Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, no one is immune to sugar cravings. Pregnant, when hormones get involved, it can sometimes be more difficult not to give in to temptation…
Indeed, hormones have their backs wide: however, it is really their fault if, all of a sudden, meat disgusts us, or that we have absolutely need to eat ice cream…at 11 at night! When we are pregnant, our perception of tastes is turned upside down and, if some women have "he althy" rages, many are however assailed by crazy and urgent cravings for sweets of all kinds…
Oh! Sugar
However, we know: he althy eating is extremely important, especially during pregnancy where every nutrient counts! Of course, there is nothing wrong with indulging once in a while, but giving in to a sugar craving every night is not ideal. Indeed, added sugar is not only harmful for the mother (weight gain, diabetes), but can also be harmful for the fetus, which then has an increased risk of developing metabolic (diabetes, obesity) or cardiovascular problems in adulthood. Fortunately, it is possible tokeep your infamous sugar cravings under control, and there are a few things you can easily incorporate into your routine.
My will? What will?
You guessed it: your first ally to compete against the big bad sugar is your willpower. Easy? Not always. Nevertheless, it is necessary! Indeed, if you allow yourself to succumb to the slightest temptation, these cravings will never leave you in peace. Besides, you will notice that if you have a craving for sugar in the evening, at 10 a.m., and you calm it down with a little candy, a new craving will show up the next day, probably at the same time. You must therefore learn to resist, which, we repeat, does not mean completely eliminating sugar - which is a significant source of energy - from your diet. As in everything, is balance!
Change relationship
The main challenge is that our relationship with sugar is sentimental. Yes: often linked to memories, sugar offers great comfort to its consumers. So we console our sorrows with ice cream and chocolate; we celebrate with cakes and sweets. We must therefore review the relationship we have with sugar, it is essential. If eating is a pleasure, the act should nevertheless not be compulsive and it is necessary to avoid “eating your emotions” as much as possible. Easier said than done, of course, but with a few tips, anything is possible!
Equipped forwin
Like any "war", the one we wage against our sugar cravings must be prepared. Well equipped, ready, you will have more chance to win!
- At the market, avoid buying these products that will make you crack. We therefore leave the chocolates, cookies and cupcakes on the shelves. Does this mean that we must say goodbye to them? No, but if you have to go out to feed your Häagen-Daz s rage, the craving might go away on its own. Otherwise? Tell yourself that, at least, you took the opportunity to take a short walk!
- A craving for sugar? Do not panic: it is also possible to satisfy it with a fruit!
- We must avoid eliminating carbohydrates from our diet. There is evidence that people who follow a starch-free diet are more prone to craving sugar at night. Why? Simply because our body needs carbohydrates! Unsurprisingly, it is therefore better to eat bread (of grains) or a small bowl of pasta, at dinner, than to wolf down a large piece of cake before going to bed.
- Like caffeine, sugar is addictive. Moreover, we will notice that the rages tend to show up always at the same times. If you regularly consume sugar, and in large quantities, it may be better to reduce it gradually, for example in recipes and in your drinks.
- In the same vein, we make sure to consume enough protein to make us feel fuller.
- We canquell a sugar craving by brushing your teeth, or chewing mint gum – sugar free, of course!
- Drinking a big glass of cold water and just waiting a few minutes might make your sugar craving go away.
- Prepare he althy snacks at your fingertips: fruit salad, raw vegetables.
- Nothing works: have a glass of juice. We avoid sodas, which really contain too much sugar.
