Its no secret that consuming too much sugar hurts your health.
But when a craving for the sweet stuff strikes, it can be tough to resist.
More than 90 percent of Americans experience food cravings, studies show.
Its not surprising that many of us crave sweets, says Anne Alexander, author ofThe Sugar Smart Diet.
Sugar has a physical effect on the brain, triggering the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Culturally, we also tend to associate sweet foods with safety, comfort and pleasure.
These smart strategies can help tame your sweet tooth.
Protein can give you energy while keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
Its a strategy backed by research.
Check out more of thebenefits of high-protein breakfast, including a smoothie recipe.
Do you reach for a treat when you are anxious?
Some people wolf down a sleeve of cookies when they need a distraction from a hard project at work.
Others devour a bowl of ice cream to treat themselves after a hard day.
After a complicated or busy day, what we really want is a hug….
But we find ourselves in the kitchen, looking for something to make us feel better, Alexander says.
Then keep healthier snacks like fruit, nuts and cut-up vegetables within reach.
The first two to three bites give you the most aesthetic bang for your buck, Pope says.
Enjoy several bites and attempt to relish it.
Sleep deprivation also suppresses signals of fullness, she says.
(Check out these seven secrets for a better nights sleep.)
A few companies have even developed gums specifically formulated to curb sugar cravings.
(Its not yet widely available.)
Because you sip it slowly, it can provide a calming experience that helps distract you from your cravings.
Flavors such as cinnamon, peppermint or raspberry provide a natural sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It worked because humans prefer immediate gratification, the researchers said.
