6 Tips to Beat those Sugar Cravings

Do those Cadbury Mini-Eggs have you salivating every Easter?  There’s just something about them – perhaps they release more endorphins that other sweets giving us that natural “high”.  Regardless, the time has come to, once again, resist the temptation to having those sweets; because, we all know, once we start, there’s no turning back!

Have a look at some of my favourite ways to curb those sugar cravings:

Hydrate!  The majority of the time, we can often mistake hunger for thirst, and when we think we are ‘hungry’, we tend to opt for a quick tie-over, usually being sugar-laced.  So grab a drink (and this does not include sugary drinks or alcohol!):  perhaps a glass of plain or sparkling water with a smidgeon of lemon/lime, or even make a nice herbal tea.

Keep fruit handy.  Although I don’t like all fruit due to some of the higher glycemic indexes, but keeping fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries or blackberries on hand (all with a low glycemic index) can help curb those sugar cravings and provide some extra nutritional fiber.

Freshen your breath!  Grab a pack of xylitol gum or mints and chew on that to help distract those urges.

Just say no!  While you’re out or grocery shopping, don’t even think about grabbing a little “treat” for yourself.  If it doesn’t exist in your environment, you’re less likely to indulge!  And if you’re in a social setting that’s taunting your desires, turn around and walk away before you even give yourself a chance to contemplate the pros and cons!

Eat regularly!  Waiting too long in between meals or not having appropriate snacks ready may be setting yourself up for disaster.  Inconsistent food intake can fluctuate your blood sugar levels and cause irrational eating behaviour.  Try to have some healthy snacks available like a some nuts or seeds and be nutritionally prepared as possible for the day.

Don’t torture yourself!  You may indulge at some point.  The key is indulging over something that’s worth it.  If you’re going to treat yourself, then TREAT yourself – buy the $7 handmade chocolate bar that tastes like a miracle in your mouth!  Indulging should be a real treat, so make it worthwhile and choose quality over quantity.  And by choosing quality, you’re more likely to savour your treat for a longer period of time!

Image credit via Flickr.