Welcome to our latest blog post, curated by wellness coach Jennifer Dietrick! Are sugar cravings wreaking havoc on your healthy eating goals? Fear not! Jennifer is here to share her top 10 hacks for conquering those pesky cravings and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Craving sugar is all too common for many including myself. It is good to check in with any craving to determine if it is physical or emotional. Sometimes people can just be bored and need to go for a walk or do some other activity. If it is time to eat, and you still only want sugar, then below are 10 tips to quell those cravings and/or determine if there is a lack in another area that is making you crave sugar more often.
1. Consume Enough Salt/Electrolytes
Sugar cravings can happen when you are needing more salt. If you are eating healthy food most of the time, your sodium intake may be too low. Also, if you sweat a lot during exercise, you will need to replace the electrolytes.
2. Eat More Protein
Consume a gram per pound of bodyweight (i.e. if you weigh 150 lbs. then you need 150 grams of protein) to meet your proper protein needs. When you don’t eat the proper amount of protein, you can end up having sugar cravings and will not feel as satiated.
3. Eat Healthy Fats
Along with the protein, you need to get the proper amount of healthy fats. This amount will vary among individuals depending on their adequate caloric intake. When your fat intake is low, you will be more likely to crave sugar.
4. Stay Properly Hydrated
Thirst mimics hunger. When you crave sugar, ask yourself if you have had enough water to drink. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to avoid that possible craving.
5. Try Sweet Potatoes
Most starchy carbohydrates are a savory flavor. If you have a sugar craving try adding sweet potatoes to your meal to have a healthy carbohydrate while consuming a sweet treat.
6. Incorporate Fruit
Consuming any fruit can hack sugar cravings by feeding your body these natural sugars. If you are craving sweet yet wanting low calories, then berries are your best option.
7. Drink Flavored Tea
Choosing various teas with a fruit or some type of sweet flavor can satisfy those cravings without adding any calories.
8. Drink Sparkling Water
These drinks are another option with little to no calories and an added sweet flavor to quell those cravings.
9. Sprinkle in Some Cinnamon
This spice is a great one to add to food or smoothies to give an extra sweetness while being a healthy alternative to sugar.
10. Drizzle Some Honey
If you still need some more sweetness with your tea, fruit, yogurt, etc., then add some honey. It will sure satisfy the craving and is a better option than white sugar or processed desserts. All you need is a little drizzle to top your dish.
We trust that these 10 options provide you with fantastic ideas to banish those cravings, enabling you to remain steadfast on your journey towards a healthy, balanced diet. Remember, indulging in sweet treats occasionally won’t derail your progress. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re simply yearning for something sweet, go ahead and satisfy that craving. Then, effortlessly transition back to your regular healthy eating routine without missing a beat. After all, balance is key!
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