Got A Sweet Tooth? Here's some advice ;)

Loriklim

Sweet tooth raging out of control? First of all let's see why we crave sugar.

Carbohydrates stimulate the release of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin. Sugar is a carbohydrate, but carbohydrates come in other forms, too, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The taste of sugar also releases endorphins that calm and relax us, and offer a natural "high". Sweets just taste good, too. And that preference gets reinforced by rewarding ourselves with sweet treats, which can make you crave it even more. With all that going for it, why wouldn’t we crave sugar?

Here's how to tame those sugar cravings.

How to Stop Sugar Cravings: 8 Tips to Use Right Now

If you're craving sugar, here are some ways to tame those cravings.

**Give in a little.

Eat a bit of what you’re craving, maybe a small cookie or a fun-size candy bar. Enjoying a little of what you love can help you steer clear of feeling denied. Try to stick to a 150-calorie threshold.

**Combine foods.

If the idea of stopping at a cookie or a baby candy bar seems impossible, you can still fill yourself up and satisfy a sugar craving, too. Try combining the craving food with a healthful one. For example, dip a banana in chocolate sauce to give you what you're craving, or mix some almonds with chocolate chips.

**Go cold turkey.

Cutting out all simple sugars works for some people, although the initial 48 to 72 hours are tough. Some people find that going cold turkey helps their cravings diminish after a few days; others find they may still crave sugar but over time are able to train their taste buds to be satisfied with less.

**Grab some gum.

If you want to avoid giving in to a sugar craving completely, try chewing a stick of gum which can reduce cravings.

**Reach for fruit.

Keep fruit handy for when sugar cravings hit. You'll get fiber and nutrients along with some sweetness. And stock up on foods like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits

**Get up and go.

When a sugar craving hits, walk away. Take a walk around the block or do something to change the scenery.

**Choose quality over quantity.

If you need a sugar splurge, pick a wonderful, decadent sugary food. But keep it small. For example, choose a perfect dark chocolate truffle instead of a king-sized candy bar, then savor every bite -- slowly Don't wear off favorites -- you’ll only come back for greater portions. Learn to incorporate small amounts in the diet but concentrate on filling your stomach with less sugary and [healthier] options.

**Eat regularly.

Waiting too long between meals may set you up to choose sugary, fatty foods that cut your hunger. Instead, eating every three to five hours can help keep blood sugar stable and help you avoid irrational eating behavior. Your best bets? Choose protein, fiber-rich foods like whole grains and produce.