Sometimes you just can't shake it: that sweet craving after dinner. A cookie, a candy, a piece of chocolate... It seems almost impossible to stay away from it after the evening meal. We investigated how you develop this after-dinner addiction and what you can do to get rid of it.
Because that craving for sweets is already annoying enough when you're trying to lose weight.
Where does that sweet sentence come from?
Look. You've just eaten a whole dinner. So you know you're not really hungry. And yet, that little voice in your head tells you there's still chocolate in the pantry. Or ice cream in the freezer. Or candy in your daughter's lunchbox... Where does this gigantic craving for something sweet after dinner come from? And how do you get rid of it? There can be several reasons for it.
Cause 1: Eating too fast or chewing poorly
When you eat, a signal is sent to your brain after about 15 minutes indicating that you are full or satisfied. If you are a fast eater, you may already have an empty plate in front of you and a craving for something delicious before that time. Your brain simply hasn't received the signal yet and unnecessarily thinks you need to eat more. Eating slowly (mindfully) and chewing well (about 20 times per bite) can help with this.
Reason 2: Old habits
Perhaps you've been used to having dessert after dinner since you were a child. Or maybe you've reached a stage where your housemates put a tub of ice cream on the table after dinner. Or your children ask for it and you join in. Whatever the case: break with old habits and make responsible choices if you want to lose weight. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating can also help for a fresh feeling and less craving for sweets.
Reason 3: Your blood sugar levels are out of balance.
Fast carbohydrates generally cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. This means they rise very quickly after eating, but then plummet just as quickly. And that's precisely the moment you crave something sweet: your body is looking for a new peak. That's why we at NewFysic also advise eating only whole-grain products and as little sugar as possible. If you do this, you'll notice that you won't experience such fluctuations in the evening and you can simply leave that cookie after your meal where it is.
Reason 4: Emotions
Just look at Bridget Jones: the candy, cake, and alcohol flow freely when you're sad, grumpy, or just feeling down. Eating a sugary product temporarily provides that good feeling we crave so much in those moments. Be aware of this when you experience these emotions and treat yourself to a nice Netflix series instead of that chocolate bar. You could also consider taking a supplement like Mood & Energy , which helps keep your mood under control and makes you feel better.
Cause 5: Hormones
As a woman, your body and hormones constantly change under the influence of your cycle. Where you are in your cycle affects how hungry you feel. Many women experience strong cravings for sweets in the days leading up to their period. So it's not surprising that your mind keeps sending you to the freezer for a scoop of ice cream. To curb these cravings , you can: eat several small meals a day and drink plenty of water. Keeping track of your cycle can also be helpful; knowing that the sweet cravings are due to your hormones can help you avoid eating and instead pour yourself a nice cup of tea. Are you experiencing difficult moments and "cravings" after meals or between meals? Then you can use our AppetiteControl supplement. This NewFysic supplement contains a mix of fermentable and non-fermentable dietary fibers that work to suppress hunger. Photo: Patrick Fore via Unsplash Do you already follow NewFysic on Facebook and Instagram ?
