In the day and age we live in, we are addicted to sugar, and many are looking how to stop sugar cravings. Many studies have now shown that sugar lights up the same areas of the brain as cocaine does.
From a young age, most of us were conditioned to crave sugar- from our first birthday cake and beyond.
The more we eat, the more we crave it- and the more we need to be satisfied.
By now, we know sugar damages your brain, hormones, mood, and energy. We also know that it feeds cancer and bad bacteria in the body.
Quitting sugar may be one of the best things you can do for your mood, energy, hormones, skin, and disease prevention!
Why we Crave Sugar
There are many reasons we seem to crave sugar- and almost be addicted to it. Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and yeast, such as Candida, feed off sugar. If you crave sugar- it may actually be the harmful bacteria in your gut signaling for food. The more sugar you eat, the more inviting you make your gut for these harmful bacteria.
Another reason could be adrenal fatigue. When your adrenal system is overworked, your body signals you to eat sugar for the quick boost that sugars temporarily supply. Unfortunately, sugar stresses your body, so this only makes the condition worse.
Traditional cultures around the world that have not been exposed to processed foods, drinks, and sugar- are in peak health- fertile, having healthy babies, strong teeth with no cavities, great eye site- and do not suffer from the modern diseases we suffer from today. I wrote more about this traditional diet here.
The great news is, we can rewire our brains and body to no longer crave sugar- and actually crave nutrient dense foods!
How to Stop Sugar Cravings
1 . Increase your healing protein, fat, and veggie intake.
If you are not eating balanced meals full of lots of healthy fats, proteins and veggies- you are not giving your body the nutrients it needs to create healthy hormones and brain chemicals. Our bodies can only use the building blocks we give them.
When we are nutrient deficient from not eating quality foods- our bodies crave sugar.
When you are eating sugar, or things that turn into sugar like processed foods, breads, pastas, flours, cookies, etc.- your body is going to crave sugar constantly.
When most people eat balanced meals each day- with tons of vegetables, a healthy protein source, and a good amount of healthy fat – their body is getting the nutrients it needs and no longer is signaling for sugar. Most people are so surprised that when they give their body what it needs first, their cravings go away.
Example: Kale and zucchini sauteed in coconut oil or butter and sea salt topped with 2 poached eggs, 1/2 avocado, and a side of fermented veggies.
2. Do not forget water
You may sometimes think that your body is asking for sugar, when in fact it’s dehydrated and really craving water! Drink at least 1/2 your body weight of water in ounces a day.
3. Start your day with protein and fiber
How you start your day is SO IMPORTANT for hormonal health, weight, energy, and sugar cravings. When you start your day with sugar (smoothie loaded with fruit, oatmeal with fruit, cereal, pancakes, doughnuts, etc) you are spiking your blood sugar which will leave you feeling tired and probably moody later in the day.
Starting your day with these foods also sets you up for craving sugar all day, especially when night comes!
A breakfast of quality protein and resistant fiber are your keys to all day weight loss, energy, and craving control.
Starting your day with at least 20 grams of protein and some fiber stabilizes your your blood sugar and hormones for the whole day.
Experiment and see how much better you feel with more protein and fiber in the mornings, and how much your cravings disappear.
Examples: A protein shake with a quality protein powder or collagen, coconut milk and oil, veggies, and a small amount of berries. OR Salmon with sauteed veggies.
I love adding Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised Collagen to my smoothies and teas for the amazing and unique protein it offers to the body- added bonus for growing and strengthening hair, skin, and nails + healing the gut lining.
4. Eat fermented foods
As a culture, we have also lost our taste for sour foods- which we need to get back to begin to crave healthy foods naturally.
The best way to do that is to begin eating fermented veggies each day. Â I wrote all about fermented foods here. The live enzymes, probiotics, and sour tastes does decrease sugar cravings- especially the more you eat them!
These probiotic liquids and greens powders are my favorite and have made the biggest difference for me.
4. Slowly ween off of it.
Begin exploring with sugar free alternatives. If you are really used to tons of sugar- switch to natural sweeteners like raw honey and maple syrup- I have tons of healthy dessert recipes using these here.
Once you get past that, try using stevia to sweeten things which is Zero Calorie, Zero Carbohydrates, and has a Zero Glycemic Index- so it is great for your hormones and does not feed bad bacteria!
Here are some amazing healthy dessert recipes that are sugar free, sweetened with stevia:
- Metabolism Boosting Protein Oreos
- Blender Coconut Milk Ice Cream
- Thin Mint Cookies
- Fat Burning Fudge
This the the best tasting steiva I have found.
Action Steps Stop Sugar Cravings
- Have a protein, fat, and fiber rich breakfast
- Eat balanced meals full of protein, fat, and veggies all day
- Include fermented veggies at one meal
- Begin experiment with stevia and healthy sugar free desserts.
- Drink at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water a day.
The more you nourish your body- the more you will crave healthy foods naturally!
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