How to Combat Sugar Cravings

I have been enjoying this post series on sugar. It’s been a hot health topic lately, and the resources available on sugar is endless. It seems that in today’s society we have finally figured out that Americans are consuming way too much sugar, and that sugar is lurking in many “healthy” products under the disguise of many names.

You can learn all about some common names for sugar at this link. I wrote a blog post a few months ago, about the many names for sugar. Yes, it’s not just listed as “sugar” on product labels. In fact, some products have more than one sugar listed.

If you missed my post last week about why you should ditch sugar, don’t delay and read it here now. Sugar has been posing a health treat and causes many ailments. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, sugar is poison to our bodies. But enough of the doom and gloom, because I’m an otherwise happy person. 😉 Today lets focus on how to kick those sugar cravings or addictions to the curb.

For me I didn’t realize I had a sugar addiction, until I gave it up. While on a detox from sugar, I only consumed sugar in it’s natural form, so in fruits and vegetables. You learn quickly that sugar is in nearly everything, and is addicting. I would argue that most of us are consuming way too much sugar, because we are addicted to it, without really realizing our addiction.

Want to combat your cravings and start eating less sugar? Well you came to the right place. Read on…..

Eat More Fat – Gasp….FAT!! Yes, fat. Healthy fat, found in olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, hummus, and greek yogurt, is what our bodies need. These foods have essential fatty acids that help with inflammation and promoting a healthy digestive tract. Fat also satisfies our cravings, because it is rich and filling. When we have sugar cravings, our body could very well be telling us it needs fat. Eating sugar won’t satisfy the craving, but eating a healthy bowl of fat will!! The key is healthy, unsaturated fats.

Drink Water – If our body is dehydrated, it will have more cravings. What is really needs is water though. Just because you are craving sugar, doesn’t mean your body needs simple carbs. It’s actually almost always the opposite. Believe me you get enough sugar already as it is. Water helps to detoxify our bodies and makes us feel fuller. Sometimes we aren’t really hungry, even when we think we are, but we are actually thirsty. Drink a full glass of water before giving in.

Get it Out of The House – If you are trying to ditch sugar, you need to keep it out of the house. If it’s not there, you can’t consume it. Do a pantry and fridge purge, and throw out all the processed junk foods and sugary snack foods. Don’t buy it for you or the kids.

Eat More Fruit – Fruit has sugar, yes, but it also has other vital nutrients and fiber our bodies need, helping to negate the natural sugar it contains. Fruit also has natural sugar, not added, processed sugars. It’s sugar in it’s purest form. You’ll get enough sugar just by eating the recommended 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Chose fruits such as berries for a lower sugar count, and for higher antioxidants. There’s tons of fruits to chose from.

Buy Healthy Snacks – Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy snack foods. From trail mixes (without all the chocolate, but more nut based), Larabar’s (with natural sugars), rice crackers & hummus, rice cakes & nut butter, plain yogurt with chia seeds and fruit, even dried, unsweetened fruits. Keep fresh produce always on hand and out where you can see it. You’re more likely to eat it, if you can see it. So don’t hide produce in the bottom drawers of the fridge. Also, if you aren’t hungry enough for an apple, you’re not hungry for sugar!! Eat something healthy first!!

Eat Regularly – If you aren’t eating enough throughout the day, you will have low glucose levels and the burnt out feeling. Eating small meals throughout the day, keeps your blood sugar up. This is important because then you’re less likely to crave something sweet.

Move it – Feeling a craving for something sweet, get up and move. Go for a walk, play tag with the kiddos, go for a run, do some jump roping. Just move!! This helps to get your mind off your cravings, and studies show we eat out of boredom. So the real issue isn’t that you are hungry, but that you are bored. Get outside, the fresh air does wonders.

Have a “give in” day – Every now and then it’s okay to give in to your cravings. Just don’t go overboard, and chose smaller portions. Have a day once a week, where you enjoy a small bowl of ice cream or a few thin mints. Moderation!! Very moderate moderation. Sweets shouldn’t be had every day.

How to Combat Sugar Cravings via @wholesomelybry #healthtips #howto #ditchsugar Share on X

I hope you’ve found some ways to combat those cravings. Stay tuned for next weeks post on healthy alternatives!! Hope you have a great week.

Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit

What are some tips you have have for combating sugar cravings?