Do you have the habit of eating something sweet after every meal? Do you find it difficult to curb the feeling of eating the dessert or have the habit of drinking sugar-filled drinks daily? If your answer to both the questions is yes, you are not alone. Consuming sugary foods daily not only hampers your oral health but can negatively impact your overall well-being. Consequently, you may experience tooth decay, cavities, and whatnot. And if the situation worsens, your dentist might suggest full mouth reconstruction to you. Whatever may be the case, it is always advisable to keep your sugar cravings under control and visit your dentist twice a year for a regular oral checkup. It helps make dental treatment easy if you encounter any problems.
Moving further, what is the solution to stave off unhealthy sugar cravings and prevent dental problems? Here we have come up with food items that can help fight sugar cravings.
First things first, what are the factors responsible for causing sugar cravings?
There is not only one factor that causes sugar cravings but many. Some of them are –
Dehydration – It happens many times that you feel you are hungry, but actually, you are thirsty. And many people used to give way to munch on unnecessary things when actually they needed to drink water to get rid of the cravings.
Hormonal changes – The craving for sugar in women happens as a result of hormonal changes, including estrogen and estradiol. When the woman is menstruating, the levels of estradiol increase which is linked to the food cravings. One study found that women with high levels of estradiol in the luteal phase had an increase in sugar cravings. That is why you must have heard that women tend to have cravings for chocolate when they are in their menstrual cycle.
Poor diet – Having a poor diet can also result in sugar cravings. For instance, if you consume carbohydrates and healthy fats in a larger amount or eat more processed foods, you are more likely to experience increased cravings, which can have devastating effects on your gut health. Moreover, it will also hamper your oral health, which you don’t want, right?
List of foods to keep your sugar cravings at bay
You don’t want the sugar cravings to hinder your health goals. So, here are some food items that can help regulate your blood sugar levels so that you can steer clear of your sugar cravings.
Berries – Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are regarded as one of the best food items you can eat when you crave sugar. It comes under low-glycemic fruits. This is the reason you can get the sweetness you want without elevating your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the high fiber content in berries makes you feel fuller for a long time, and at the same time, it improves your insulin sensitivity. So, you can consume this rich source of fiber whenever you have sugar cravings.
Chia seeds – Don’t underestimate the small size of chia seeds as they are rich in nutritional profile. They have termed the powerhouse to keep your sugar cravings under control. Being the richest source of omega-three fatty acids, eating chia seeds with yogurt is the best combination to keep your sugar cravings at bay.
Oats – A rich source of soluble fiber, oats help reduce your glucose levels and keep your sugar craving in check. If you are thinking of buying processed oatmeal packets, stop right there. Always eat old-fashioned oats.
Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds have a higher content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that is helpful in fighting sugar cravings. You can consume sesame seeds with your meal to bring enjoyment to your food.
Beans and lentils – If you are looking for fibers and proteins, nothing can beat lentils and beans. You can take lentils with rice and add beans to soup to curb your sugar cravings.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil is helpful if you want to increase your satiety and balance your blood sugar level. But keep in mind to use it in moderation as it contains saturated fat. You can also consider using olive oil as it contains monounsaturated fats, which are helpful in controlling your blood cholesterol level.
Sweet potatoes – Your body needs a proper amount of vitamins and minerals for nutrition. Sweet potatoes are effective means to add vitamins and minerals to your diet. It is also a good source of fiber which reduces hunger levels and combats sugar cravings.
Takeaway
You cannot avoid all the sugars in your diet. But always focus on making healthy food choices. You can rely on emergency dentist Mckinney Tx if you face any dental problems due to your sugar intake. Don’t forget to consider which food items you are putting inside your mouth and body. Because sooner or later, your body will show the effects of the things you eat. So, it is time to curb your sugar cravings and eat healthily.