It can be irresistibly hard not to reach out for another piece of the sweet, bursting flavorful candy as they are known to satisfy people of any age. They come in different forms and flavors, and nobody can blame one for getting a sweet tooth because of it.
But these little pleasures can turn out to be something serious and intense as one might end up having a candy addiction. It may be much severe than most people think it is as the brain starts craving more sugar every time, and there are withdrawal symptoms when the craving is not satisfied.
7 Signs of Candy Obsessions
#1. Constant thoughts about different candy and what they taste like
Have you ever daydreamed about Skittles? I would imagine different colored Skittles and try to recreate the flavor in my head. It’s like I can almost taste their color!
Everyone has daydreamed about their favorite food once in a while. Still, if one cannot stop thinking about what different candies taste like almost every second, then it is one of the signs of suffering from an obsession.
If your mind is occupied by how different candies will taste once you pop them in your mouth or you are always researching the new flavors, then maybe you’re a little obsessed with candy!
#2. Candy is a must-have throughout the morning, day and night
Keeping a packet of candy everywhere you go, even during your work or visiting your friends, can be a sign of candy obsession.
Eating sweet treats almost every hour from the morning and before going to sleep is an obsession. If people are constantly chewing different candies and it is a part of their day, then it can be recognized as a candy addiction.
#3. Hiding Candies
Finding sneaky ways to consume sugar can be a sure sign of obsession. It can be fun to find ways to hide things.
It is a logical way of thinking because generally, people do not tend to hide healthy food, but when one is addicted to something, then this behavior is followed.
Not telling loved ones is a part of the obsession as candy addicts do not want someone to remind them that they have a little sweet tooth. The best relationship with candy is honest and in moderation.
#4. Eat more than few pieces at a time without realizing it
Unconsciously if one tends to gobble a handful of candies without even realizing that they do is one sign. Sugar gives a rush, and people often get addicted to it even when they know that excess consumption is bad for their health.
If people have the habit of constantly chewing the candy in their free time or using it to soothe themselves is a sign that sugar has taken an essential place in their lives.
#5. Use one candy as a palette cleanser for another candy
After you get tired of eating one candy, you reach out for another flavor to get rid of the taste in the mouth. While there is nothing wrong with variety in how you consume sweets, it is how much sweets are you consuming.
#6. The candy racks get you
You know the front-end candy racks.
They are next to the cashiers in pretty much every major grocery store. There are so many choices and only cost a few bucks at most!
Even if candy isn’t part of your weekly grocery list, it’s hard to resist candy racks placed at eye level and full view in such close proximity.
#7. Eat candy out of boredom
Ever looked at the time and then decided to grab some gummy worms?
It’s easy to get swept up in the dopamine rush of social media scrolling and turn to sugar as a quick supplementary fix.
This is why I like chewing gum if I am suddenly craving sweets out of boredom; it’s a lot of work to go through a little bit of sugar if any.
7 Tips to Deal With Candy Obsession
Of course, nothing is wrong with some candy here and there. In fact, candy gives many people joy! Everything is fine in moderation.
But if you find yourself eating a little too much candy, take some simple, actionable tips anybody can incorporate into their daily candy lives.
Walking or exercising
If you feel the candy cravings getting stronger, then put on a pair of shoes and go on a quick walk as it releases endorphins which are known as the “feel-good” chemical in the brain. It will substitute the temporary satisfaction of candy.
Drink water
Drinking a large glass of water has helped me get rid of (a few) cravings successfully. Dehydration can be one of the biggest factors why people tend to eat more candies. A trick that helped me drink less soda is to slowly replace it with water.
Distance
It will be difficult at first, but putting the candies where it is out of immediate reach is a great way to get candy off your mind.
For example, I would take a handful of Skittles and leave the bag somewhere else.
When candy is in arm’s reach, it makes eating candy a lot easier. Basically, if you make it annoying to eat sweets, you’ll eat less of it.
Talk to a friend
Sometimes candy isn’t a bad thing at all. But if it’s been negatively affecting your life, then you might want to make some changes in order to get candy off of your mind.
Having support can work wonders as friends are great pillars of support. If candy is making you stressed or anxious in the long run, I find that casually chatting can give me the stimulation that would’ve come from candy.
Eat fruits
Fruits have natural sugar and fiber in them, and they are much healthier than artificial sugar found in some sweets. Biting into a crisp, fresh apple is quite satisfying.
Fruits bring that experience of raw flavors as candies are mostly replicas of fruit flavors.
Sleeping well
The body needs ample resting time as it goes through a lot of stress in a day.
I find that taking a short power nap is a great way to rejuvenate.
Of course, it is always important to have a consistent schedule of sufficient sleep.
Eating rich meals
Rich diets that have enough proteins and vitamins are vital so people have fewer candy cravings.
Unsaturated fats should make up the majority of fats in a diet.
When candy cravings strike, it is often because somebody hasn’t been eating as healthy as they should.
It’s natural to have a sweet tooth from time to time, but excess candy can lead to dental and digestive problems.
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to want candy; candy is great sometimes!
But it’s important that you take care of your body and try not to overindulge often. If candy cravings are a serious problem for you, talk with a doctor or other health professional about how they can help!
