Tonight, try these food combinations to satiate your sugar cravings

Here’s how certain deficiencies can lead to sugar cravings, according to the expert.

 

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A post shared by Lovneet Batra (@lovneetb) 

Magnesium deficiency

This deficiency, Batra said, can drive sugar cravings because magnesium helps convert food into energy. “So, anything that’s leaving you feeling more lethargic and fatigued, naturally your body craves those quick energy sources, which tend to be sugary foods,” she explained.

Low protein and fibre diet

According to the nutritionist, if you are craving sweets all of a sudden, you are most likely experiencing blood sugar fluctuations. “To keep your blood sugar levels stable, eating a healthy amount of protein and adding more high-fibre foods can help you combat this situation,” she suggested.

In case of sugar cravings, Batra suggested consuming the following food combinations instead of mindlessly binging on unhealthy desserts.

Banana and peanut butter (unsweetened)

This is because combining fruit with healthy fat can help ease your craving. “Its combination of protein and fats can also help you feel full and balance sugar levels,” she said.

Consume banana with peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Homemade almond milk (7 soaked almonds + 2 soaked walnuts + 1 date + 1 soaked fig)

A glass of homemade almond milk is a rich source of fat, protein and magnesium.

Yoghurt + fresh berries + raisins

According to the expert, yoghurt is a natural probiotic and a good source of whey protein, berries are rich in fibre, helping balance blood sugar and making you feel fuller longer, and raisins are a rich source of magnesium.

Talking about the same, Kajal Aggarwal, dietician and clinical nutritionist, said that sugar cravings can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies as the body may crave sugar as a quick source of energy when it is lacking certain nutrients like chromium, magnesium, or zinc. “There are several deficiencies that may contribute to sugar cravings. These include deficiencies in magnesium, chromium, zinc, and vitamin D. When the body lacks these essential nutrients, it may signal a desire for sugar to help provide a quick energy boost. Also, imbalances in hormones such as insulin and leptin can also lead to sugar cravings.”

To satiate these cravings, the expert suggested eating fruits like berries, bananas, and apples can provide natural sweetness and fibre, which helps keep you full and satisfied. “. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can provide a sweet fix while also offering antioxidants and potential health benefits. Sweet potatoes can provide natural sweetness and fibre, which helps keep you full and satisfied. Dates are a natural sweetener and can provide a caramel-like flavour, making them a great addition to desserts or smoothies. Banana peanut butter bite, Dates peanut bite, Chia seed chocolate pudding etc. also help us during sugar cravings,” Aggarwal said.

Functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, Founder and CEO, iThrive, however, stated that there isn’t too much evidence to support nutrient deficiencies directly causing specific food cravings. “The major causes of cravings have to do with stress, brain and neurological issues, sleep and circadian rhythm along with other lifestyle factors,” the expert said, sharing some instances of food cravings being caused by certain nutrient deficiencies directly.

– Chocolate cravings can be caused by magnesium deficiency
– Salty food cravings by sodium deficiency
– Cravings for mucus-rich foods like okra and aloe vera due to deficiencies in the gut lining
– Sweet cravings due to protein deficiency

“Apart from this, the major issues mentioned above are all indirectly exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies so nutrients do definitely play a critical role. Lastly, the most important thing to tackle food cravings is making sure you’re eating your meals properly. If you eat sufficient amounts of protein, nutrients and calories, your body is satisfied and you will tend to have lesser cravings,” Pradhan said.

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