Do you find yourself grabbing a soft drink first thing in the morning in order to get going or stopping frequently for sweets mid-afternoon? Chances are that sugar is running your life and that life (and your body) is out of control.
Let’s start now to learn how to control those sugar craving with these five tips:
1. Drink more water.
We often misinterpret dehydration as a craving for something sweet. But your body knows what you need and that’s water. Try reaching for a nice glass of water and notice your sweet cravings disappear.
2. Add more protein to your diet.
Try adding more protein to your meals and see if your sweet tooth starts to disappear. Protein helps to stabilize out blood sugar levels which helps you crave less sugar.
3. Eat balanced meals.
Choose from some of the following well-balanced foods:
1. Plant foods are rich in complex carbohydrates that produce long-lasting energy without creating elevated blood sugars. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that are an immune booster and rich in fiber.
2. Green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale and mustard greens.
3. Sweet vegetables such as parsnips, squash, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and yams create elevations in blood sugar without causing extreme highs.
4. Protein foods (the substance that builds tissues for growth and repair) like red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, grains and soy.
4. Add more healthy fat to your meals.
Most Americans are deficient in healthy fats because we are so used to the low-fat mentality. Healthy fats are good for us and help promote stabilized blood sugar levels. The more stable your blood sugar levels, the less you crave sugar.
So add more healthy fats (avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil, sesame oil, etc..) to your diet and start to notice if those sugar cravings begin to decline.
5. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
Lack of good sleep throws your metabolic system off and encourages sugar cravings. Start making a conscious effort to have at least 8 hours of sleep each night. You and your body will slowly start to notice fewer sugar cravings.
Set a personal goal to incorporate these tips in your life over the next few weeks and conquer sugar cravings forever.
