Can Short Walks Crush Your Sugar Cravings?
Who doesn’t crave midnight snacks or feel like eating an entire pizza or half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting? My hand is raised! Experiencing food cravings is quite normal, but you should pay attention to what you crave and ultimately consume. If those cravings are for dry fruits or something healthy, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately, what most people experience are sugar cravings that can cause a spike in insulin, a quick burst of energy and then a crash, and the potential to increase fat storage and weight. Could short walks and getting in your daily steps be the solution to these cravings?
Sugar cravings are the real deal, and we all experience them at different times throughout the day. The key is to tell them to sit down and be quiet. Sadly, most people dig through their drawers and bag or raid the vending machine to get their fix. This has quite a few negative effects and can lead you down a rabbit hole you don’t want to explore.
The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, mostly hidden. – Dr. Mark Hyman
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
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Are Short Walks the Answer to Reduce Sugar Cravings?
Want to know the best way to fight sugar cravings or cut down on desserts? Short walks!
No, I’m not even kidding. According to the research, just 15 minutes of walking per day can help to curb sugar cravings, most importantly, the ones related to chocolates. So, those of you who are chocoholics out there… Pay attention!
Scientists in the UK conducted a small study on 25 people who frequently eat chocolates, where they asked them to engage in a brisk walk or do nothing for the same amount of time. Over the duration, they found that short walks helped reduce the cravings for chocolates and made people actually prefer a walk in place of eating chocolates. Surprisingly enough, this method can also be used to reduce nicotine addiction for those smokers out there looking to quit.
Related Article: Sugar Withdrawal – What You Need to Know
Now, you might wonder if you can use a treadmill and get the same results as going outdoors for short walks? Well, a treadmill can help crush the craving but going outside for short walks has additional benefits. Being outdoors and taking in nature, all the colors and fresh air tend to help reduce stress and improve mental health.
The moral of the story? A 15-minute walk can do wonders for not just your physical health but your mental health as well.
So, the next time you crave a dessert or feel like lighting up a cigarette, you know what to do. GET UP, GO OUT, AND WALK!
Related Article: Is Your Best Weight Loss Secret Going for a Walk?
Apart from short walks, there are a few more things that can help you to overcome sugar cravings, such as:
- Stay hydrated! When you feel the urge to eat something you know you shouldn’t, drink a glass of water. You may notice that your sugar cravings fade away.
- Add high-fiber foods to your diet. Doing so will help keep you feeling fuller and satiated for longer and can help you better manage sugar cravings.
- Focus on the quality of your sleep. People who have a proper sleep cycle and sleep for around 7-8 hours nightly tend to crave less sugar throughout the day.
- Find a distraction. Find something that interests you, like reading a book, going outside (like taking short walks), watching your favorite television show, putting on a movie, etc. Essentially, staying busy can help you avoid sugar cravings.
With all of that being said, dealing with sugar cravings can be a bit easier if you know where the source is coming from. Let’s take a deeper look into what can actually bring on sugar cravings, so you can better manage them.
What Actually Causes Sugar Cravings?
Below are some causes of sugar cravings to better understand why you’re feeling them.
1. Stress
Do you know that sugar provides you with a temporary escape from stressful situations? The consumption increases levels of serotonin, which may give you a temporary boost and make you feel happy. Now that you feel happy, your brain will crave this happy chemical again and again, and the cycle will continue.
2. Bad Sleeping Habits
One of the most common reasons for sugar cravings is a poor sleep cycle. According to research, not getting enough proper sleep can reduce the upper brain function that’s responsible for complex decisions, which can lead to sugar cravings.
Related Article: What Happens When You Follow a Low Sugar Diet?
Also, studies show that poor sleepers are more likely to crave junk food or sweets.
3. Low Blood Sugar Levels
If you are not consuming a properly balanced diet, you might find yourself faced with sugar cravings. This can happen when you cut down on carbohydrates or go several hours without eating, and your body craves energy and substance. To gain that quick energy, you might experience sugar cravings.
Crush Sugar Cravings
There are many examples listed in this article that can help you effectively crush sugar cravings. Short walks are one of them.
Cutting sugar from your diet is not as easy as it sounds, but short walks can help reduce cravings. The best thing to do is identify the root cause of these irresistible sugar cravings and eliminate them.
If nothing seems to help control your sugar cravings, it may be time to consult a doctor or seek professional help who may be able to diagnose what is causing the issue and help you overcome this hurdle.
Related Article: Have You Ever Attempted to Cut Sugar Out of Your Diet?
That said, try some of the things mentioned in this article and see how they work for you. The goal is to prevent sugar cravings from even becoming an issue by taking the necessary steps to minimize the cause behind many sugar cravings. Start implementing what was mentioned above to improve your sleep, stay hydrated, and better manage your stress levels, and see how they affect your ability to crush your cravings.
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