Santa Fe's "Natural" Sugar Trap: Are You Sweetly Dehydrated?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

February 20, 2026

Are you reaching for that biscochito again? Before you indulge in another sugary treat, especially if you’re in Santa Fe, New Mexico, consider this: you might actually be thirsty.

Dehydration masquerading as sugar cravings is a surprisingly common phenomenon, and it’s amplified in Santa Fe due to the city’s high altitude and arid climate. Many residents and visitors alike mistake the body’s signal for water as a need for quick energy, leading to a vicious cycle of sugar intake and further dehydration.

Santa Fe sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level. At this altitude, your body loses water faster through respiration. The dry desert air further accelerates this process, drawing moisture from your skin and lungs.

This combination creates a perfect storm for chronic dehydration, often manifesting as those persistent sugar cravings. Your body, struggling to function optimally, sends out a distress signal. Sugar, a readily available source of energy, seems like the perfect solution.

But it’s a false alarm.

So, how do you tell the difference between genuine hunger, a sugar craving, and plain old thirst, especially when you’re navigating the unique challenges of Santa Fe’s environment? It’s all about paying attention to your body’s subtle cues.

First, let’s talk about true hunger. True hunger builds gradually. It’s often accompanied by physical symptoms like a growling stomach, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.

Sugar cravings, on the other hand, tend to be sudden and intense. They’re often triggered by emotional factors like stress or boredom. They’re also frequently localized – you might crave a specific type of sugary food, like a chocolate bar or, yes, a biscochito.

Thirst, often mistaken for hunger or sugar cravings, can manifest in a variety of ways. These include:

Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Dark urine
Muscle cramps

The key is to learn to differentiate these signals.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you decipher your body’s messages in Santa Fe:

The Water Test: When a craving hits, especially for something sweet, drink a large glass of water (at least 16 ounces). Wait 15-20 minutes. Often, the craving will subside if it was actually thirst in disguise.
Assess Your Environment: Are you in a dry, air-conditioned space? Have you been physically active? These factors increase your risk of dehydration.
Check Your Urine: The color of your urine is a good indicator of your hydration level. Aim for a pale yellow color. Darker urine indicates dehydration.
Consider Electrolytes: Plain water is essential, but in Santa Fe’s climate, you might also need electrolytes. Electrolytes, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are lost through sweat and play a crucial role in hydration.
Mindful Eating: Before reaching for that sugary snack, ask yourself: “Am I truly hungry, or am I just craving something?” If you’re not experiencing the physical symptoms of hunger, it’s likely a craving or thirst.

Now, let’s talk about practical strategies for staying adequately hydrated in Santa Fe. It’s not just about drinking more water; it’s about drinking the right kind of fluids and incorporating hydration into your daily routine.

Carry a Water Bottle: Make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times. Refill it throughout the day.
Set Reminders: Use your phone or a hydration app to remind you to drink water regularly.
Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery.
Electrolyte-Rich Alternatives: Instead of reaching for sugary sports drinks, explore healthier electrolyte options.
- Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes.
- Homemade Electrolyte Drinks: Combine water, a pinch of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Electrolyte Tablets or Powders: Available at most health food stores and pharmacies.
Local Resources: Santa Fe offers several options for healthy hydration.
- La Montañita Co-op Food Market: Offers a wide selection of organic and natural electrolyte drinks and ingredients.
- Santa Fe Farmers’ Market: Provides access to fresh, local produce, perfect for creating hydrating meals and snacks.
- Local Juice Bars: Many juice bars in Santa Fe offer electrolyte-rich smoothies and juices.

One common mistake developers make when tackling dehydration is relying solely on water. While water is crucial, it doesn’t always address electrolyte imbalances, especially in a dry climate like Santa Fe. Another pitfall is ignoring the subtle signs of dehydration until they become severe. By then, it can be more challenging to rehydrate effectively.

To overcome these challenges, be proactive about hydration. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Incorporate electrolytes into your routine, and pay attention to your body’s signals.

Consider the case of Maria, a Santa Fe resident who struggled with persistent sugar cravings. She initially attributed them to stress and a love for sweets. However, after learning about the connection between dehydration and sugar cravings, she started tracking her water intake and incorporating electrolyte-rich foods into her diet. Within a week, her sugar cravings significantly decreased, and she felt more energized throughout the day.

This isn’t just about reducing sugar intake; it’s about optimizing your overall health and well-being. By staying adequately hydrated, you can improve your energy levels, cognitive function, and physical performance.

So, the next time you’re in Santa Fe and that biscochito is calling your name, pause and ask yourself: “Am I truly hungry, or am I just thirsty?” Your body will thank you for it.