Vivek Dahiya may be a fitness buff. But he, too, has irresistible sugar cravings, so much so that he once had two full boxes of Mysore Pak, a South Indian sweet, known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture. "Bahut hoti hai aur khaata bhi hun (I get massive sugar cravings, and give in too). I eat ice cream, chocolates, and Mysore Pak," Dahiya said. He first tried the sweet - made using ghee, sugar, and besan or gram flour - when his wife and actor Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya bought it after a shoot in Chennai. "She told me to try it, saying it is a special sweet from there. I ate one, and it melted in my mouth. I finished one entire box. Another one was for gifting someone, but I ate that entire box, too," Dahiya told Galatta India. However, he soon experienced the side effects. "Now, I did have repercussions. The next day, my cheeks had swelled up," recalled Dahiya. Taking a cue from his revelation, let's ask an expert why that happened. Kanikka Malhotra, a dietician and certified diabetes educator, highlighted that Dahiya’s experience of facial swelling after consuming two boxes of Mysore Pak is a classic example of how excess sugar can trigger inflammation in the body. "Eating large amounts of sugar causes spikes in blood glucose and insulin, which can lead to the release of inflammatory chemicals. This may result in symptoms such as puffiness, swelling, or discomfort, especially in sensitive individuals," said Malhotra. Malhotra emphasised the importance of enjoying sweets in moderation and focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to prevent such effects. "Staying hydrated and including anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, and fatty fish can also help. If you notice swelling or other symptoms after eating sugary foods, consider cutting back and monitoring your body’s response. Remember, moderation and mindful eating are key to long-term health and well-being," said Malhotra. When sugar cravings strike, try these strategies: *Opt for naturally sweet foods like fruits, berries, or a small piece of dark chocolate. *Snack on nuts, yogurt, or chia seeds to stay full and curb cravings. *Chew sugar-free gum or go for a brisk walk to distract yourself. *Drink water and wait a few minutes; cravings often pass. *Practice mindful eating and keep healthy snacks accessible. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
