What your food cravings are trying to tell you

Sweets

Why we crave them

Whether it's jellybeans or marshmallows, you're probably after the instant energy lift that sugar gives. A rapid rise in blood glucose is followed by a rapid fall, stimulating further sugar cravings.

How to control it
Base your diet around lower-glycaemic carbohydrates, such as grainy bread and porridge. These are digested slowly and help smooth out blood-sugar fluctuations. A protein snack (a handful of prawns or half a can of tuna) may also stop sugar cravings.