Do you love chocolates, candies, and cookies? Sweets come in different forms and kinds. People enjoy craving something sweet after meals or any time of the day. Having the so-called sweet tooth may become an addiction and are sometimes linked to happiness hormones. But are these sweet foods beneficial or detrimental to health? Read on and learn more about your cravings for sweets.

Why Do People Crave Something Sweet?

Several factors trigger sweet cravings. Some of the most common reasons include:

· Lesser calorie intake

Consuming lesser amount of calories than required requires the body to look for fuel in order to catch up with the demands. The need to search for fuel increases the cravings for sugar since it gives quick energy, even though it is not the good form of energy.

· Wrong choice of diet

Eating sweet foods with artificial sweetener increases the cravings. These foods will momentarily satisfy the sweet tooth. But these will also trick the body into getting fuel well, in fact, it's not. The body will look for more calories in the form of sugar.

· Bad habits

People tend to practice several habits without even realizing how bad it can affect the body. Some of these include smacking the gums and picking the fingernails. However, the worst habit involves eating the wrong types of calories in order to satisfy hunger.

· High starch, low fat, and protein

A large amount of starch with no fiber or protein in the diet increases the cravings for sugar. Calories are being absorbed fast, allowing one to easily feel hungry and craving more food to eat.  

· Too much salty foods

Packaged and processed foods usually contain more sodium than you can imagine. This also remains true when eating something clean and “healthy” in your favorite restaurant. The higher amount of salt in food makes you crave bigger on sweet foods.

· Eating too fast and improperly chewing foods

Foods should be chewed properly and eaten slowly to ensure proper functioning of the digestive system. Be mindful of eating as digestion starts with the saliva which contains enzymes to help aid in the process and physical balance of the body.

· Dehydration

Water is essential after a meal. Avoid drinking water with the meal because it will interrupt your stomach to digest the meal well. This improper digestion will end up wanting and craving something sweet.

If You Want to Stop It, Here Are Some Tricks

Sweet tooth problems? Here are some helpful tricks to end your sugar cravings for good.

· Avoid eating processed foods

Sugar and processed foods are addictive. It can artificially stimulate a certain part of the brain which produces dopamine, a pleasure neurotransmitter. When the level of this hormone drops, you start to feel down or flat, leading to the craving for more sugar to feel good again.

· Boost serotonin levels

Serotonin or happiness hormone levels increase through proper diet, regular exercise, and complete rest. The higher the level of this hormone, the lesser the cravings for sweets.

· Use natural sweeteners

Natural sweeteners have zero calories, zero glycemic indexes, and zero additives. These are also a lot sweeter than artificial sugar but do not raise the blood sugar levels in the body. Some of the best choice for natural sweeteners include Stevia and Lakanto.

· Drink plenty of water

You might be mistaken between the body’s need for sugar or water since they may show the same signs and symptoms. Try drinking homemade and natural tea with natural sweeteners. This will satisfy both dehydration and cravings without looking for a dessert.

· Maintain stable blood sugar

Keep the blood sugar level stable by eating several small and healthy meals instead of large portions. This will ensure the production of more serotonin hormones for better sleep and feeling of happiness, and help avoid craving something sweet.

· Eat plenty of greens and sea vegetables

Green leafy and sea vegetables will help boost energy. Both are rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to ensure proper functioning of the body. These foods will also reduce cravings for sugar and processed foods.

· Eat fermented foods and drinks

Fermented food products help reduce or even eliminate the sugar cravings. You can make your own versions of fermented foods or grab one from the store. The sour taste of fermented foods will relieve one's desire for sweets and processed foods.

· Meditation

Meditation helps in reducing stress to ward off sugar cravings. Stress tends to create a hormone known as cortisol which can increase the blood sugar in the body and damages the adrenals, leading to sugar cravings. A short meditation before meals will help you relax for better digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body.

If You Can’t Stop It, Here Are Some Healthy Choices

Still craving for something sweet? Here are some creative and delicious ideas to satisfy your sweet tooth with less bad effect.

• Fat-free Pudding Cup with Sliced Almonds. This fat-free old favorite pudding is a way to go to enjoy a sweet treat with fewer calories. 
• Pear, Sliced and Topped with Almond Butter. This naturally sweet dish is easy to prepare to kick off cravings for something sweet.
• Red Vines Sugar–Free Black Licorice. This is a great chewy treat with no sugar and fat-free snack with fewer calories.
• Agave Peach. This slice of peach drizzled with nectar is oozing with potassium and vitamin C.
• Chewy Granola Bars. This high fiber granola bar is loaded with delicious flavors and amazing benefits.
• Frozen Yogurts - After Dark Chocolate. This delicious, organic, and fat-free frozen yogurt is insanely a terrifying treat for sweet cravings.
• Mallomars Cookie Pure Chocolate. This chocolate-coated marshmallow treats tastes good and is packed with enough calories for your cravings.
• Fruit2day Pomegranate Blueberry. This delicious natural juice is packed with nutritious and appetizing flavors.
• Dark Chocolate and Light Cheese. This sweet treat comes with an antioxidant punch and added calcium boost.
• Oskri Organics Desert Dates Bar. This delicious snack contains the right amount of calories to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
• Dried Apples with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip. This easy snack combined with cinnamon is packed with fiber, calcium, protein, and potassium.
• So Delicious Minis Banana Split Sandwiches. This dairy-free frozen snack is indulging in flavors and nutrients without feeling guilty.

Craving something sweet is triggered by several factors. Knowing several creative ideas and tricks can help you maintain a healthy body without sacrificing the diet plan and lifestyle.