by Sofia Moreau

Delicious desserts, decadent chocolates, and bliss-inducing baked goods may ring a sweet symphony of temptation in your ears, but hold on! Did you know that your uncontrollable desire for these sugary delights could be indicative of underlying physical needs and emotional cues that need closer attention?

It’s easy to dismiss cravings for sweets as your palate simply pining for a treat. However, renowned psychologist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Elizabeth Morrell offers a deep dive into your sugar cravings, unveiling five likely reasons behind them and sharing sage advice on overcoming these sugar spells.

“People often battle with their sugar cravings by opting for healthier alternatives or feel guilt-wrapped after succumbing to the sweet indulgence. Perceiving these cravings as ‘bad’ has become second nature, but this mindset needs a revolutionary makeover,” says Dr. Morrell.

She promotes understanding cravings as intrinsic signals from our bodies, pointing out potential nutrition gaps or emotional voids. Embracing this perspective alleviates guilt associated with surrendering to cravings and propels us towards cognitive solutions instead of diving headfirst into ice cream tubs!

Here are five probable causes behind your sugar cravings as decoded by Dr. Morrell, along with her expert advice.

1. Genuine Hunger or Low Blood Sugar

Your brain sends frequent food flashes when you’re genuinely hungry or showing symptoms of low blood sugar. If these feelings seem sudden and intense, you are likely dealing with cravings. Skimping on meals or following low-calorie diets often triggers this reaction. Dr. Morrell recommends adopting a balanced diet comprising proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to mitigate such cravings.

2. The Restraint Reflex

Those trying and failing to control their eating habits often fall into the sugar trap. Ironically, as we attempt to restrict sugary foods, we end up desiring them more. Learning to eat in moderation and ditching rigid diet rules can actually help curb your sugar cravings.

3. Habitual Hankering

Do 4 pm sugar cravings sound familiar to you? Or perhaps a spontaneous desire for popcorn at the cinema? These patterns are driven by habits built over time. Swapping these automatic responses with healthier alternatives can break this cycle.

4. Emotional Eating

Emotions can take a toll on our eating choices more often than we think. It’s essential to recognize emotional triggers and develop alternative ways to feel better without resorting to binge eating.

5. Deep-Rooted Food Connections

Many food beliefs and related behaviours stem from our experiences before the age of seven. These become subconscious drivers of our attitude towards food. Recognizing these patterns and countering them with healthier perspectives can pacify your tumultuous sugar cravings.

In the words of Dr. Morrell, “You are not ‘out of control’ for craving sugar, nor do your cravings label you as ‘bad.’ Embrace these signals and use them to nurture a healthier relationship with food.”

It’s time to decode your cravings and pave your path to a healthier, happier you!

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