{"id":42847,"date":"2011-03-16T10:14:20","date_gmt":"2011-03-16T15:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/?p=42847"},"modified":"2011-03-16T10:17:03","modified_gmt":"2011-03-16T15:17:03","slug":"satisfy-a-sweet-craving-on-a-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/03\/satisfy-a-sweet-craving-on-a-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"Satisfy a Sweet Craving on a Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Like all cravings, an urge for something sweet is best handled by practicing moderation. When you’re trying to satisfy your craving, remember to eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Step away from other distractions so that you can focus on your treat.<\/p>\n

Make an effort to identify why and when you crave sweets. Focus on new ways to achieve the same pleasure you receive from satisfying your craving. Eliminate your triggers (such as eating before a party or not keeping sweets in your pantry) and allow yourself small, healthy rewards.<\/p>\n

Small amounts of fruit-based desserts are often enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you crave something sweeter than a bowl full of berries, then use a limited amount of sugar or other sweetener.<\/p>\n

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Many sugar-free products are labeled as “health foods” but aren’t necessarily so. Alternative and artificial sweeteners have side effects of their own.\u00a0Some researchers suggest that sugar substitutes\u00a0can be\u00a0responsible for spikes in blood sugar, increase in cravings, weight gain, headaches, diarrhea and more.\u00a0It’s may be worth noting that aspartame and saccharin have the worst reputation of the bunch.\u00a0Stevia, on the hand, appears to be a wise (and low calorie) choice. Typically, the most natural forms of sweetener (such as stevia, honey and raw cane sugar) seem to have the least amount of side effects. It’s important to research your sweetening options and choose wisely.<\/p>\n

Some table-sugar alternatives include:<\/strong><\/p>\n