We all know what sugar cravings feel like, but did you know that they’re the biggest hurdle to losing weight? Excess sugar in the diet causes blood sugar issues. It also increases fat storage in the body. Eliminating sugar from your diet doesn’t need to be complicated; simple changes can go a long way in improving your life. Read on for ten steps that help with eliminating sugar cravings, provided by Lisa from Vibrant Nutrition. Lisa also put together of our tasty Good Mood Food recipes.
If you suffer from sugar cravings or struggle to maintain your energy, Lisa’s Sugar Detox Program could be the answer. I’m going to take it on for 3 weeks from October 1st, want to join me? It’ll re-set your blood sugar, get you into fat burning mode, lift your mood and jump-start a healthy eating plan. Find out more…..
1. Get sugar and sugar products out of your cupboards
You’re more likely to munch on something sugary if it’s in your cupboard or refrigerator. Remove those chocolates, lollies, biscuits and other munches that you have stored in there. Instead, stock up on healthy alternatives including raw veggie sticks, nuts, hummus etc.
2. Eat healthy protein at each meal and snack
Include lentils, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meat, fish or other healthy sources of protein in your diet. Sugar cravings are often associated with blood sugar imbalance, caused by eating too many high GI carbohydrates (from refined foods) and not enough quality protein and fat. Include healthy sources of protein to offset sugar cravings.
3. Eat enough healthy fats
Fats are very important for your body to function normally. Sugar cravings tend to crop up when we don’t eat enough healthy fats. Add nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocado to your diet, they’ll lower your bad cholesterol.
4. Eat low GI fruit & vegetables
Fruits and vegetables with a low sugar content are ideal when you’re trying to kick your sugar habit. Fruit and vegetables can combat sugar cravings, though only those that are low glycemic index. Examples include berries, apples, cherries, pears, celery, capsicum and cucumber.
5. Quit caffeine to reduce sugar cravings
Caffeine triggers a surge in insulin levels and increases sugar cravings too. Want to combat sugar cravings? Reducing coffee to a maximum of one cup daily. Try green tea or healthy herbal alternatives instead.
6. Upgrade your regular foods for healthier choices
Junk foods tend to increase sugar cravings, fat cravings or carb cravings. Have a healthy and balanced diet and add healthier snack options to your home. This way, you will meet the nutritional requirements of your body and avoid unwanted weight gain triggered by the wrong food choices.
7. Get some exercise
Besides all the health benefits exercise has to offer, did you know it improves insulin sensitivity? Since you need more energy to exercise, insulin receptors become more sensitive and as a result, blood sugar is more balanced.
8. Find someone to hold you accountable
Ok, this is just a way to keep you on track. If you have someone you respect and tend to listen to, ask for their help and support. If you have behaviors that need changing around your eating habits then hire a coach trained in transformational coaching methods.
9. Drink plenty of water
When you are dehydrated your body sends signals that resemble sugar cravings when in fact you’re just thirsty. Feel like having something sweet? Try drinking water first. If that does not satisfy your craving, try green tea, or water with a dash of lemon or lime juice.
10. Take healthy options to parties or social events
Parties and other social events are part and parcel of our lives. However, they are often accompanied with rich foods high in sugar and fat. To avoid over indulging you can take a healthy dish with you. You’ll impress the host and you can stand and munch on a beautiful platter full of colourful veggie sticks with a healthy dip like hummus or guacamole. Take a salad to a bbq and a big fruit salad if asked to provide dessert.
