If you crave something sweet in the afternoon to get an energy boost, you’re not alone. Eating simple carbohydrates can be a quick way to satisfy hunger while also giving your body a short-term boost of energy. However, when that initial sugar rush wears off, a slump can follow, leading to a vicious cycle of more cravings.
It’s natural to have a sweet tooth. Emotional eating – grabbing a bowl of ice cream or a candy bar when you’re stressed out – has a scientific basis. Carbohydrates trigger the release of serotonin, the feel-good chemical of the brain. Sugar, in particular, also releases endorphins that cause us to feel calm and relaxed, stimulating a “natural high.” A downside of these chemical benefits is that people tend to eat more sweets when they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed.
To avoid falling into unhealthy sweet eating patterns, try the following tips:
• Avoid habitually eating your favorite sweet treat at the same time every day or when you’re in a certain mood. Don’t immediately reach for chocolate every time you feel stressed – this will cause you to crave it whenever you’re in a stressful situation.
• Allow yourself to have a treat – sometimes. Don’t deprive yourself entirely of the sweet food you desire. Have your favorite dessert every now and then without making it a daily routine. If you don’t allow yourself to have it at all, you are more likely to binge when you have the opportunity.
