manufactured from maize, a regularly genetically modified crop, it is critical to ensure that you are obtaining GMO-free erythritol. Check for Certified organic erythritol with a non-GMO certified logo on the packaging.

Maple Syrup 

Unlike sugar, which contains little to no antioxidants, maple syrup is high in antioxidants. While maple syrup contains a lot of natural sugars, it has a lower GI than sugar. It also has minerals like manganese and zinc. To obtain the maximum antioxidants from your maple syrup, go for the darker Grade B kind.

Takeaway 

There are so many wonderful healthy sugar alternatives on the market right now. It may be worthwhile to try several options based on your specific needs to determine which works best for you.
Almost everyone would benefit from cutting back on processed sugars. Rather than using sugar substitutes, it may be best to forgo all sugar. Consult your doctor if you have any queries about what is suitable for you.