There are many different theories on the causes of sugar cravings, including food allergies, adrenal fatigue, monthly hormonal changes in women, dehydration, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, etc.

Wouldn’t it be nice to get off the sugar roller coaster?

 

 

Here are 9 secrets for ending sugar cravings for good:

1. Avoid Processed Foods. Did you know that sugar and processed foods are as addictive as heroin and cocaine? Eating sugar artificially stimulates a region of your brain called the “nucleus accumbens” to produce dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter. Soon, dopamine levels drop, and we start to feel “flat”… or a bit “down.”  We crave this pleasant, feel-good feeling again — so sugar leads to addiction. By choosing natural foods, rather than those that are processed, you’ll limit cravings for sugar and other processed foods.

2. Boost Your Serotonin. Serotonin, a.k.a. the “happy hormone,” can be raised through healthy foods, exercise, and the right sleep schedule. When you have plenty of serotonin, you are less likely to have cravings for sweets.

3. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Naturally. The all-natural sweetener Stevia has almost zero calories, does not raise blood sugar levels, and is 300 times sweeter than sugar.

A teaspoon of raw honey in your tea or coffee is also a better option than adding sugar. If you have sugar cravings and want to satisfy your sweet tooth safely, Stevia or raw honey are your best bets.  Avoid all artificial sweeteners – they are nasty for your health.

4. Drink Plenty of Water. You may sometimes think that your body is asking for sugar, when in fact it’s dehydrated and really just craving water. Try this delicious craving-buster: In a glass of cold water add fresh mint, sliced lemons or cucumber, and 5 drops of Stevia.  Also try a warm cup of green tea sweetened with raw honey with your meals. This way, your sweet tooth is satisfied and your dessert cravings will be reduced.

5. Keep Your Blood Sugar Stable. Eat several small, healthy meals throughout the day always including a small serve of protein (ie eggs, meat, chicken, fish, tofu, nuts or seeds added to unsweetened yoghurt). This will help you to avoid dips in blood sugar levels.

6. Try a “green drink”. Loaded with nutrition, green drinks help boost your energy and reduce cravings for sugar and processed foods.  Make your own from green veggies (optional: add one piece of fruit) eg celery, cucumber, kale, apple – add either turmeric, ginger, mint or cinnamon

7. Eat More Sea Vegetables. Rich in vitamins and minerals, sea vegetables, such as kelp and seaweed, make for a healthy snack.  Sea vegetables have a high mineral content (needed for your adrenals to conquer cravings), while eating anything with sugar immediately depletes minerals from your body.

8. Enjoy Fermented Foods and Drinks. Fermented foods and drinks, such as kefir and yogurt, are a great way to reduce or even eliminate cravings for sugar. *Make sure to read labels on these products. Sometimes manufacturers sneak in added sugar – the yogurt section can look a little like the ice cream frozen food section, so be aware!

9. Various supplements can help keep sweet cravings at bay. Chromium, the herb gymnemma, and the household spice of cinnamon help support the pancreas and balance out blood sugar levels.

Also taking good digestive enzymes will help you to break down all the nutrients in your foods.  Often cravings are because your body is looking for a specific nutrient. By supporting your overall digestive system you are better able to get all the nutrients from your diet.