Sugar Cravings Does Sour Eating Help?

The pleasure of a late night movie in bed is taken to the next level when you accompany it with a sinful chocolate pastry! Right? Of course you feel guilty the next morning when you step on the scale. Well, if you’re often plagued by those pesky sugar cravings and are looking for a healthy way to satisfy yourself, we’ve got you! One of the best ways to get rid of sugar cravings is to actually eat acid!

What are sugar cravings and why do they happen?

Despite having a full meal or unlimited distraction techniques, that urge to reach for that chocolate bar can be annoying! Garima Goyal, dietitian, says, “Those who get cravings find it difficult to control themselves when it comes to eating, no matter how full they are! Sugar cravings lead to overeating and binge eating, which increases your overall calorie intake.” She tells us why we have these desires.

• Low blood glucose levels: A common mechanism associated with sugar cravings is the blood sugar imbalance caused in the body. Low blood sugar signals the brain to eat something sweet to compensate for this drop.
• Emotional connection: Eating something sweet helps release a feel-good neurotransmitter called serotonin and endorphins in the body, both of which are known as ‘feel good’ chemicals. So, having sweet food helps one to feel good and helps in relieving depression and anxiety. Eating sweet foods is a natural way to self-treat depression.
• Magnesium deficiency: Sometimes sugar cravings indicate a deeper nutritional problem and that is a magnesium deficiency. With a magnesium deficiency, the body cannot use food sufficiently to provide the body cells with energy and this can lead to sugar cravings.
• Restlessness: If you have not slept well, it also causes sugar cravings in the body. This happens because when you are not well rested, the body wants comforting food to relax the brain and eating junk food with sugar helps to do this.
• Gut health: Anyone who has an intestinal problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease, will crave sweet foods because the pathogenic bacteria in the intestines require sugar for their growth, survival and multiplication.
• Dehydration: Drinking insufficient water may have caused sugar cravings in the body. So sipping a glass of water can also help reduce sugar cravings.

How does eating acidic food help with sugar cravings?

The acids in these fruits slow down digestion, keep blood sugar levels from rising and falling and improve nutrient absorption. Consuming acidic foods activates our taste buds in a unique way and provides a refreshing and intense sensation, Goyal explains.

• Balanced flavors: Our taste buds often seek balance, and consuming acidic foods can counteract the overwhelmingly sweet flavors our taste buds are accustomed to. The contrast between sweet and sour can make sweet foods seem less appealing.
• Saturation: Acidic foods can create a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Eating something sour sends signals to your brain that you’ve eaten something substantial, which can reduce your cravings for more food, especially sweet treats.
• Lower sugar intake: Including acidic foods in your diet can help reduce your overall sugar consumption. By choosing acidic snacks or incorporating acidic elements into your meals, you will be less likely to reach for sugary alternatives.
• Natural sugars: Some acidic foods contain natural sugars, such as those found in fruits. These natural sugars are less processed and offer a healthier alternative to refined sugars found in many sugary snacks.

Acidic Foods to Fight Sugar Cravings!

Here are 5 sour food options to try the next time you’re craving something sweet!

1. Fermented foods

Sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are great foods to curb sugar cravings. Another benefit of such foods is that they are a source of probiotics that help fight and kill the pathogenic bacteria that thrive on sugar.

2. Lemon water

Sugar cravings are well balanced by drinking a glass of sour lemon water. Also, water will help hydrate the body and balance cravings for sugary foods.

3. Peach

This sour and sweet tasting fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It helps curb sugar cravings to a great extent.

4. Pineapple

This tropical fruit is not only sour in taste, but also delicious and packed with vitamin C. Pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme that can help with inflammation and digestion.

5. Yogurt

This dairy product is packed with probiotics, calcium and protein. You can add honey and fruit to yogurt to enhance the flavor.