How to Stop Sweet Cravings
A sweet tooth, or a love for sweet treats, is something many people can relate to. Unfortunately, eating too much sugar can contribute to a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, adrenal fatigue, irregular eating habits and being overweight. According to Dr. Elizabeth Ziemann for the website My Life Stages, evidence suggests that foods high in sugar stimulate the same pleasure receptors in the brain that respond to alcohol and drugs. Kicking a sugar habit and sweet cravings requires willpower and a desire to do it.
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Instructions
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Raise your serotonin levels. Working out releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that causes an overall happy and satisfied feeling. A brisk walk or any type of workout will produce a surge in serotonin. Serotonin is also released when you eat chocolate or other sweets. A healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, routine sleep schedule, and adequate exercise will balance serotonin levels so you don't need the chocolate.
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Stop eating sugar and replace it with healthier alternatives. The more you eat sugar, the more you will crave it. According to Dr. Elizabeth Ziemann for the website My Life Stages, consuming fewer sugary foods will result in decreased cravings for them. Replace sugary treats with fruits and vegetables. For drinks that you would like to sweeten, try stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. Stevia is also calorie-free, unlike sugar, and is much sweeter than sugar. It is important to use stevia and other artificial sweeteners in moderation. According to the Mayo Clinic, even sugar-free foods can contribute to weight gain when they are not consumed in moderation.
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Eat more vegetables and try to add more protein to your diet. Dr. Lawrence Wilson recommends having fruit as a dessert. Having cucumbers or apples for a snack is a healthy alternative to a sugar-packed snack. Vegetables such as dark, leafy greens will help to detoxify your body and replenish it with minerals. According to Dr. Wilson, minerals are a required component for the Krebs cycle, a portion of the process responsible for energy production within the body. Minerals such as copper, zinc and magnesium are mandatory for the body to carry out the Krebs cycle. When the Krebs cycle cannot occur optimally due to a lack of necessary minerals, the cells of the body become hungry for sugar in an attempt to address the problem.
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Drink plenty of plain water. Do not add anything to at least three glasses of water per day, notes the website Lose Free. Water is another key element that helps to cleanse and detoxify your body. Water will help flush the body of toxins and help you feel refreshed. You can sweeten your water with a splash of coconut water, which is all natural and tastes great.
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Go for a leisurely walk each day -- getting into this habit can help to create a healthy lifestyle. Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night also contributes to a balanced lifestyle. A sugar craving can be accompanied by a sluggish feeling due to adrenal fatigue, so getting good, quality sleep is important to overcome sugar addiction. The process for cutting sugar cravings can be a slow and lengthy one, especially for individuals who have consumed sugar since they were children. A change in lifestyle can help eliminate these cravings with time and patience.
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References
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