I promised myself that this time I would completely cut out sugar. But at night, whatever happens, I just want to eat something sweet; I literally attack the fridge. Do you think I should reward myself like this, or do I need to have complete willpower?
I experienced the same situation; I was constantly craving sweets at night. I ended up developing insulin resistance, and it turned out my body was seeking sugar to maintain balance. For a while, I allowed myself to have light snacks like milk desserts, and then the cravings decreased. I think you should get a blood test.
If you're raiding the cupboard during a sugar crisis, it's already hard to cut sugar. Just putting a ban doesn't help; it weighs heavily on your willpower. I honestly don't believe in such strict diets; you don't need to be that hard on yourself. To be frank, if you're going to eat occasionally, just do it in moderation, and you won't crave it that much.
Instead of cutting it out completely, it may be healthier to reduce it gradually. Since your body is craving carbohydrates, perhaps your desire to eat at night is increasing. You can lower your total sugar intake and turn to natural sugars like fruit. However, if it keeps happening, you should create a plan with a dietitian.
I've just realized that I usually finish my meals early. When I eat around 6-7 p.m., I start craving sweets as the night approaches. I'm wondering if eating something later in the evening might prevent that craving.
I totally understand the guilt you feel when you open that cupboard at night. I mean, you resist the sweets, resist, then suddenly you can't help yourself and it feels like your weight loss motivation just goes out the window. I went through similar things at one point; it's really tough. Maybe you could eat something that keeps you fuller right before bed?
Don't torture yourself so much, girl. Sweet treats are part of our culture; don't turn the goal of having no sugar at all into an obsession that ruins a healthy habit. In the end, there should be a lasting balance, or else you'll end up unhappy while trying to lose weight. Everything is beautiful in moderation.
