Munchies—we all know how dangerous they can be. They can easily dissolve our firm resolve to stay away from our favourite chocolate dessert. And don’t even get us started on those sinful cookies we indulge in while binge-watching Netflix. So tempting, right? If you struggle to control your sugar cravings, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks that will make it easier to enjoy treats responsibly, while maintaining a balanced diet.
1. Eat Smaller Portions
Indulging in a small portion of whatever you’re craving, whether it’s a tiny cookie or a large candy bar, can actually leave you feeling satisfied and prevent that sense of deprivation. One helpful suggestion is to set a 150-calorie limit for yourself when enjoying your favourite treat. Alternatively, if you come across a larger serving, consider sharing it with a friend.
2. Combine Foods
When the mere thought of stopping at just one cookie or a tiny candy bar feels utterly impossible, there’s a clever way to fill yourself up and still satisfy that persistent sugar craving. Combine the indulgent treat with a healthy one. By adopting this strategy, not only will you soothe your sweet tooth, but you’ll also reap the benefits of essential nutrients from nutrient-rich foods. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to strike a balance between indulgence and nourishment.
3. Follow a Plant Based Diet
Deficiencies in essential minerals like zinc and magnesium are associated with increased sugar cravings. Lentils and beans are rich sources of protein, fibre, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrient-packed and wholesome foods play a crucial role in maintaining steady blood sugar levels and can be instrumental in combating sugar cravings. Try to incorporate more of these healthy plant-based options in your diet, so you can help curb those sugar cravings and promote overall well-being
4. Fix Your Sleep Cycle
The importance of having adequate sleep cannot be underestimated. A lack of quality sleep can lead to heightened craving for calories and quick energy in the form of simple sugars. Therefore, maintaining a proper and consistent sleep cycle is crucial for overall health and well-being.
5. Stay Hydrated
Coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water, fruit-infused water, and vegetable juices play a major role in keeping a person hydrated and curbing their sugar cravings. Overall, proper hydration plays a significant role in supporting healthy eating habits and managing cravings effectively.
6. Practise Mindful Eating
Mindful eating involves being fully present and engaged during meals, attentively listening to your body’s cues. By recognising hunger and satiety signals, you can eat when genuinely hungry and stop when you feel full. This practice empowers you to regain control over cravings and prevents overeating, thereby fostering a healthier relationship with food.
7. Plan Your Meals
Creating a well thought out meal and snack plan is instrumental in maintaining focus and avoiding impulsive eating. It’s essential to incorporate a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats into your meals and snacks. This helps stabilise blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy, reducing the likelihood of intense cravings.
