Craving A Sweet Snack?

image of cupcakes Always craving something sweet after a meal? While there are no definitive answers to what causes these cravings, there are several theories.

Some blame these cravings on behavior patterns, as people who have enjoyed something sweet after meals since childhood expect a sweet post-meal treat to feel satisfied. Other experts fault human brain chemistry for these cravings, citing evidence that suggests consuming sugar can lead to increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being.

Regardless of the cause of these sweet cravings or when they occur, if you find yourself craving a sweet snack, there are ways to satisfy your sweet fix without feeling guilty. nuts Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, bananas and pears combine sweet flavor with nutritional benefits, and dried fruits like raisins and apricots offer similar benefits. Organic snack bars and trail mixes, and also Greek yogurt, are additional options for healthy snacks to help dispel sweet cravings. Some research has also shown that chewing gum can help reduce food cravings, so reach for a stick of gum as another alternative the next time a craving strikes.