Do you find yourself craving sugary snacks often? If the answer is yes, you aren’t alone.
Experts suggest that cravings are driven by the brain’s need for reward and not the body’s requirement for food. Sugar stimulates your brain to release serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and endorphins, which give a natural high and induce sugary cravings. To curb these cravings, here are 5 natural ways remedies.
1. Hydrate
Your body sometimes mistakes the need for water as a sugar craving. So the next time you feel like having a donut, drink a glass of water and wait for a few minutes to see if you still want that treat.
2. Turn To Fruits
Whole fruits are a good way to trick your taste buds into thinking they’re getting sweets. Naturally sweet, fruits are also loaded with essential minerals, vitamins and fiber. Add two or three pieces of fresh or dried fruit to your morning cereal, cut up a mango and add it to flavor your favorite chicken recipe, or throw in a handful of raisins to your rice to forget the sugar cravings.
3. Load On Proteins
Proteins can help you steer clear of those sugary attacks as they have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar. Good sources of healthy dietary protein include:
- Breakfast: Eggs, muesli and nuts, protein smoothie
- Lunch & Dinner: Animal protein (fish, chicken, lean meat), tofu, legumes, green veggies
- Snacks: A mix of nuts, dried fruits and seeds, fruit and yogurt
4. Leave Out Processed Foods
Refined carbohydrates like pasta, white bread, pretzels and chips result in dramatic variations in blood sugar levels, often causing sugar cravings. Substitute these refined carbs with healthier options such as whole grain pasta and bread, brown rice, oats and quinoa.
5. Distance Yourself
When a sugar craving hits, get up and go for a walk. This serves a twofold purpose—releasing serotonin and endorphins, which overrides the craving, and distancing you from the food you’re craving.
So, go ahead—beat that unhealthy sugar craving. If you absolutely must have something sweet, substitute the sugar with one of these natural sweeteners.
