Zapping Sugar Cravings

Most sugar cravings stem from a blood sugar imbalance. When we ingest sugar, our blood sugar spikes and our body releases insulin to lower it to a safer level. If insulin brings our blood sugar level a bit too low, as often happens, our body craves sugary foods. Those experiencing a sugar craving feel a strong urge to eat something sweet and can find it difficult to control themselves around food. This can lead to binge eating or over-consuming calories, sometimes on a regular basis.

Sugar cravings can be curbed by incorporating these simple tips :

• Choose whole foods: The closer a food is to its original form, the less processed sugar it will contain. Food in its natural form, including fruits and vegetables, usually presents no metabolic problems for a normal body, especially when consumed in variety.

• Eat regularly: Eat three meals and two snacks or five small meals a day. For many people, if they don’t eat regularly, their blood sugar levels drop, they feel hungry and are more likely to crave sweet sugary snacks.

• Try to incorporate protein and/or fat with each meal: This helps control blood sugar levels. Make sure they are healthy sources of each.

• Add spices: Coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom will naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.

• Move your body: Exercise, dance, or do some yoga. Whatever movement you enjoy will help reduce tension, boost your energy, and decrease your need for a sugar lift.

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• Have a piece of fruit. If you give in to your cravings, and have a piece of fruit, it should satisfy a sweet craving and is much healthier.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help with sugar cravings. Also sometimes what we perceive as a food craving is really thirst.

• Keep sugary snacks out of your house and office:? It’s difficult to snack on things that aren’t there.?

• Get enough sleep:? When we are tired we often use sugar for energy to counteract the exhaustion.