How to curb your cravings for sugar naturally
Sugar cravings can be hard to beat, but in this article I’ve compiled a list of 9 ways to stop sugar cravings and overcome sugar addiction for good.
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If you’re constantly craving sugar you’re not alone.
Sugar is everywhere these days.
It’s easy to spot in obvious places like soda, chocolate, cookies and cake but it’s also hiding in other foods like salad dressings, bread, sauces and “healthy” snacks like granola bars and yogurt.
Sugar causes the brain to release dopamine, a chemical that induces feelings of reward and pleasure. It’s also known as a “sugar high.”
Unfortunately the sugar high doesn’t last long and the sugar cravings start again, leading to a cycle of sugar addiction.
What causes sugar cravings?
- Skipping meals
- High carbohydrate diet
- Stress
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Tiredness
- Boredom
How does excess sugar affect the body?
Most people know that eating too much sugar leads to weight gain and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes but sugar has many other effects on your health.
Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can cause tooth decay and bad breath.
Sugar also increases inflammation in the body, lowers immunity and increases the risk of heart disease. [1]
Here are some tips to beat sugar cravings naturally:
Balance your blood sugar to stop sugar cravings
Keep your blood sugar level stable by eating healthy protein with each meal, so you don’t get the dips and spikes in blood sugar that cause sugar cravings.
Waiting too long to eat between meals can lead you to binge on sugary, fatty foods, so try to eat something healthy like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts in between meals.
Get adequate sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep you end up with too much of the hunger hormone ghrelin in your body, which stimulates appetite, and not enough of the satiety hormone leptin, which leads to overeating.
Sleep deprivation has also been found to increase levels of stress hormones and insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes.
Eat high fiber foods
Soluble fiber, which is found in fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, swells with water in your gut and helps you feel full.
Don’t keep sweets in the house
It’s easy to be tempted by chocolate, candy and cookies if they’re in the house, so fill your fridge and cupboards with plenty of healthy foods so you’re not tempted by unhealthy choices.
Drink water
Dehydration can often be confused with hunger, so if you feel a craving coming on, drink a big glass of water and then wait a few minutes to see if you still feel hungry.
Eat dark chocolate
If you find yourself craving chocolate, you can make a healthier choice by choosing dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate containing 70% or more cocoa contains healthy plant compounds known as polyphenols that are strong antioxidants.
Enjoy a couple of squares of dark chocolate as a treat.
Natural sugar alternatives
Stevia
Stevia
is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the plant Stevia rebaudiana.
Stevia doesn’t raise blood sugar so it’s a great natural alternative that can be added to coffee, tea and recipes that require sugar.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that helps to lower blood sugar.
It can be added to tea, coffee, curry recipes and baked foods or you can take cinnamon capsules
.
Natural sugar free gum
Chewing on sugar-free gum
can give you that sweet taste without the sugar.
Just be sure to avoid gum that contains artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
Here are two natural supplements that can help with sugar cravings:
NaturalMax Goodbye Cravings
helps to reduce sugar cravings and control blood sugar levels.
It contains Vitamin B6, Biotin, Chromium, Cinnamon, Gymnema, Alpha-lipoic acid, Banaba, Vanadium, Ashwagandha and Glutamine.
Natrol Carb Intercept
helps to control carbohydrates and metabolize fats.
It contains Calcium, Chromium and White Kidney Bean extract.
It’s a good idea to discuss any sugar craving reducing supplements or herbal remedies with your healthcare provider because some supplements and herbs can interact with prescription medications.
I hope these tips will help you to curb your sugar cravings naturally.
Have you tried any natural remedies to stop sugar cravings? Let me know in the comments below.
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