It’s not easy, but a few simple tricks can help, says a nutritionist from the United States.
We all know that it is not easy to change one’s diet, especially if one loves sweets and eats them regularly. But if you’re looking to improve it for whatever reason, are there ways to get your sweet tooth under control that you’re sure to show as the days go by?
“The answer depends on the character of each person. Are you one of those people who have to “chop” food in order to get the job done? Or can you eat a small amount of fattening food without it affecting you?” nutritionist Dr. Christine Kirkpatrick partner Department of Nutrition, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.
Depending on the answer, you can take some steps to tame your sweet tooth, he continues. If e.g. you need to give up sweets to maintain a diet, it is better to buy nutritious substitutes with a sweet taste. Examples are:
- Fruits like pineapple, cherries and strawberries
- White yogurt to eat with a little honey
- Preservative-free peanut butter
- Dark chocolate (must contain at least 70% cocoa solids)
When it comes to artificially sweetened foods, it’s definitely tempting to buy some of the associated sweets. However, studies have shown that they are easy to overdo because they “wake up” the appetite and increase food consumption.
This is because they affect the brain’s appetite regulation and taste perception. according to other studies.
It takes time
Honey is a good alternative, but it is important to consume it in moderation. “If you’ve gotten to the point where you can’t eat yogurt or fruit without honey, then you’re addicted to its sweet taste. Therefore, it is better to reduce it a little,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick.
If you can eat small amounts of regular sweets every now and then without breaking your new diet, then you can do it. However, the simpler your dessert, the less of a burden it will be.
Also remember that it will take time for your organization to adapt to new information. But eventually it will pay off, and you’ll find that you’ll feel less and less insatiable cravings for something sweet.