if you scored...

8+ POINTS...

✢ You should go easy on carbs.

You probably didn’t get a sweet hit from the cracker test and may slump after eating carbs, leaving you craving more. ‘Although your blood sugar levels may be high, your body isn’t efficiently processing it, so it may still be calling for more energy,’ says Dr Moalem. Your intake of calories from carbohydrates should be 25%.

✢ How to curb cravings

Have an umami hit to make you feel more satisfied. ‘Umami is the fifth taste after sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Add double concentrate tomato paste and anchovy paste to pasta – both offer umami flavour – so you’ll feel sated with a smaller portion. Or have umami-rich miso soup before meals so you don’t load up on carbs. 4-7 POINTS...

✢ You should hit a happy medium You’re moderately tolerant to carbs. Your intake of calories from carbs should be 35%.

✢ How to curb cravings

‘Often, people’s downfall is snacking. Carb snacks tend to be refined and give you a quick burst of energy, but then leave you wanting more. Instead, opt for something with fat and protein, which is satiating, such as nuts or a piece of cheese,’ says Dr Moalem.

0-3 POINTS...

✢ You can handle your carbs

It’s likely your body is fine-tuned to process carbs and you can get away with eating more of them. Your intake of calories from carbs should be 50%. ✢ How to curb cravings

If you restrict your carb intake, you may feel wiped out and irritable, argues Dr Moalem. ‘However, opt for unrefined carbs, such as brown rice rather than white.’ They reduce energy spikes and crashes. ‘You still need to be conscious of portions,’ adds Dr Moalem. Track your calories with the Myfitnesspal app (myfitnesspal.com).