Wondering why there are days when you just can’t seem to resist that cookie, donut, muffin or slice of cake? Sometimes, it’s not just a lack of willpower. Yes, there are situations when you simply want to eat sweets, but there are also scenarios when your body actually craves them. Resisting sugar cravings is hard at the best of times and nearly impossible at others.

For many of us, simply trying to avoid refined sugar at all costs and keeping treats out of our homes, isn’t enough to stop the inevitable sugar binge self-hating cycle. For this reason, if you’re someone who struggles to control your sugar cravings, you might find it helpful to learn about what can cause them to help prevent and manage them when they occur.

4 Reasons You Might Experience Sugar Cravings

Reducing sugar intake is important for not only weight loss, but also your overall health. The following may be some of the main culprits behind your sweet tooth:

You’re Not Eating Enough

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve likely cut down your calorie intake. Make sure you don’t cut it down so low that you body is starving for nutrients. If you do not consume sufficient protein, for example, your glucose levels will be all over the place, promoting you to reach for a quick hunger fix from crackers or cookies. Protein helps to keep your blood sugar steady.

Your Blood Sugar is Low

Skipping meals or waiting too long to eat between meals is one of the most common causes of sugar cravings. When the human body operates for too long without food, the brain sends out a signal that more carbohydrates need to be consumed to replenish energy. While this issue can be easily solved by eating a piece of fruit, the vast majority of us are far more likely to reach for a candy bar. Eating regular meals and having healthy snacks in between can help to cut down on cravings.

You’re Stressed

Insufficient sleep, a hard day at work, feeling worried or anxious, etc. can cause the stress hormone cortisol to activate, resulting in hormonal imbalance that can lead to increased blood pressure and insulin levels. As our bodies continue to pump out cortisol, this triggers the craving to consume more sugar. Getting proper rest and managing stress can help to prevent unnecessary cravings for sweets.

You Have a Sugar Addiction

Yes, sugar addiction is a real thing and may be one of the reasons why you’re finding it so hard to tame your sweet tooth. Researchers who have analyzed sugar addiction have found that sugar has addictive properties. It has been seen that when a human consumes high amounts of sugar, the pleasure center of the brain activates, which leads to feeling happy.

Know When to See Your Doctor

Finally, keep in mind that in some cases sugar cravings may also be caused by insulin resistance. This is when cells no longer respond to the hormone insulin, so the body keeps craving more sugar because the cells are starving for it. Insulin resistance is a very serious condition and is the precursor to diabetes. If, no matter what you try, you simply can’t seem to control your cravings for sugar, be sure to see your healthcare professional to get a checkup.