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6 Ways to Curb Sugar Cravings

Sugar cravings are one of the most common problems we face especially when we are on a diet. Dealing with these cravings can prove to be very difficult but with some well-thought strategies sugar cravings will not be a problem anymore.

Food cravings can be caused by a lot of things. Among the most common physical causes are fatigue, low serotonin levels, low levels of adrenaline. Sugar cravings can also have a psychological component meaning that you might be more likely to crave sugar when you are stressed, depressed, bored or you have a general need for comfort.
While these cravings might be inevitable but with a little planing and preparation we will be able to find healthy ways curb these cravings. Here are a few effective strategies to curb sugar cravings!

  • Eat a healthy breakfast

    • A healthy breakfast is one of the best ways to prevent sugar cravings. Make sure you include in your breakfast plenty of complex carbohydrates,lean protein and fiber. A good choice for breakfast might be for example whole grain cereal with low fat milk, a hard boiled egg, a piece of fruit or a smoothie sprinkled with a little flaxseed.

  • Eat regularly

    • By eating regularly you will be able balance your blood sugar properly and you will avoid rapid swings in your energy levels. Try eating a snack every 3 or 4 hours. Resist the temptation for a sugary food by choosing a healthy snack instead.
    A good idea when choosing a snack is to opt for low glycemic index foods. Examples of good snacks are: yogurt and strawberries, a few slices of apple with peanut butter, whole grain crackers with low fat cheese. Fruits and vegetables are always a good alternative for high-calorie sugary foods.

  • Don't tempt yourself

    • Having sugary snacks at home or driving near the place where you usually buy doughnuts will only exacerbate your cravings and will make the habit even harder to break. Also, if decide to give in satisfy your cravings with go for the smallest serving size of whatever you're craving. That way you will be able to enjoy your treat without overindulging, thus you will be able to stick to your diet.

  • Drink herbal teas

    • Fruity herbal teas have a mild taste which can help curb your craving without added sugar.
    Plus you will be able to get a decent dose of antioxidants without any extra calories.
    Orange, peach, strawberry, cranberry or Rooibos tea or Kombucha tea are a few good choices. Also, stay away from caffeinated beverages as these amplify your sugar cravings.

  • Chew gum

    • Research shows that chewing gum helps reduce your sugar cravings as well as helping you decrease the number of calories you eat. In fact according to a study chewing gum suppressed hunger almost three hours after a meal and reduced the sweet snack intake by 39 calories.

  • Distract yourself

    • Sometimes sugar cravings are triggered by psychological factors. Whenever you are tempted to reach for food due to emotional issues try to distract yourself by going for a walk, taking a shower, doing some form of physical exercise. Usually, cravings will pass in about 10 or 20 minutes. You might find it useful to write down what are the situations in which you feel the need for sugary foods. By becoming aware, for example that you always crave sweets when you are angry you will be able to find a replacement for this habit quicker.



    Tags: sugar cravings, how curb sugar cravings, deal with sugar cravings, fight sugar cravings, sugar craving startegies, food cravings, sweet cravings


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