Additional Tips & Tricks When You are Craving Sugar
It was one of those days. You know, the day where the kids didn’t nap, everyone has a bad attitude, someone got a hold of a Sharpie and you just wish it was bedtime. Please let it be bedtime! I’ve been there, you’ve likely been there. It was in those moments of stress or exhaustion that I used to just soothe myself with sugar. I’d get this calm after I ate a huge handful of candy or downed a few Oreo’s.
Now, I rarely truly crave sugar. Again, this isn’t me having wonderful willpower, when I’m eating well, sugar cravings just aren’t there. However, when stress hits in a big way, there is something in my brain that still has memories of reaching for sugar and then getting some relaxation and peace in my brain.
So back to the other day — my daughters were being, well, a handful. I just needed to take a mommy time out and relax for a few minutes. Again, the pattern in my brain sometimes still surfaces and I feel that need for a reward. You know what I’m talking about, right? But here’s the deal: I am committed to my health journey and some personal goals I have for myself. And sugar won’t get me to where I want to go. So? I made a sugar swap.
Let’s talk about some ways to get around a sugar craving when they hit, because: they will hit at some point!
Make a Plan Ahead of time
Let’s assume you will encounter sugar cravings in the future. I don’t ever want people to have food guilt, so if you choose to eat some sugar, no big deal! Move on. Don’t feel guilty for the cookie.
However, you might know one cookie leads to more cookies, leads to really getting in the sugar trap. If you know you want to avoid sugar, you need to make a plan in advance.
Keep reading on for some things that will curb those cravings.
Protein + Fat
I mentioned this in day 2, but protein and fat help calm your cravings. They do this by triggering some hunger hormones in your body, which tell your brain you have eaten and you are full. You and I both know foods like cereal and chips don’t really make you feel full and you want to just eat and eat and eat…so next time try some nuts, some cheese, maybe you like hard boiled eggs? Try these foods first and see if that sugar craving starts to go away.
Pro Tip: Ever heard of the product Moon Cheese? It’s like dehydrated cheese and it’s honestly really good and really satisfying. If I am feeling like I want something more snacky and crunchy, I can have some of that and truly feel satisfied! Try it out.
If nothing satisfies, try something with Swerve
If you really have a hankering for something sweet, and it’s more than just eating some fat and protein, the next thing I’d try is making up a treat using a product called Swerve. It’s a (gentle on your digestive system) sugar alcohol that doesn’t impact your blood sugars and insulin. Plus, it’s actually the closest non-sugar sweetener that I’ve ever tasted that rivals true white sugar.
Since it’s not swinging your blood sugars up and down, you can get the sweet taste without hitching a ride on the blood sugar rollercoaster. You will enjoy your dessert and won’t have that overwhelming feeling to eat the whole batch. This is good news!
Here are a couple of my favorite “found it on the internet” treat and dessert recipes using Swerve:
Bone Broth, and How it Helps Sugar Cravings
Did you know a little salt can actually tame your sugar cravings? It’s true. So, a great fix is to sip on some salted bone broth. It has some protein, minerals, including sodium. You might find it’s really satisfying and totally kicks those sugar cravings. If you can’t make your own at home, Kettle & Fire is a favorite brand of mine.
In Closing
Thank you so much for joining me on this 3-part lesson on sugar cravings. I hope during this 7-day journey to a healthier you, you can feel your best all while working towards breaking up with your sugar cravings. I hope you learned some useful tips. My hope is you find freedom from your cravings and learn how to use food and nutrition to be the healthiest version of yourself!
But Wait! There’s More . . .
After completion of our 7-day challenge, many of you may want to continue your health journey with me. I currently offer a 7-week course that allows me to walk alongside you and guide you during your Health Journey.
Best You Plan
This is my 7-week online nutrition program designed to rewire your metabolism and mindset. I walk you through what’s blocking your metabolism and what to do about it. I use nutrition therapies such as ketogenic eating and intermittent fasting and ultimately teach you how to add in real food carbohydrates again. The next round starts June 10th! And I have an extra special coupon code just for those of you going through the 7 day journey with me. Stay tuned! This program has been life-changing for many! To learn more, go here:
