Everybody finds themselves in that situation where they just need sugar. After reading this article from Amaka’s Notes, you will know what sugar cravings are, and how to stop having them.

The Gist

If you’re craving sugar, that’s totally normal.

Usually, it means that you’re low in sugar, but it could also mean that you’re lacking other nutrients. The best way to identify what you actually need is to look at what you’re craving. If you’re craving chocolates, you’re probably in need of magnesium. If you’re craving fruit, you probably need more vitamins and nutrients.

However, if you feel like your craving is too intense enough to make you dizzy, seek a healthcare professional as it could be a deeper problem.

The Science

What is a sugar craving, and what causes it?

Sugar cravings are normal and could mean a lot of things.

It all depends on what kind of sugary food you’re craving. Craving chocolate, for example, could mean you’re in need of more magnesium, says Elissa Goodman, a holistic nutritionist. You can satisfy your chocolate cravings by eating a bit of dark chocolate, not the milk-chocolate kind. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that are very healthy for you.

Another normal, and even good sugar craving is fruit. Goodman mentions that one of the best cravings to have is fruit, which usually indicates that you need more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Another possible cause for craving sugar, Goodman points out, is blood sugar fluctuations. When your blood sugar level is much lower than normal, your brain signals your body that you need more. To keep your blood sugar at its regular level, eat protein and high-fiber foods, which contains the energy you need without giving you high blood sugar.

Farah Fahad, a registered dietician, also suggests adding more protein to your meals. She explains that the body has thousands of biological processes happening all at once, and we need to supply it with just the right amount of energy to keep our bodies healthy.

How to handle and stop a sugar craving?

A great thing to do before you satisfy your craving is by drinking a glass of water. Goodman explains that it’s common to misinterpret thirst signals as hunger. Drinking water first can save you a blood sugar spike by checking if your “hunger” is actually just thirst. 

If you still find yourself craving sugar, eating more protein, fiber, and adding supplements is just what you might need.

Fahad makes the same point, by mentioning that fruit cravings are a sign that your body is seeking more nutrients. Although satisfying these sugar cravings are good, it’s still very important that you don’t overdo it. By pairing your fruit with fats and protein, like banana and almond butter, or berries with yogurt, you will find yourself satisfying your cravings with much less sugar. She also adds that magnesium is an essential part of our diet, and intake of food with magnesium ensures that our body is topped off and healthy.

Feeling dizzy with your sugar craving

If you feel dizzy while having, or even after satisfying your sugar craving, it’s time to go see a doctor, as this is a possible sign of a more profound problem. 

Experts will help you identify what nutrient you’re actually missing when you’re craving sugar. They will also help you determine how much of it you need, and make sure that this deficiency is managed so it will not give you further problems. For example, a deficiency in magnesium has been linked to alarming conditions, such as osteoporosis, type-two diabetes, and heart conditions. It can also lead to insomnia and problems involving anxiety.

The Takeaway

Sugar cravings could mean different things, and it’s important to identify what it means.

Which sugary food you’re craving for typically tells you what your body needs. Satisfying these certain sugar cravings carefully, along with healthy eating habits, will keep you fit and healthy. However, if your craving is too intense, it could be a sign of a deeper problem.

The most important thing to remember is that these cravings are never bad. From time to time it’s important to satisfy these cravings.