Blood Sugar and Cravings: Why You Want Sweets and How to Stop

If your cravings hit at 3 pm or late evening, it is rarely “lack of willpower”. It is usually physiology. Most cravings are a blood sugar problem: fast spikes, then fast drops, then your brain begs for sugar again.

This guide explains the most common triggers and gives a practical system to calm cravings without calorie counting.

Quick signs your cravings are blood sugar related

• you feel hungry again 1 to 2 hours after eating
• you crave sweets after lunch or dinner
• you feel shaky, anxious, or “empty” when you delay meals
• you feel sleepy after carbs
• you snack even when you are not truly hungry

Why blood sugar swings create cravings

When a meal is mostly refined carbs (or carbs without enough protein and fiber), blood sugar rises quickly. The body responds with insulin. If the drop is fast, the brain interprets it as danger and pushes you to eat fast energy: sugar.

My opinion: cravings are often your body asking for stability, not your body asking for “dessert”.

Top 7 reasons women 35+ get more cravings

• Protein too low (especially breakfast)
• Meals too random (no structure, no rhythm)
• Refined carbs and hidden sugars
• Stress (stress hormones make cravings louder)
• Poor sleep (hunger hormones get chaotic)
• Dehydration (thirst feels like hunger)
• Long gaps between meals then overeating at night

The craving-killer foundation: protein + low GI structure

If you fix only two things, fix these:

1. Hit your protein (daily target, spread across meals)
2. Choose low GI carbs (fiber-rich, slower response)

• Protein Per Day for Women
• Low GI Meal Plan

How to build a craving-proof meal (simple formula)

Use this structure:

• Protein: fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt, tofu
• Vegetables: big portion, mostly non-starchy
• Low GI carbs: lentils, beans, buckwheat, quinoa, berries
• Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts

This is how you get stable energy and less hunger.

Breakfast is the biggest lever

Many women start the day with sweet coffee, a pastry, oats alone, or fruit alone. Then cravings are guaranteed later.

Upgrade breakfast:

• Greek yogurt + berries + seeds
• Egg omelet + vegetables
• Cottage cheese + berries

Water timing can reduce cravings

When hydration is chaotic, hunger signals get louder. Also many people drink mostly during meals, then forget water between meals.

Use this simple rhythm:

• Water 15 minutes before meals
• Water 40 minutes after meals

Full guide: Water Timing During Meals.

Stress and sleep: the hidden craving triggers

Even with perfect food, stress and sleep can create cravings.

• Stress makes the brain want fast comfort
• Low sleep increases hunger and lowers self-control

If you are in a stressful season, reduce the “perfect” goal and focus on structured basics: protein, low GI meals, hydration, walking.

Walking and strength training improve glucose stability

You do not need intense workouts. Consistent movement helps your body handle carbs better.

• Daily walking (your system already supports a 10,000 steps goal)
• 2 to 3 strength sessions per week

Beginner plan: Strength Training for Beginners.

Quick fixes when a craving hits

• Drink water and wait 10 minutes
• Eat protein first (yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese)
• Go for a 10 minute walk
• If you want something sweet: choose berries or a planned portion after a balanced meal

Comparison: craving cycle vs stable blood sugar routine

Make it structured with Health360

If you want structured low GI meal planning, hydration timing, and movement guidance without calorie counting, try:

Health360: Weight & Anti-Age

Conclusion

Blood sugar cravings are not a personality flaw. They are a stability problem. Fix protein first, choose low GI carbs, hydrate between meals, and add walking. When your body feels safe, cravings get quiet.

Written by Anna Ståhl, Founder of Healthy & Elegant.