By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | December 9, 2025 03:29 PM IST 4 min readSmriti Mandhana opens up about losing her sugar craving (Source: Instagram/Smriti Mandhana)For many people, reducing sugar isn’t just about willpower. It’s tied to habits built over years, emotional comfort, family traditions, and the simple joy of sharing food with loved ones. Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana recently spoke about her struggle with cutting sugar completely from her diet. In an interview with Jatin Sapru published on YouTube, she shared, “Not that I ate extremely bad (food), but there’s something like sugar which I was not able to get off. Abhi ichha nahi hoti. Abhi agar main khaayi toh mummy ki khushi ke liye. (I don’t feel like eating now. If I eat now, it’s only for my mom’s happiness).” She continued that only when she’s home in Sangli and during special occasions, “I eat for my mom’s happiness, but not because I want it.” Recalling the times when her mother lovingly prepared sweets for her, she said, “‘Beta, I made this new sweet dish.’ Like, if my mom has learned a new recipe for jalebis. So, for her happiness, because now I’m not in Sangli, I’m not on tour. So, maybe one or two jalebis I’ll have for her.”Her words highlight something many people experience when they shift from craving sugar to reaching a point where sweets are no longer a personal urge, but more of an emotional gesture for loved ones. What happens when someone gradually loses their craving for sugar after struggling to quit it for years?Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, “When one’s sugar craving slowly dissipates, it represents neuroplasticity in the brain’s reward circuits. Over time, however, repeated sugar exposure desensitised dopamine receptors, resulting in less sugar feeling rewarding. As intake diminishes, these receptors resensitise, so the brain will no longer seek sugar for reward or stimulation.”At the same time, Malhotra notes that the gut microbiome transforms, favouring fibre- and complex-carb-fed bacteria and calming hunger for simple sugars. This rewiring is why long-term sugar reduction feels easier with time.Balancing emotional eating without slipping back into unhealthy sugar dependenceIt’s natural to reach for food when we’re stressed or need connection, Malhotra says, but emotional eating can be controlled by recognising triggers and replacing the habits. So, rather than reaching for the sugar, replace it with mindful rituals: sipping tea, sharing a non-sugar treat (fruit or nuts) or a family activity that promotes connection. Story continues below this ad“Constructing a toolkit of healthy coping strategies—walking, journaling, talking, etc—addresses emotional needs without sugar. The trick is to substitute for the role of sugar (comfort, connection) with better sources,” suggests Malhotra. Is it healthier to altogether avoid sugar once cravings reduce?Once cravings reduce, occasional, intentional sweets can be part of a sustainable, healthy relationship with food. Malhotra highlights that complete avoidance may lead to “feelings of deprivation and increase the risk of rebound bingeing.”ALSO READ | This is what happens when you avoid sugar in all forms post noon for 2 weeksMindful, planned indulgences—such as a small piece of dark chocolate or a traditional Indian sweet like jaggery, gud channa/dates/kishmish/prunes—support psychological flexibility and prevent restrictive eating patterns. “The focus should be on frequency, portion, and context, not elimination. Sustainable health is about balance, not perfection,” concludes the expert.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd