Though fitness-conscious, actor Vivek Dahiya isn’t immune to sugar cravings. His fondness for Mysore Pak — the famous South Indian sweet known for its buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture — once led him to devour not one, but two entire boxes. “I get huge sugar cravings and give in,” he admitted, confessing to enjoying ice cream, chocolates, and Mysore Pak.

The first time he tasted this delicacy was thanks to his wife, Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, who brought it from Chennai. “She said it was a special sweet. I ate one piece, loved it, and ended up finishing one whole box. The second box, meant as a gift, was eaten by me too,” Vivek revealed.

But the indulgence came with a price. “The next day, my cheeks were swollen,” he recalled.

Nutrition expert Kanikka Malhotra explains this reaction: consuming excessive sugar spikes blood glucose and insulin, triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals. This inflammation can cause puffiness, swelling, or discomfort, especially in sensitive people.

Malhotra advises enjoying sweets sparingly and maintaining a balanced diet packed with whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. She also recommends hydration and anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, and fatty fish to mitigate effects.

To tackle sugar cravings, try naturally sweet fruits, nuts, yogurt, or dark chocolate. Chewing sugar-free gum or taking a brisk walk can also help keep those urges in check.