How to Curb the Sweet Tooth Before the Holidays
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s finally the fall season. While this doesn’t mean much in many parts of the country (no beautiful leaves or impending cold nights), it almost always means that the holidays are quickly approaching. And usually, much faster than we’re ready. Between Halloween candies and Christmas cookies, the sweets are also in full swing. And if you’re trying to watch your weight, this can be one of the toughest times of year. The best approach? Prepare ahead of time. Take a look at these tips for curbing your sweet tooth before the holidays sneak up and catch you off guard.
Get a Happiness Boost Elsewhere
You may not know this (or may not want to admit it), but many of us love to eat sweets because it makes us feel good -- as in happy. When you’re not making enough serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, it can cause you to crave that good feeling in another way. Like, through sugar. So how can you make more serotonin? Quality sleep, exercise, human contact, and eating the proper nutrients can all cause your body to spike serotonin production.
Get a Replacement Ready
Instead of swearing off all sweets, you can take a little less drastic approach by finding a healthy alternative. Fruit makes an excellent sweet but healthy snack that can take the place of traditional sweets. Get your berries, apples, melons, and citrus ready to go. When you’re feeling a sweet tooth coming on, pop a few berries in your mouth or eat an apple. This gives the body a blast of natural sugar, and it may help you keep the sweet tooth (and all of those calories!) away from your diet.
Drink More Water
Water is such an incredible staple of any diet. It’s zero calories, keeps the body hydrated, clears the skin as well as the mind, and can keep you feeling full in the stomach. When you’re having a sweet craving, try drinking a glass of water. It won’t satisfy the sweet tooth, but it will make your stomach full. After a few minutes of sitting with a full belly, the sweet craving may diminish naturally. Fill up a water bottle and sip all day long, and you may find more benefits than you ever thought possible.
Sweets are definitely delicious, but they are rarely good for the diet or the body. Use these tips to get your cravings under control before the holidays arrive. With some practice and a little self-control, you may be able to make it through holiday season without a few extra pounds, and with your weight and health intact.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Gate, Calif.