Hey Lykkers, have you ever had one of those days when everything feels overwhelming, and your first instinct is to grab something sweet—like a slice of cake, a cookie, or a spoonful of ice cream? You're not alone.
Many of us have built this habit over time, associating sweet treats with moments of comfort and celebration. But here's the question: do sweets really help us feel better? Or are we just tricking ourselves?
<h3>Sugar cravings might signal something deeper</h3>
When we crave sweets, it's often not just about wanting sugar. Our brains and bodies could be trying to tell us something. You see, glucose—the sugar we get from carbs—is the brain's favorite fuel. So if you've been skipping meals, dieting too hard, or just running on empty, your body might be screaming, “I need energy now!”
Even without actual hunger, our bodies might still send these signals if we're low on essential vitamins or minerals that help turn food into energy. So before you judge yourself for wanting that chocolate bar, maybe take a step back and think: did I eat a balanced meal today?
<h3>Sugar messes with our hormones (in both good and bad ways)</h3>
Here's the science-y bit made simple: when we're stressed, sleep-deprived, or anxious, our bodies produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones often mimic what happens during low blood sugar. The result? Cravings for something sweet.
And once we give in? Boom—dopamine and serotonin levels go up.
These are the “feel-good” chemicals in our brain. Dopamine makes us feel excited and driven (hello, sugar rush!), while serotonin gives us a calmer, longer-lasting feeling of satisfaction.
But this happiness doesn't last. Our bodies react quickly to the sugar spike by releasing insulin, which can cause our blood sugar to drop again—sometimes too low. That's when we feel dizzy, anxious, or suddenly cranky. The quick fix turns into another emotional dip.
<h3>We've been trained to link sweets with happiness</h3>
Let's be honest: many of our sugar cravings are learned behaviors. When we were kids, good grades might've meant getting a treat. Family dinners often ended with dessert. Celebrations = cake. So now, as adults, our brains still connect sweets with “something good.”
There's nothing wrong with an occasional treat. But if we find ourselves relying on sweets 3–4 times a week—or even daily—it can affect our health in the long run.
<h3>“Comfort food” might just be a myth</h3>
Movies and TV shows love the image of someone heartbroken, curled up with a tub of ice cream. And while the idea of “comfort food” feels real, research suggests the story might be more complicated.
In one study, participants were given their favorite snacks, healthy options, or no food at all after watching upsetting videos. Turns out, just eating anything—even something healthy like nuts—helped people feel better emotionally. So maybe it's not the chocolate or cookies that fix our mood, but the simple act of eating itself.
<h3>Sugar's short highs come with long lows</h3>
Here's the tricky part: that sugar high is short-lived. As blood sugar rises, insulin rushes in to bring it back down. If it drops too fast, we feel tired, moody, or even anxious. Over time, this constant rollercoaster can put stress on our bodies and may even increase our risk of health problems like blood sugar imbalance or mood issues.
Some studies suggest diets high in sugary foods may be linked to higher chances of feeling down or unmotivated. And the gut, our “second brain,” seems to play a role too. The bacteria living in our intestines are connected to our mood—and they prefer fiber-rich foods over processed sugar.
<h3>We don't need sugar to feel better</h3>
The truth is, we can feel happy without reaching for sugary snacks. Research shows that meals with veggies, fruits, and even lean proteins can bring just as much joy during eating as desserts do. In one study, participants who ate fruits and vegetables reported similar levels of happiness as those who ate chocolate cake!
What's even more interesting is that “afternoon tea” was found to be the happiest meal of the day—more than breakfast or lunch. So maybe it's more about when and how we eat, than what we eat.
<h3>So what can we do when we crave sweets?</h3>
If you're a sweet-seeker like many of us, here are a few tips to help you manage those cravings in a healthy way:
1. Tame your stress – Regular meals, sleep, and even small routines can help reduce stress hormones that lead to sugar cravings.
2. Swap smarter – Instead of reaching for a donut, try naturally sweet foods like bananas, apples, strawberries, or even a warm sweet potato. These can satisfy your sweet tooth while offering nutrients too.
3. Try other mood boosters – Talk to a friend, take a sunny walk, or do something creative. Sometimes what we really need is a break, not a brownie.
<h3>Let's enjoy food, without the guilt</h3>
Dear Lykkers, food is a part of life, and it's okay to enjoy something sweet every now and then. But let's remember that our happiness doesn't have to come from sugar alone. There are so many other things—healthier meals, joyful moments, laughter with friends—that fill us up in ways sweets never could.
Next time stress creeps in and the cookie jar calls your name, pause and ask: is this what I really need? You might be surprised by the answer.
Want more food-and-feeling tips like this? Let's chat! What's your go-to comfort snack, and does it actually make you feel better? 💬👇
