Sugar cravings: what can you do about it?

Newsflash: Alcoholic drinks are loaded with sugar. So if you take the alcohol out of a drink, you're left with a certain amount of sugar. In order not to develop a candy, cookie or donut addiction during your break period, we looked for a number of healthy substitutes for you.

To show that we are not just saying something, you will find a box later in this article that describes the average amount of sugar of a specific alcoholic drink. You always get this sugar shot, for example when you drink your daily beer or wine. Your body gets used to such a sugar shot and asks for more. Now that you are in your break period, your body is taking in less sugar. But the need doesn't just disappear. How do you keep this 'sugar cravings' the boss?

1. Fresh does not match with sugar

As soon as you feel the urge to eat an entire bag of wine gums or loot the cookie jar, brush your teeth. A fresh mouth eats a lot less tasty. Chewing gum or other minty likes also work well.

2. Break your routine

We often eat out of boredom. Now that you (temporarily) no longer drink and are at home much more because of the lockdown, you may tend to eat more. If you find yourself being sensitive to this, try breaking your routine. Eat your dinner at a different time. Take up sports or pay (more) attention to your hobby. So shake up your routine and reduce the chance of snacking.

3. drink something

No, no wine or beer; ) But something that quenches your thirst and suppresses your craving for sweets. For example, think of low sugar syrups, herbal tea or water with a little extra (see our delicious water recipes).

4. Natural fruits

Too much sugar causes your sugar level to rise and then to crash, so you tend to make up for this 'shortage' with even more sugar. If you're craving 'sugar' and 'sweet', opt for natural sugars. Fruit is a natural sweetener. Pair your fruit with something savory, such as a cracker, cottage cheese, or hummus, and you've got a healthy, filling snack.

5. Almonds

Fancy a Bossche bol? Eat a handful of almonds. They are full of good fats that ensure that you are satiated longer and less quickly get the wrong things.

6. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and healthy omega-3 fats. They consist largely of soluble fiber. These fibers provide a 'full' feeling and they inhibit your feeling of hunger. Add some chia seeds to your soy yogurt, smoothie or other recipes and you'll be good to go for a few hours!

Never sugar again?

If a sugar-free existence appeals to you, you could delete all refined sugars from your menu. The first three sugar-free days are characterized by headaches, cravings and fatigue, only to feel invincible afterwards! To get through these first days well, you need to eat a lot of complex carbohydrates: whole-wheat pasta and rice and lean proteins.

Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with craving sweets. Only if you need it to feel good, eat out of boredom or if you need it for your daily life high then it's time to take back control. During the break period you may be looking for 'sugar compensation'. In order to deal with this properly, it is advisable to think about where your weak spot is. And remember: if you can say 'no' to alcohol, then saying 'no' to a bar of chocolate is a cinch!