Have you ever wondered if your sugar cravings have a pattern? Maybe. Sugar cravings are not always random, especially if you experience them every day. Also, if you often have sugar cravings in the afternoon or evening (a few hours after lunch), you are not alone. Many people have a busy morning at work and may not have any cravings in the first half of the day. But when it comes to afternoon or evening, they have a desire to eat something sweet, even if they are not hungry. Why? There could be many reasons for this. Let’s understand some common patterns.
Here are 4 reasons why you crave sugar in the afternoon:
1. Drop in blood sugar
According to health experts, as time passes after lunch, our blood sugar levels drop. A drop in blood sugar levels may make you feel the need to eat something sugary to boost your energy. However, eating something sweet immediately, especially one made using processed sugar, may only provide a temporary energy boost and also increase your sugar intake.
2. The habit of having a snack at ‘tea time’
According to Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Lisa, if you have a habit of eating something sweet in the afternoon, you are likely to crave it every day. Whether it is a habit of eating some biscuits with tea in the afternoon or a habit of eating something sweet after work, it can be difficult for you to control sugar cravings if you do not change your habit.
3. Poorly planned breakfast and/or lunch
Skipping breakfast and eating a small lunch will put your body on a sugar craving. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “If you go too long without eating, your body will crave the fastest fuels possible — refined grains and simple sugars.”
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4. Lack of sleep
According to research, lack of sleep plays a key role in how your brain thinks about food and controls cravings. When people feel tired, they tend to crave something that is often loaded with sugar.
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Here are 3 ways to deal with afternoon sugar cravings:
1. Eat breakfast mindfully
Just like you eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is perfectly fine to have a snack in the afternoon or evening as well, provided you are eating healthy food. Choose healthy snacks like fruits, cottage cheese, dates, nuts, yogurt, etc. instead of packaged sweet items like cakes and cookies.
2. Drink plenty of water
Did you drink enough water throughout the day? According to the Cleveland Clinic, research shows that mistaking dehydration for hunger can also increase cravings. So make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. For tips on increasing your water intake, click here.
3. Take a walk
Many times, sugar cravings increase in the afternoon when you are feeling bored, tired or stressed. Instead of eating sugary foods to refresh your mind, choose healthy options. A simple and effective way is to take a walk. According to WebMD, walking distracts you from your cravings and makes you feel good again.
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Follow these tips and you’ll be better able to control your daily afternoon sugar cravings.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
