Skip to main content
"Kim Kardashian at the Academy Museum Gala"
"Fit woman enjoying a healthy meal with avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes"
"Cottage cheese served with fresh berries"

Food

Tired Of Sugar Cravings? Wellness Expert Says Your Low-Carb Diet Could Be To Blame: 'Affects Hunger Hormones'

May 24, 2026 by Mariam Qayum
shefinds | Food
Featured image

If you feel like your sugar cravings have gotten completely out of control while following a low-carb diet, you’re definitely not alone. While cutting carbs is often associated with weight loss and better blood sugar control, some wellness experts say going too low-carb can actually backfire—especially when it comes to intense cravings, overeating, and binge-eating cycles.

According to wellness creator Vita Sidorkina, restrictive low-carb diets may leave your body desperately searching for quick sources of energy, making sugary foods feel nearly impossible to resist. In a recent TikTok video, Sidorkina opened up about her own experience struggling with cravings during strict low-carb eating plans.

“If you are tired of your sugar craving on your low carb diet, here is an answer,” she explained. “I’ve been on a lot of low carb, strict diets, and let me tell you, the sugar craving you have from those is out of control.”

Sidorkina recalled waking up in the middle of the night craving sweets so intensely that she felt unable to stop eating them. “I could wake up at night and literally eat half of the cake and just couldn’t control it or stop,” she shared.

house unit img
The Difference Between Dragging Through Your Day And Feeling Great On Your Feet? These Arch Support Insoles
"Woman having chips for a snack"

Why Low-Carb Diets May Trigger Sugar Cravings

The reason, according to Sidorkina, comes down to how the body uses carbohydrates. Glucose—derived from carbs—is the body’s primary energy source. When carbohydrate intake becomes too restricted, the body may start craving fast, easily accessible forms of sugar to compensate.

“Whenever you cut good carbs out of your diet, your body craves more sugar,” she explained. “And the simplest, easiest way to get it is actually processed desserts, snacks, and things like that.”

Some nutrition experts agree that overly restrictive dieting can increase feelings of deprivation, which may make sugary foods seem even more rewarding and satisfying over time. This can create an all-or-nothing mindset around food that makes moderation feel harder.

Sidorkina also pointed out that low-carb diets may affect hunger hormones, leaving people feeling hungrier throughout the day and potentially increasing the likelihood of overeating later. “Low-carb diet also affects your hunger hormones, so you always feel hungry, ending up with a binge cycle that makes you feel like you completely don’t have any willpower,” she said.

"Leafy greens with eggs and steak, woman with hair loss"

The Importance Of “Good” Carbs

Not all carbohydrates are created equal. While heavily processed sugars and refined carbs may contribute to energy crashes and cravings, complex carbohydrates can actually help stabilize blood sugar and support fullness. Foods like oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, fruit, beans, and whole grains provide fiber and nutrients that help the body feel more satisfied.

Rather than focusing on restriction, Sidorkina believes the solution is giving your body enough nourishing foods so cravings naturally become easier to manage. “The answer is not restriction,” she explained. “The answer is filling your body with the right things so you can actually crave less bad things, so you can have more control over it.”

For many people, sustainable eating habits may work better long term than extremely restrictive diets. Incorporating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs can help regulate appetite and energy levels while reducing the urge to binge on sweets later.

Of course, everyone’s nutritional needs are different, and some people do feel better on lower-carb eating plans. But if your diet is leaving you constantly thinking about sugar—or feeling out of control around desserts—it may be a sign that your body needs a more balanced approach.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Mariam is an Editorial Assistant and writer at SheFinds, covering everything from style and beauty to health and wellness. Splitting her time between New York and Philadelphia, she brings a sharp eye for trends and a passion for storytelling to the digital space. With a strong editorial background, she’s always exploring the latest in fashion, skincare, and wellness. When she’s not writing or pitching, you’ll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning her next travel adventure. You can reach Mariam at mariam@shefinds.com.

"Checking blood sugar level"
"Gwyneth Paltrow at The Fashion Awards"
"Walmart store aisle"
"Food dyes in a packaging"
"Person grabbing an avocado while shopping"
"Woman stepping onto scale"
"Straw tote with Magic Spoon protein treats from Aldi"
"Drinking soda"
"Woman walking on treadmill"
"High protein breakfast"
"Scrambled eggs breakfast with sausage and tomato"
"Ninja SLUSHI Boom Chicka POP Kettle Corn at Costco"
Shopper selecting an avocado for healthy meals.
Woman stepping onto a scale for weight tracking.
Straw tote with Magic Spoon protein treats from Aldi.
Person drinking soda at a casual gathering.
Woman exercising on a treadmill for fitness and beauty.
High-protein breakfast bowl with eggs and toppings.
Scrambled eggs with sausage and tomatoes on a plate.
Ninja SLUSHI and Boom Chicka Pop kettle corn from Costco.
Fit woman savoring a nutritious meal with avocados and walnuts.
Cottage cheese topped with fresh berries for a healthy snack.
Best yogurt options and worst processed meats comparison.
Stracciatella dipped cookie sandwiches from Aldi's dessert selection.
Pan-fried salmon served with kale on a plate.
Black bean taco salad bowl loaded with fresh vegetables.
Woman snacking on chips for a quick bite.
Woman enjoying a healthy meal with leafy greens, eggs, and steak.
Checking blood sugar levels for health monitoring.
Gwyneth Paltrow at The Fashion Awards looking stylish.
Walmart store aisle showcasing various products.
Colorful food dyes displayed for baking and cooking.
Shopper selecting an avocado for healthy meals.
Woman stepping onto a scale for weight tracking.
Straw tote with Magic Spoon protein treats from Aldi.
Person drinking soda at a casual gathering.
Woman exercising on a treadmill for fitness and beauty.
High-protein breakfast bowl with eggs and toppings.
Scrambled eggs with sausage and tomatoes on a plate.
Ninja SLUSHI and Boom Chicka Pop kettle corn from Costco.