Exploiting Sugar and Carb Cravings
Are you craving sweets or starchy foods (like bread or pasta)? You are not alone—and there is a biological reason. Your body needs carbohydrates for energy, but not all carbohydrates are created equal. Simple carbs like candy, soda, white bread, and pastries create a sugar spike and crash that can leave you with more cravings, less energy, and mood changes. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits—are broken down slowly to provide you with sustained energy and reduce cravings for sugar.
To avoid cravings, start making small swaps: white rice for brown, apples for cookies, or take a plateful of high-fiber vegetables. These small substitutes can help balance your blood sugar and keep you satisfied longer—no crash, no cravings, no guilt.
Scan any food barcode with your phone.
Receive an instant health score (0-100) based on ingredients, nutrients, and additives.
Gamify better eating habits.
Reasons for Sugar and Carb Cravings
🔄 Stress and Cortisol
Stress can be related to cravings. When we are stressed out, the stress hormone cortisol is released and cues our system to release glucose for energy right now. This "fight or flight" can create cravings for fast-absorbing sugars and carbs, even if you don't need food at all.
😌 Mood and Serotonin
Another reason for cravings can be attributed to the hormone serotonin—the "feel-good" hormone. When you consume sugar and processed carbohydrates, you are temporarily raising serotonin levels, which leads to a momentary increase in mood. When the high of eating your preference passes, you crash, usually worse than where you started, and need feel-good food again just to feel good again. This can be an endless cycle; for some that can be maddening.
What Can You Eat to Stop Sugar Cravings Before They Begin?
Healthy habits begin with identifying your cravings.
- vegetables
Top comments (0)