Let’s just admit it: Sugar tastes good!
We love sugar in everything. It’s in sweets and coffee. Sugar can even be found in a Big Mac hamburger! *** It’s difficult to avoid.
Sugar tastes great that’s why we love it so much. It gives us fuel when we need it and energy, especially when it’s depleted. However, that sweet tooth can also be dangerous. It can lead to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
So, how can anyone who has a sweet tooth possibly win against these odds? It can be done and here are a few tips on ways you can fight your sweet tooth and win:
- Avoid high-glycemic foods. Many people start their day with white toast and coffee. These can be high in sugar and carbohydrates. It may also lead to the urge to eat other carbs during the day such as french fries or popcorn. Instead, eat fruits, Greek yogurt, lean meats, ground turkey or chicken, peanut butter, or cottage cheese.
- Snack on healthier foods. There are plenty to choose from these days that taste good and fill you up. Try bananas, apples, yogurt, seaweed, or an apple slice with peanut butter on it.
- Drink lots of water or tea. One strategy to keep your gut full is to stay hydrated. It may not be hunger, anyway, as dehydration is often mistaken for being hungry. Drink thirty (30) ounces of water or more daily. Hot green, black, or oolong tea can also curb hunger.
- Curb your sweet taste buds. You may put three teaspoons of sugar in your coffee or tea in the morning. Your taste buds become accustomed to this taste and crave it. However, you can change that craving by slowly reducing the teaspoons to two and finally one per cup. Also, instead of eating one big piece of cake, you can cut that in half for multiple portions.
- Increase your serotonin levels. Sugar cravings may be a red flag that your body’s serotonin levels are low. Sweets temporarily raise the serotonin level. This makes you feel better which means your body will continue to raise serotonin levels. Sugar will eventually deplete them. Ask your physician about taking serotonin supplements which may restore your serotonin levels.
- Reduce stress. Stress makes us do unhealthy things and one of them is turning to sugary foods and drinks to calm our nerves. The hormone cortisol builds up in the body, increasing the cortisol which then increases your blood sugar. The result is massive cravings. One proven way to reduce stress and avoid eating the wrong foods is to exercise, get away for a while by removing yourself from the situation or find a relaxing hobby. This may reduce your stress levels.
- Avoid sugary beverages: Be careful of that Frapuccino or that Frosty. Most beverages including juices contain lots of sugar. Drink lots of tea or water and reward yourself with one serving of a sweet snack instead.
Sugar can be addictive and can do great physical and mental harm if the sweet tooth gets out of control. The good news is that if you take a few or all of the steps above, you can control it. Your teeth and body will be healthier for it. There are also some natural sugars such as xylitol versus refined sugars that may be more healthy and beneficial for your oral and overall health.
All Smiles Bethesda has an experienced dental hygiene staff that can do your annual teeth cleaning. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call us at 301-984-9646 and or info@allsmilesbethesda.com or lorraine@allsmilesbethesda.com.
We serve Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, MD, and the Washington, DC area.
*** For more on sugar found in hamburgers and other foods, visit the Diet Doctor website.