Why do we crave sugar during Ramazan?

ISLAMABAD: Have you ever experienced that deep sweet craving in Ramadan? Chances are, you answered yes to this question because you are human!

Everyone loves to indulge in the delicious taste of sweets especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It adds to the enjoyment of Iftar and sweetens the holy season.

In times of hunger, our brain needs energy and as sugar is the primary energy source of the body, we crave sugar-rich foods.

Perhaps these craving and addiction-like behaviors may be related to our perceptions of sugary foods as “bad” and in turn our voluntary restriction of them.

Most people wait for iftar to be able to eat whatever they want but be careful: If you lose control, you will inevitably gain weight. Many people crave sweets after fasting hours as blood sugar drops dramatically, but it is important which dessert you choose for both iftar and sahur.

Dieticians advise breaking the fast with a date, which helps get blood sugar under control while taming your need for sweets right after iftar. Another key is to not eat dessert right after iftar. It can lead to fluctuation in the blood sugar level, which will lead to you craving for more sweets! That’s why, it is recommended to have it 2-3 hours after Iftar.

It is best to eat sweets two hours after breaking your fast as a snack between meals. If you happen to eat dessert right after breaking your fast, it will put too much stress on your stomach as it will try to digest everything at once after hours of resting.

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Ramzan?

But which desserts should you be eating? Well, if you want to stay fit during Ramazan, stick to puddings or light desserts with fruit. These desserts are much wiser choices compared to sweet pastries or desserts with syrup, such as baklava.

Instead of purchasing desserts from shops, it is always better to cook them at home. This way, you have a say in how much sugar is added. If you do not want to consume too many calories but still want to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can use honey or molasses instead of sugar in your desserts.

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Ramzan?Moreover, if you don’t want to fight thirst all day, you should refrain from eating dessert during sahur. The sugar in desserts triggers thirst during the day, which makes it hard for you to make it to iftar. Instead of dessert, try eating a date or homemade jams to satisfy your craving for something sweet.