Sugar cravings are a common complaint for many people. It can feel like no matter what you do, you just can’t shake that craving for something sweet. And if you’ve ever wondered why you crave sugar, it’s not a lack of will power that’s the problem. Food cravings are actually a survival mechanism meant to keep us alive by driving us to search for foods high in nutrients and calories. And, historically, sweet foods are often the most nutrient dense foods available. 

The problem is that these sugary foods are no longer difficult to find. In fact, sugar is one of the most common additives in processed foods, leading North Americans to consume an average of 150 pounds of sugar per person every year! 

It can feel as though modern life is setting us all up to be sugar addicts. But the more you know about why your body might be craving sugar, the easier it is to support your body’s health and get those cravings under control. Read on to see some of the most common reasons you crave sugar and what you can do about it. 

Reasons Why You Crave Sugar

Sugar Conditioning In Childhood

Children’s taste buds aren’t as developed as adults and are more sensitive to sweet flavors. And some children’s brains even light up differently when they taste sugar. If you were treated to sweets often as a child, this could lead to “reward” conditioning. This happens when foods you’ve eaten overtime — ones that have provided feelings of reward — have conditioned you to crave more. So, you may be craving sugar because your brain trained you to do so.

Genetic Predisposition

It’s not uncommon for a “sweet tooth” to be a family trait. And while some of this is certainly due to conditioning, there could also be a genetic component, as well. Research from the National Institute of Health discovered a gene in mice that controls craving for sugary foods. This gene is expressed in a tiny part of the brain involved in your response to stress, anxiety, sleep, pain, and reward. The researchers found that mice without the gene drank less sugar solution than those with the gene.

Poor Sleep Habits

Did you know that lack of sleep is linked to increased sugar cravings? And on the flip side, when you indulge in those sugar cravings it can interfere with your sleep. Which means sugar cravings can turn into a negative cycle of poor sleep and more cravings.

Ghrelin, the hunger-control hormone, increases when you are sleep deprived. This causes you to crave sugary foods and generally eat more. This is why it’s extra important to prioritize good sleep hygiene to support restful sleep and help curb those sugar cravings.  

Poor Stress Management

It’s no secret that stress is linked to cravings and emotional eating. Research from Harvard suggests that, for some people, sugar actually turns down the stress response in the human brain. As a result, you might find eating sugar has become your quick-fix solution for keeping stress at bay. 

But stress hormones are also responsible for cravings. When your body is under stress, it has an increased need for energy (ie calories). And chronic stress causes the body to increase levels of certain hormones like cortisol, which is connected to hunger. This surge in hormones not only increases your appetite but also your desire to eat sugary foods. Finding a way to manage chronic stress can go a long way to reducing sugar cravings. 

A Healthier Option For Sugar Cravings

Chances are, even with healthy lifestyle and diet changes, sugar cravings won’t go away overnight. There are so many reasons why you crave sugar, it’s practically impossible to simply turn them all off. And besides, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a healthy treat now and then. The key is finding an option that won’t worsen sugar cravings and undo all your healthy habits. 

Chocolate is often touted as a superfood, and for good reason. But most commercial chocolate, however, is loaded with sugar, dairy, preservatives, and other questionable ingredients. That’s why it’s best to opt for raw cacao, like that found in Earth Echo’s Cacao Bliss! 

Cacao Bliss is not only a healthy, decadent way to satisfy your craving for something sweet and chocolatey, it’s also loaded with superfoods that help support natural energy and mental clarity. Plus, it can help promote a positive mood and even help combat future sugar cravings! *

Sugar cravings are a natural part of life. So instead of fearing them or feeling ashamed of them, set yourself up for success by keeping a bag of Cacao Bliss on hand! One scoop of Cacao Bliss in water or your favorite milk and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an indulgent superfood beverage that will curb cravings and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Click the link below to get your bag of Cacao Bliss today! *

Shop Earth Echo Cacao Bliss Here!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.