5 TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS

How do you transition back to your usual diet routine following a festive holiday season of indulgence? After savoring weeks of delectable Filipino treats like puto bumbong, bibingka, fruit salad, and sweetened ham, the endeavor can be particularly challenging, especially for those who have developed a penchant for sweets.

The encouraging news is that it is still possible to relish sweet treats while maintaining a well-rounded diet. This insight comes from Dr. Ian Cadiz, Dr. Francisco Navarro, and Kirk Bondad, experts featured in The Sweet Struggle Part 2 – a live wellness event presented by GoWell, Sun Life Philippines’ health and wellness community.

During the event, the speakers dispelled misconceptions about sugar and diabetes, provided insights into the reasons behind sugar cravings, and discussed effective ways to manage them. Here are the top five tips for striking a balance between indulgence and overall well-being:

1. Keep your nutrition in check. To maintain a healthy body while enjoying your sugar rush, it is important to consume a variety of nutrients as vitamins and minerals help the body's functions work properly.
2. Eat high-protein meals. This is the most satisfying macronutrient that can knock down hunger, which can also help cut down on sugary snacks or binge snacking.
3. Stay hydrated. Hydration is essential for overall health because it supports various bodily functions. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Sleep your cravings away. Sufficient sleep helps regulate stress hormones, contributing to a more balanced hormonal environment and may lessen cravings associated with stress.
5. Surround yourself with a supportive environment. Having a supportive community can positively influence lifestyle choices, making it easier to maintain healthy habits and overall well-being.

The Sweet Struggle supports Sun Life’s global diabetes awareness and prevention advocacy. Aside from mounting wellness campaigns, Sun Life has launched various initiatives in support of diabetes awareness and prevention advocacy. This includes hosting its annual charity event SunPIOLOgy in partnership with long-time Sun Life ambassador Piolo Pascual. The Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDFI), one of the beneficiaries of SunPIOLOgy, is a non-profit organization that helps to provide critical care for diabetic patients and improve its facilities, such as the Sun Life-ISDFI Nutrition Studio and the ISDFI-Sun Life GoWell Fitness Center.