Sugar is a sweet carbohydrate that appears in all sorts of foods—from cereal boxes to fruit juice bottles. While sugar can give you a quick burst of energy, too much of it may become a real problem for your health. If you find yourself constantly yearning for that sweet taste, you might be dealing with more than a simple craving. Let’s examine five signs that hint you could be hooked on sugar.

1. Constant Cravings for Sweets

One of the earliest indicators of sugar addiction is nonstop cravings. This means you’re always thinking about where your next sweet treat will come from. You might pass a bakery and feel an overwhelming urge to go inside, even if you’ve just eaten. These cravings often show up when your body wants a quick pick-me-up. Sugar is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, giving you a fleeting energy boost. Yet, soon afterward, you might crash and feel extra tired, only to crave more sugar. This endless cycle is what keeps you coming back for another piece of candy or slice of pie.

2. Mood Swings and Energy Highs

Have you ever noticed that after eating a sweet snack, you suddenly feel happier and more awake? Then, just an hour or so later, you become cranky or downright exhausted. That roller coaster of emotions and energy spikes is another strong sign of sugar dependence. When you eat sugar, your blood sugar level shoots up. This is often called a “sugar high.” After a while, your blood sugar level drops just as quickly, leading to a “sugar crash.” During that crash, you may experience irritability, fatigue, or sudden hunger. Over time, this ride becomes a normal part of your day, leaving you in a see-saw of moods.

3. Neglecting Healthier Foods

Another clue that you’re addicted to sugar is when healthy foods like vegetables, lean proteins, or whole grains stop appealing to you. Instead, you might favor desserts, pastries, or sugary beverages. If you regularly skip balanced meals in exchange for sweet treats, that’s a warning sign. For example, a balanced breakfast might include oatmeal with fruit, but an addicted mind might choose a doughnut because it tastes sweeter. Replacing nutrient-rich foods with sugary ones deprives your body of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients. Over time, this can lead to health issues such as weight gain, poor digestion, and low immunity.

4. Feeling Anxious Without It

Do you feel a spike of worry or restlessness if you can’t get something sugary right away? Perhaps you search through the pantry, hoping to find chocolate or a sugary cereal. If being without sugar makes you anxious, that could indicate a dependency. Many people feel tension or unease when they’re unable to satisfy their sweet tooth. Your mind might race with thoughts of cookies and cakes, making it hard to concentrate on tasks. This behavior mirrors other types of dependence where the lack of a substance triggers discomfort. The longer it persists, the stronger the urge becomes.

5. Hiding Sweets or Lying About Intake

Finally, the last sign that you’re addicted to sugar might be a tendency to hide or lie about how many sweet foods you eat. For instance, you might sneak candy bars into your desk drawer at work or eat desserts in secret. If somebody asks, “Did you have another slice of cake?” you might quickly say no, even though you indulged only minutes before. The very act of hiding sugar consumption shows you might be aware it’s not the best choice. It also reveals an inability to control the amount you eat, which is a common behavior in addiction.

Tips for Breaking the Sugar Cycle

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, there are steps you can take to reduce sugar’s hold on your life. Start by slowly cutting back on sugary drinks, such as soda or flavored juices. Replace them with water, herbal tea, or sparkling water. Each day, try adding more protein, healthy fats, and high-fiber foods to your meals. These will keep you feeling satisfied longer and help stabilize your blood sugar. Sometimes, reaching for a piece of fruit instead of candy can ease your craving while still giving you a bit of sweetness. Moderation is the key. You don’t have to banish sugar entirely, but it’s most reasonable to keep an eye on how much you consume.