Have you ever noticed how the more sugar you eat the more you crave? The problem lies in the sugar and insulin interaction. The higher the sugar content, the more insulin is secreted to lower it to the normal range which can cause your body to crave more sugar. Also, some people retain insulin in their bloodstream which creates this vicious cycle. Additionally, insulin signals fat storage and when consumes in excess causes that sugar to be stored in the liver which can then cause Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or NAFLD.
Do you have that afternoon sugar crash where you need that pick me up and grab a bag of sugary treats for a quick fix? That’s because of the phenomenon of low blood sugar and your body craving a feel-good reward coming from a hormone (dopamine) produced in your brain that responds to sugar.
3 to 5 TIPS/STEPS TO ADDRESS THIS:
Plan ahead and always have healthy snacks like an apple or a bag of dried apricots that you can keep at your desk, in your bag or in the car.
Avoid eating simple, processed sugars and carbohydrates like candy, sweets, and desserts that cause this sugar-insulin cascade and the craving for the feel-good hormone dopamine release or reward that the sugar provides.
Be mindful of how often you are eating and what you are eating so you don’t wait too long and grab an unhealthy snack when your blood sugar is low and you are starving.
TAKEAWAYS:
Eat meals and snacks that have higher fat content and fewer carbohydrates to avoid extreme drops in blood sugar.
Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid choosing unhealthy foods when you are hungry and when your blood sugar is low that can trigger sugar cravings.
Grab a string cheese or nuts to provide extra protein, fat calories, and lasting satisfaction when combining with fruit.