Craving for Sweet Things

[mintymow]

This is a serious question, not just a justification for feeling the desire to eat something sweet! Is there a medical reason why I should feel this need. I don't as a rule eat sweet things because I have an underactive thyroid and although on tablets, I find it easy to put on weight. Most sweet things like sweets and biscuits are basically empty calories so I tried to avoid them, but a lot of the time I find myself searching for something sweet, and a piece of fruit is just not the answer. Any suggestions.

[Sachs]

Hi minty,
try those low calorie hot chocs, might satisfy the sweet craving x

[cazzz1975]

I also have an underactive thyroid so I have to watch my intake of crap. quite often your body gets used to sugar based foods and so craves them. to break the cycle you have to totally give up eating sugary treats, it will be difficult initially but within a week or two you will notice a reduction in sugar cravings, if you eat more junk it will kick start it again.

if your thyroid levels are normal then you should not worry too much about your underactive thyroid. eating junk food is not good for your thyroid levels though, it can cause a drop in your t4 and a raise in your tsh, try to eat nourishing foods rather than processed or empty foods.

[blackcat77]

I'm diabetic and have just been tested for an underactive thyroid, it's possible I'm just on the edge of needing pills or not, am seeing the doctor in the next 10 days to discuss this BUT despite me trying to keep to a healthy diet I have a permanent craving for sugery sweets, cakes etc. So I'm pretty sure that the thyroid must have some effect on this. I always used to prefer savoury snacks, but more recently the suger craving has kicked in, probably becayse i know that I shouldn't have them. No suggestions for you I'm afraid minty, but if anyone posts here with any good ideas I would be interested to know.

[mintymow]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I will TRY to give up the sweet things and see how it goes. Its at least good to know I'm not the only one feeling these cravings.