Researchers say that carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin, which we lack in depression.
This is why going on candy binge may indicate that you are suffering from depression and trying to self-medicate.
It is important to ask yourself why you crave sweets? Have you been feeling down recently? Is it winter blues? Or maybe you are on low carbohydrates diet? You need carbohydrates to produce tryptophan and serotonin, brain chemicals which make you feel good.
Some antidepressant drugs like Prozac can trigger sweet tooth as well.
Check what side effects to expect from your medications, because even something you bought over the counter can trigger sweets craving.
Unfortunately, sugar and chocolate - refined carbohydrates, give you only temporary relief, but weight gain, guilt and drop of self-esteem afterwards can make you feel even worse.
To make you good mood last you need complex carbohydrates - cereals, whole grains, pastas, breads, and fruit and vegetables.
Research also shows that children who eat lots of sweets are more likely to become depressed or alcohol dependent later in their lives.
Children from troubled families also tend to eat more sweets.
Eating too much sugar give us mood swings, we anger and become anxious easier which can lead not only to depression but to anxiety problems as well.
There are few alternatives to sugar which will help you to control your cravings: -Sugar cravings are the strongest when you're hungry, so try to eat a healthy meal first, you can have a small dessert later.
-Distract yourself, for example, drink a glass of water.
Researchers say if you wait 15 minutes, the craving will pass.
-Exercise, as it will release happy chemicals - endorphins in your blood -Try other things which make you feel better - nice bath, good movie, interesting book, a little bit of shopping, etc.
-Don't worry and feel guilty if you slip, rather do something productive - clean your house, go for a walk (remember, exercise will prevent you from weight gain and provide good endorphins).
-Don't stop eating sweets completely, eat them as a treat instead of constantly grazing.
All I suggest is to work out for yourself some system of counter-balances to avoid depression and anxiety.
If you overindulged in sweets, go for some exercises, a dance lesson or spring cleaning, but avoid feeling guilty.
Learn from your mistakes, do a nice meal next time instead of a chocolate bar.