My name is Madeleine and I am 43 years old. I have a sweet tooth and can't stop craving for chocolates, etc. I just can't stop.

I have tried about every diet and just can't lose weight - I weigh 79kg.

Please can you help me!

Regards

Madeleine


Answer:

Hi Madeleine

Thank you for your query on sugar cravings.

My best advice would be for you to have regular meals with carbohydrates. Regular meals means eating a meal every 4 to 6 hours which works out to breakfast, lunch and supper.

Having carbohydrates e.g. bread, pasta, rice, cereal and potatoes at each meal prevents low blood glucose levels. Low blood glucose levels can be a problem as it results in extreme hunger and can cause one to overeat in between meals.

Scientific studies show that people who have irregular eating habits especially skipping breakfast have a tendency to be more overweight than people who have regular eating habits.

Adding table sugar (also a carbohydrate) to meals e.g. cereals, vegetables, fruit and beverages makes meals more palatable and make calorie restricted meal plans easier to follow.

It is also important to remember that most of the calories from some sweet foods e.g. ice-cream, chocolates and cakes comes from fat and not sugar.

So, you have to ask yourself a few questions:

   1. Am I having regular meals with carbohydrate?
   2. Are the sweet foods I'm eating high in fat?


I've attached information released by the Department of Health on healthy eating for your use.

I would also advise you to consult with a registered dietician, who, after careful assessment, will draw up an individual meal plan suited to meet your specific needs. Please let me know which area you reside in so that I can refer a local dietician to you.

I hope this helps and do not hesitate to contact me should you have further queries.

Kind regards