Sugar… we hate to love it, but that sweet goodness is not easy to kick. If you struggle with sugar cravings you are not alone, on average, Americans are consuming about 57 pounds of added sugar every year (you read that right). That is a lot of sugar! Studies estimate that up to 90% of the adult population may experience food cravings, these cravings are often for sugary foods. But why? Scientists have long believed that craving carbohydrates and other sugary foods is driven by a desire to boost your mood, consuming sweets increases serotonin levels in your brain and who doesn’t want to feel better? Sugar cravings can also come from a magnesium deficiency, micro and macro nutrient deficiencies, and gut imbalance. Whatever the cause, it is worth the work to cut back on sugar.
Below we are going to give you our top ways for kicking those cravings and boosting your serotonin without the use of sweets.
Top Ways To Curb Those Cravings:
#1 Listen to your body
Because craving sugar can come from the desire to boost your mood it is important to listen to your body and find out WHY you are craving sugar. Are you stressed, tired, bored, lacking energy, or is it that time of the month? Once you know the cause you can do something healthy instead of reaching for a sweet treat to cope.
#2 Balance Your Meals
The more sugar we eat the more sugar we will crave. Sugar is often hidden in our foods and we consume it without even knowing it (hello pasta sauce and condiments). The best thing to do is make sure you are checking ingredients, cutting out processed foods, and eating balanced meals. Don’t forget to include plenty of healthy proteins, fiber, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
#3 Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals leads our bodies into craving fast fuel and drops our blood sugar. When we get over hungry, sugary snacks become a quick fix. So make sure to eat 3 balanced meals daily and include healthy protein snacks like nuts, Greek yogurt, smoothies, eggs, chick peas, and veggies.
#4 Get enough sleep
Scientific studies have shown that a lack of sleep is often followed by an increase in cravings for sweet, salty, and starchy foods. We also tend to make poor food choices when we’re tired. Again, this goes back to the desire to “feel better” so we crave things that are not good for us. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, try and create a sleep schedule that is right for your body. Maybe you need to go to bed earlier, take a quick nap during the day, or sleep in later.
#5 Decrease Your Consumption Of Sugary Beverages.
Soda, sports drinks, and sweet coffee drinks can increase your sugar consumptions drastically. If sugary drinks are your go to when cravings hit, try slowly cutting them back and replacing it with water. To liven up your water you can add lemon, essential oils, fruit and berries, or even mint leaves.
#6 Take Supplements
Sometimes our diet needs a little boost of nutrients. Taking specific supplements your body needs will help you on your journey to curbing the cravings. Taking a high quality multivitamin with added minerals and a good probiotic for gut health can help tremendously.
Why Fighting Sugar Cravings Matters
Cutting back on sugar is no easy task but it is totally worth it. You will gain your energy back, have younger looking skin, lose belly fat, drop extra pounds, and reduce your risk for chronic illness. If you would like help along this journey I would love to support you. You can book a free consultation by clicking the button below.
3 Reason A Health Coach Can Help You Curb Your Cravings
1
Get A Plan:
Cutting back on sugar can feel overwhelming a health coach can help you create a plan that works for you. We can help you make shopping lists and meals that are right for your body and goals. This will completely take the guess work and overwhelm out of the process.
2
Have a Support System:
With the support and guidance of a health coach you will have someone to keep you accountable, encourage you along the way, and give you professional advice to get the most of your journey.
3
Create A Life Style Change
A health coach will not just help you kick those cravings for a week or a month, but will help you make life long changes. They will help you develop healthy habits that will serve you forever.