Why do we crave sweets after a meal?

Weather of Arabia - Let's admit it, we love sweets, and for most of us, eating a plate of dessert after a meal comes as a result of a strong desire that compels us once we finish a delicious meal, so what is the cause of those cravings that appear after eating?! How do we resist this craving for sweets?

Although nutritionists and fitness experts always advise to exclude as much sugar as possible from our diet because sugar is a source of empty calories with no nutritional value, and since it has no function to perform in our bodies, it accumulates in fat cells and leads to weight gain.

But in almost all cultures, there is a tradition to finish a round of ambrosia, with a round of dessert plates, as almost all of us start looking for something sweet after every meal, and we don't know there is a secret behind these cravings for sugar or sweets after food. We will find out in the following lines.

Reasons why we crave sweets after food

energy need

After meals, the main function of the body, which consumes a lot of energy, is digestion, so the body craves for energy, and the desire to eat sweets appears because sugar is a source of quick energy, but this is not the only reason for that desire.

Turn it into a habit

In most cases, these cravings are due to psychological causes rather than physiological causes, so that the mind gets used to ending the meal with a dessert, and regular consumption of foods that are high in sugar and fat leads to the presence of certain neural connections in the brain that automatically lead to cravings. Eat these types of foods. If you always associate the "end of the meal" with something sweet, it can be hard to curb that craving.

serotonin production

Sugar cravings after meals could also be due to increased production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood. Eating sugar (or other simple carbohydrates) is said to enhance the absorption of the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in some foods. Tryptophan allows serotonin production to increase, meaning that sugary sweets raise serotonin levels, making us feel happy, calm and satisfied.

Unbalanced levels of sugar

Uneven levels of blood sugar after a meal may also lead to these cravings. If your meal is poorly balanced, and consists mainly of carbohydrates (especially simple carbohydrates), it causes an immediate rise in blood sugar levels, then suddenly drops after the meal. Your body cannot cope with this drop in glucose levels, and to return to the higher level, your body craves sugar. And simple carbohydrates are very easily digested, which calls for more sugar for energy.

Eat a salty meal

Cravings can also arise as a supplement to your very salty meal you just ate. Something sweet then is the body's way of trying to create balance.

How to control the desire to eat sweets after food

Eliminating all sources of sugar from your diet, and completely suppressing cravings for sweets, may only lead to increased cravings, leading to overeating of sugary foods later in the day. Cravings for sweets after food.

Replace refined sugar with healthy alternatives

Do not cut out the sugar completely; Cravings for sugar after a meal is normal. You can still enjoy sweets, but in moderation. Have a nutritious dessert to finish your meal and replace refined sugar with healthy alternatives such as natural sugars found in fruits, dry fruits, dates or honey. And you can add natural sweetness to your meals with side dishes in the form of salads.

Eat a small portion of the dessert

Going on a diet doesn't mean you have to cut out your favorite foods entirely. While restricting your intake of carbohydrates and fats in a diet, you may often crave sugar because your body needs energy and may not be getting enough. To fill this lack of energy, you can have a small portion of your favorite dessert.

Balance your meals

A balanced diet can help reduce sugar cravings. Add more complex carbohydrates and low-sugar foods to your meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, legumes, and most fruits are among the best sources of low-GI foods.

Also, avoid foods that are high in salt.

If you do not feel full even after meals, add more fiber to your diet, which will keep you feeling full for a long time, preventing you from eating sugary foods after meals. Eating plenty of protein also helps.

Brush your teeth or chew gum

Helpful techniques such as brushing your teeth after eating or chewing a piece of sugarless mint gum can help reduce the immediate craving for something sugary after a meal.

Have dessert for breakfast

It is said that adding a small serving of something sweet to your breakfast can prevent sweet cravings later in the day. This is because when you wake up in the morning, your serotonin levels are at their highest and your food cravings are supposed to be the lowest.

Remember, nothing hurts if it is in moderation. Craving for sugar after meals is a normal phenomenon that is okay, as long as you do not go too far, as sweets will take a heavy toll on your body and health.

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