23 Oct How to Scare Off Your Sugar Cravings
How to Scare Off Your Sugar Cravings
We’re all familiar with the fact that this time of year invites snacking on sugary foods. From stealing a piece of the kids’ Halloween candy to sneaking a taste of the pie at Christmas dinner, the holiday season is a recipe for our sweet tooth to rejoice. Let’s be clear. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sweet treats on occasion, but being mindful of when our body starts responding negatively to the amount we consume (see this article) is important.
Sugar can be addictive. Don’t let cravings and the negative effects of too much sugar haunt you. If you’re ready to scare off your cravings this holiday season, here are some suggestions:
- Reduce temptation by avoiding processed foods. Processed foods are often loaded with sugar. The more you eat, the more likely you’ll get caught up in a cycle that can lead to addiction. Stick to whole, natural foods, instead.
- Read labels. Be on the lookout for hidden sugars in foods. Even “health foods” can have other forms of sweeteners that go by a name other than “sugar” on the label.
- Boost serotonin levels. Serotonin is the “happiness hormone.” The higher your levels, the lower the likelihood you’ll crave sweets. You can naturally increase it through exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet.
- Use natural substitutes. Stevia is all-natural, has zero-calories and is 300 times sweeter than sugar. By adding sweeteners yourself, you also help control the amount of sugar you ingest.
- Drink up. Cravings and hunger are often confused with dehydration. Drink 16oz of water, wait 20 minutes and see if the craving subsides.
- Maintain stable blood sugar levels. Eating small meals loaded with whole, natural foods throughout the day aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
- Eat/Drink craving-busting foods. Greens (ex. Kale, spinach, broccoli, celery) are nutrient-rich and low in sugar. Juice, blend, or eat them whole to increase energy levels and reduce cravings. Also, nuts, seeds, and legumes are excellent sources of phosphorus
- Try Sea Veggies. Sugary foods create a mineral deficit in your body. Eat mineral-packed foods like sea vegetables to replenish losses.
- Balance gut bacteria. Bad gut bacteria thrive on sugar. Probiotics help to keep your gut in check by re-balancing the good and bad bacteria. Fermented foods are a great source of naturally-occurring probiotics and effectively eliminate sugar cravings, sometimes in as little as a few days. Try kefir, cultured vegetables, and kombucha, too!
- Balance your mind, body, and spirit with daily meditation. It can reduce stress (read more here) and minimize sugar cravings.
Our relationship with sugar can be complicated, but you don’t have to feel lost in the dark when it comes to knowing how to scare off your cravings. Being mindful and approaching the situation with compassion and understanding is a great way to practice positive self-care and overcome potential negative effects when it comes to overindulgence.
How’s your relationship with sugar? When you’re dealing with cravings, what methods do you find to be most effective?
-Health & Wellness Coach
Michelle C.
Resources:
https://bodyecology.com/articles/10-secrets-for-ending-sugar-cravings.php
Photo by: https://www.skinnyfitalicious.com