Now that it’s October, our minds immediately go to Halloween and all of the candy that we will consume. But before this happens, it might be time to step back and factor in how much sugar can have a negative impact on your smile. Our family dentist in Bloomingdale and West Loop know how addictive sugar can be, so we wanted to outline some simple ways to reduce the urge to eat sugar.
Realize Cravings vs. Hunger
There’s a huge difference between craving something and generally being hungry. Reduce your sugar cravings by eating a filling, healthy meal. Cravings are simply your brain wanting some sort of reward, which is not the same as being hungry. When hunger combines with cravings, this is where people typically fall victim to their cravings. Stick to protein-rich foods to help stay fuller, longer.
Take a Hot Shower
As silly as it sounds, taking a hot shower or bath is a simple yet effective way to provide some relief from your sugar cravings. The water doesn’t need to be so hot that it burns your skin, but it should make you feel nice and toasty. Stay in for 5-10 minutes and you’ll come out feeling a bit dazed, at which point the craving will likely be gone.
Drink More Water
Too much water is never a bad thing. When in doubt, drink a glass of water (or two) before succumbing to your craving. The water could help fill you up and increase your hydration levels.
Junk food every now and then is okay, but make sure to keep sugar consumption to a minimum.