Everyone knows that sugar has extremely addictive properties. That is why it becomes really hard for many people to fight their sugar cravings.
Sugar has no nutritional value. In many cases, the cravings can be attributed to factors like food allergies, hormonal changes, adrenal fatigue and bacterial overgrowth. But there are ways to curb and stall these cravings, with the following being some suitable suggestions:
- Eat several meals during the day
Sugar dips make you want to eat more sugar. To fight this urge, try to have a number of smaller meals during the day to keep your bodyβs blood sugar levels stable. A great suggestion is to select from fiber and protein rich foods.
- Avoid processed foods
Eating processed foods is like eating sugar all the time. Both have powerful, physiological reasons for cravings and are made with the perfect amounts of added sugar and other chemicals. This has the effect of wanting to eat these foods even when not hungry.
The effect of eating artificial sugars in processed foods produces a pleasurable sensation. But when its effect wears of, there is the need to supplement it and so cravings turn into a vicious cycle.
- Drink plenty of water
Eating a lot of sugar leaves you dehydrated. Dehydration is often confused with hunger or other food cravings.
If you feel an urge for sugary foods, try drinking a glass of water instead and wait a bit. When hydrated, you will likely feel the craving fading away since your body was only thirsty and not actually hungry.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates such as white rice, white bread and white pasta, can cause significant spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. The result is often sugar cravings.
When you replace such refined carbohydrates with their complex carbohydrate counterparts like brown rice, whole grain bread or pasta, sweet potatoes as a few examples, you will feel the cravings subside as well.
- Eat natural sugars instead
If you have a sweet tooth, it can become very hard to shy away from sugary foods. Instead of relying on candy and ice cream to fill you up, opt for natural sugars found in fruits to satisfy your cravings.
The natural sweetness found in fruits can help your sweet tooth while also providing nutrient value. Fruits yield fiber as well which helps stabilize blood glucose levels and prevents sugar spikes.
- Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating is a technique which assists people in controlling their eating habits. The practice focuses on distinguishing between emotional and physical hunger helping you develop an awareness of your dietary habits and food cravings.
When trying to cut sugar cravings naturally, mindful eating can restore attention, and make eating an intentional act instead of an automatic one.