How To Stop Sugar Cravings?

Sugar cravings can be a constant battle for many people. Whether it's the mid-afternoon slump or the desire for a sweet treat after dinner, sugar cravings can be tough to resist.Is there any way to avoid sugar cravings? How to stop sugar cravings without even eating anything sweetened? However, there are several strategies you can use to reduce or eliminate sugar cravings. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you stop sugar cravings for good. We'll cover everything from changing your diet to incorporating exercise and mindfulness. So, if you're ready to kick those sugar cravings to the curb, keep reading!

What Causes Sugar Cravings?

Several factors can cause sugar cravings, including:

• Hormonal imbalances - Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during PMS or menopause, can increase sugar cravings.

• Blood sugar fluctuations - When blood sugar levels drop, it can trigger cravings for sugary foods as a quick energy source.

• Dehydration - Thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, leading to cravings for sugary foods or drinks.

• Stress - Cortisol, the stress hormone, can cause sugar cravings as a means of seeking comfort.

• Lack of sleep - When you're tired, your body may crave sugar for a quick energy boost.

• Food habits and conditioning - Regularly eating sugary foods can create a cycle of cravings, as the brain becomes conditioned to seek out sweet foods.

• Nutrient deficiencies - Sugar cravings can also signify underlying nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, healthy fats, or fiber.

Once you are aware of the reason for your sugar craving, it will be easier for you to know how to stop sugar cravings.

Also Read:Nutrition And Brain Development: What's The Connection?

How to stop sugar cravings?

Though sugar cravings can be managed easily, you must remember these Tips to stop sugar cravings.

1. Practice meditation in the morning-

Practicing mindfulness and meditation right after you wake up can prevent sugar cravings in the morning. Meditation helps in calming the nerves down and will also help you focus on your health care needs. That will put you into a focused state and help reduce cravings throughout the day.

2. Having a wholesome breakfast-

Eating a healthy meal before starting your day can help avoid triggers at lunch and dinner. That can also help keep one fuller and avoid more carbs.Include the healthiest meals like pancakes, fortified cereals, or fruits in the morning or during breakfast. That will help keep the sugar craving away and put you in a nutrient-dense state.

3. Manage stress levels-

Increased stress levels can result in an increase in cortisol in the body. In addition, this stress can be linked to hunger and sugar cravings.Thus to avoid this stress, practice meditation and adopt a plant-based diet. Include items like green peas, pistachios, kale, and sesame seed that can help reduce stress and prevent sugar cravings.These food items and a plant-based diet can help reduce the stress-linked cortisol levels in the body. And thus, they can help reduce sugar cravings.

4. Getting enough sleep-

Sleeping less than eight hours a day can result in hunger pangs. These hunger pangs can lead to overeating.Not getting ample sleep can also result in negative behavioral traits like mineral deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, inadequate sleep, and high-stress levels.Include chamomile tea in your bedtime routine as it helps in calming the nerves and helping you sleep. Of course, you can also drink cherry juice and chia water.Thus, sleeping at least 8 hours daily is essential to prevent sugar cravings.

5. Incorporate sweet spices in your diet-

The trick here is to trick the mind into thinking that you are having sugar instead of spice. So instead of using warm drinks, you opt for curry mixtures with cardamon, coriander, pumpkin pie, and cinnamon. You can add cinnamon to your milk to beat your sugar cravings for hot cocoa or chocolate.These spices have a sweeter taste and can help trick the brain into getting something sugary.

6. Change your regular carbonated drinks for carbonated water-

You are addicted to your regular cola, but there is nothing better than carbonated water, as it is free from sugar and can also help with your drinking goals. We are suggesting this option because carbonated drinks are filled with a lot of sugar, which can result in rapid spikes in your blood sugar levels, which is not good for the body. Changing your regular beverage to carbonated water or simple water becomes crucial if you are trying to reduce sugar cravings.You can also try infused water for added minerals and vitamins.

7. Eating whole foods-

Stop eating processed food items. There is hidden sugar in them. For example, table sugar is added to all sauces and packed food items. Your snacks, bread, biscuits, and food items are processed. Thus, eating whole foods can beat sugar cravings, and thus, eating fresh fruits can help beat the need for sugars, and you will not require to eat empty carbs in processed foods. Eating products like whole wheat, cereals, fruits, and lots of vegetables can aid in stopping sugar cravings.

Also Read:6 Reasons for Food Cravings

8. Do not consume simple carbohydrates-

If you favor tangy sauce and your simple snacks are free from guilt, you might have to overthink as these are processed food items with simpler sugars.Avoid kinds of pasta, white bread, and potatoes as they have simple carbs. If you find yourself gouging on these food items, you will have to stop or start limiting your consumption of these items. Instead, include more water, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.

9. Eat protein and healthy fats in food items-

Protein and fats are slow digesting, so they can keep you full for longer and will avoid grabbing sugary beverages and processed food items.Snacking on nuts like almonds and cashews can keep you fuller for longer. And they are also a great source of healthy fats. Eating cottage cheese and meat can help fulfill your protein requirements, and eating yogurt during those cravings will help you stay fit.

10. Starting Exercising-

It is well known that exercising can help release serotonin. This hormone can help deal with stress and can also help reduce sugar cravings. These hormones also help in keeping you happy. You should take care of the exercise regimen and drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. While exercises can help reduce sugar cravings, they can also help keep you fit and active.

Tricks To Manage Sugar Cravings

Here are some simple tricks for managing your sugar cravings -

• Get a scheduler or a tracker, and make it a point to mark on the calendar when you have a sugar craving. To eliminate that craving, include fruits in your diet and relieve hunger.
• Start writing the journal to check your mood and mood swings once you have left sugar entirely. That will help in monitoring your stress levels and spikes in blood sugar levels.
• You can also administer the same on an app on your phone.
• Talk to a friend or family member when you are craving sugar, or wait for a minute, meditate and let the rush go away.

Conclusion-

Sugar is the common sweeter, which has made the word addicted to itself. Sugary is added to almost everything, which is lovely and can be responsible for that spike in blood sugar levels. To summarize How to stop sugar cravings, breaking the cycle of sugar cravings takes effort and commitment, but it is possible. By incorporating the strategies discussed in this blog post, such as eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity, you can reduce or eliminate sugar cravings for good. Remember, progress takes time, and being patient and consistent with your efforts is important. We recommend you adopt these ways and get help from a registered nutritionist if you have problems leaving sugar entirely or still have sugar cravings.

Also Read:Healthy diet plan for Weight loss with Immunity Booster