Do you want to beat your sugar cravings with the best kind of foods there is? While we all know that sugar isn’t good for our bodies, science has shown that sugar is as addicting as cocaine. Your sugar cravings can come from a variety of signals that your body is sending your brain, which your brain interprets as an invitation to a sugar binge. From being tired, dehydrated, or in need of a nutrient like chromium, phosphorus or sulphur, sugar cravings could be triggered by so many things.
Nevertheless, within this article you’ll come across certain specific foods to help you avoid sugar as much as possible. Read on to find out what these foods are to help you kick your sugar craving habit.
1. Homemade smoothies with yogurt, milk and/or protein powder
One recent study proved that one of the best ways to give up sugar is by taking the right fruit-and-veggie combination – they’ll taste like a treat. A smoothie in the morning – one with protein powder, healthy fats and low glycemic index, can push off any unhealthy mid-morning snacking like doughnuts or cake and get you through to lunch.
2. Plain yogurt
Maybe your body is asking for phosphorus? Found in dairy products like yogurt, phosphorous along with calcium is a building block for bones. Enjoy your yogurt with some fresh berries and low-sugar granola for a satisfying fiber- and protein-rich snack that will keep your blood sugar from spiking.
3. Steel-cut Oatmeal
Perhaps your sugar cravings are an indication that your blood sugar levels are out of balance? Studies have shown that most breakfast cereals contain simple carbohydrates which break down into sugar in your body and cause a rapid rise in your blood sugar levels. So instead of a muffin, sugary cereal or handful of cookies, steel-cut oatmeal will keep your blood sugar levels more stable. For added protein, sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg or drizzle some honey on the bowl of your steel cut-oatmeal and pair with a serving of nuts.
4. Cinnamon
According to studies, Cinnamon can regulate blood sugar levels and can also help reduce sugar cravings. It minimizes insulin spikes after you’ve eaten thereby keeping you from craving more sugar. When you’re craving ice cream, try sprinkling cinnamon over applesauce without added sugar.
5. Apples
Chromium deficiency can be another reason why you crave sweets. A metal that is considered an “essential trace element” in our bodies, chromium is known to be important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and getting enough chromium is thought to improve the way your body regulates sugar and cholesterol. Chromium is found in high quantities in apples, which are a great, delicious and healthy snack option.
6. Nut Butter
While we all know that eating protein is an excellent way to reduce sugar cravings because it stabilizes our blood sugar levels, nuts and nut butters or sunflower butter are very rich in protein along with healthy fats. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, only eat two tablespoons a day and most of all, be sure you get ones that have no sugar added.
