How to beat sugar cravings…
Sugar cravings can be very common. The good news is that with a little bit of willpower and persistence, they usually subside. If you're still having trouble and need some extra assistance then read on...
Reasons cravings can occur…
Is your diet lacking in nutrients? Food cravings often occur because your body isn’t receiving all of the nutrients it needs. It’s common for those on a weight loss diet to think that skipping meals and starving themselves is the way to go, however it usually leads to cravings and binging when the hunger gets too much. So, in the long run its far better to eat a wholesome diet that meets your macro and micro nutrient needs as its much more sustainable and effective.
Is your gut health suffering? When there’s an imbalance between our good and bad bacteria in the gut then this can result in sugar cravings. This particularly happens when there’s an overgrowth of candida albicans. Candida can be a very powerful fungus, it feeds on sugar so it’s only natural that your body will start to crave it in order to feed it and keep it growing. A health practitioner can help to bring your gut back into balance.
Hormones can also impact our sugar cravings. Take notice of when your cravings occur, is it premenstrually? If so, then perhaps it’s time to look into this further with a qualified health practitioner to see what’s going on with your hormones.
Are you tired, stressed and/run down? In this case your body is most likely looking for a quick pick me up in the form of sugar however this will only be a quick fix and you are likely to come crashing back down soon after. I know it’s easier said than done but getting adequate rest and taking care of yourself is paramount, a quick nap, some deep breathing exercises, guided meditation and spending time in nature can all help to restore the mind and body and leave you feeling more equipped and energised.
How to overcome these cravings…
Avoid processed and sugary snacks and instead choose more wholefood snacks and meals as these will provide longer lasting energy and be more satiating in the long run. It may feel difficult at first but your body and taste buds will soon adapt.
Include protein with each meal (meat, chicken, fish and seafood, nuts and seeds, legumes and eggs) as these foods help to keep blood sugar levels more stable and prevent it dropping too far. When our blood sugar takes a dive it can result in feeling light headed, dizzy, shaky and even a little cranky (heard of the phrase ‘hangry’?) and we can often crave a sugary treat to help pick us up again, however this will only be short lived as mentioned previously.
Cinnamon is not only delicious but helps to keep blood sugar levels stable so add it to your foods where possible (and no a cinnamon donut does not count). Cinnamon tea is also a yummy option.
Keep some healthy home-made sweet treats handy such as bliss balls made with nuts and seeds, cacao, coconut oil, tahini and dates. Other ideas include - Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt with berries, Apple slices with natural peanut butter or almond butter (a personal favourite) or even a smoothy with some protein powder, almond milk, banana, peanut butter and cacao might do the trick. If its handy and ready to go it makes it easier to avoid raiding the office cookie jar or vending machine etc.
Distract yourself by going for a brisk walk, calling a friend for a chat, putting on some of your favourite music, read, paint, draw, sculpt or knit, anything to get your mind off it. Snacking often comes with boredom so combat boredom with partaking in an enjoyable task.
There are many other nutrients and herbs such as chromium and magnesium that can also help with reducing sugar cravings so if you still need some help then please get in touch.
