I need not tell you the dangers of dietary sweets/sugars,
especially if you have, or are at risk for, diabetes. Here are some hints for
curbing your sweet-craving:
- Start the day with a balanced meal of protein, vegetables (yes, vegetables for breakfast) and complex carbohydrates. This will allow your blood sugar to rise slowly and gradually, as it should, and avoid a “sugar rush.”
- Avoid eating “light bread” made of wheat flour, which is made of simple carbohydrates. Have whole wheat bread instead of light bread, sweetened crackers, white rice, or potatoes.
- Incorporate
into your meals complex carbohydrates: whole wheat products, corn, beans,
peas, lentils, whole grain rice.
- Try to
eat something as frequently as every three hours, in order to not deplete
your energy stores, and to avoid sugar craving. A piece of fruit or whole
wheat cracker may do.
- Get
enough sleep. Tired bodies demand immediate energy in the form of simple
carb’s.
- Have
some sun exposure. Avoid staying in dark environments most day (as you may
do in the office). Lack of sun exposure causes a decrease in serum
serotonin, which causes relative depression and an increase in sugar
craving. A little bit of Chocolate (70% cocoa, please) will increase
serotonin level, and may elevate the mood.
- A
boring lifestyle, associated with low serotonin, drives sweet craving. So
keep busy. Exercise, yoga, or spending
quality time with someone will help a lot.
- You don’t have to totally abstain from sweets. Have a measured amount of your favorite candy periodically – every day, two days, or a week. Don’t eat it all at once, leave some for tomorrow.
Have a great day, without the sweets...
