During the summer holidays, many of us treat ourselves to more sweets than usual, leading to a surge in our sugar cravings: That extra scoop of ice cream, that additional slice of cake you took purely by gourmandize…
While consuming these treats may bring a momentary feeling of happiness, scientific research has shown that sugar can be addictive. That’s why it’s best to enjoy such foods in moderation.
Bidding farewell to sweets and desserts forever, is quite challenging, along with being unrealistic. But the good news is, there are proven ways to curb that annoying sugar craving that occasionally strikes.
Below are three science-backed strategies to stop the desire to eat sweets all day long.
Tame Your Sweet Tooth With These 3 Strategies:
Simply Wear Pink
Wearing shades of pink, whether it’s a scarf, cardigan, or socks, might effortlessly curb your sugar cravings.
A study conducted on a small sample and published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that when participants were given a pink mouthwash before a run, they ran faster and enjoyed their runs more than those who received a transparent mouthwash with the same flavor.
The study authors noted that the “feel-good” effect of the pink mouthwash could be due to the color’s associations with sweetness. In other words, pink’s sweet and stimulating appearance could provide a similar sensation to sugar, without actually consuming sweet foods.
Sniff Citrus Fruits (Oranges Work Best)
If that piece of chocolate in your pantry seems to be calling your name, take a slow, deep sniff of an orange. This could quickly suppress your appetite.
Research on eating behaviors found that subjects who smelled an orange (referred to as a “diet-congruent food”) consumed less chocolate after this olfactory exposure to a healthier food.
Play a Game on Your Phone
To overcome the sweet tooth, try playing a game on your phone.
A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that participants who engaged in a game (in this case, Tetris) on their phones reported fewer cravings for drugs (alcohol, nicotine, caffeine) and food and drinks.
The focus dedicated to gaming turned out to be an effective form of distraction from cravings. Moreover, phone games might also increase your dopamine levels, much like sugar does.
**14 Ways To Help Ease Sugar Cravings This Fall**
