Last updated on April 4th, 2023 at 12:56 pm
The overconsumption of artificial sugars is a huge health issue today. Basically, it is everywhere – sugar cravings are a real problem, and unfortunately, many people struggle with them. Furthermore, the modern lifestyle often includes many highly processed foods, irregular sleep patterns, lack of movement, rampant hormone imbalance, and sugar cravings are rapidly growing symptoms of these problems. If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. Reducing sugar cravings doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Let’s jump right into how to reduce sugar cravings naturally.
There are a few reasons that we crave sugar. One of the reasons is that we get a physiological sense of reward from eating sweets. Also, habitual eating of sugar and excessive refined carbohydrates (packaged food) tends to make this vicious cycle continuous. According to statistics, most of society participates in the chronic overconsumption of artificial sugars. As a result, the average American consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily in processed food, drinks, and sweets.
Of course, the occasional indulgence in a delicious, high-quality treat is entirely acceptable. Still, every day added, artificial and refined sugar consumption should be avoided.
Moreover, if you struggle with craving sugar all the time, all day and night. In brief, the good news is there are simple steps for reducing sugar cravings naturally, eventually decreasing your overall consumption of artificial sugars and sweeteners and instead switching to real food sources.
Your body’s preferred fuel source is glucose (sugar) but in the form of nourishing real food and easy-to-digest carbohydrates like raw honey, a variety of vegetables (including root vegetables), in-season fruits, etc. In other words, there is a stark difference between these nutrient-rich options and ultra-processed foods.
Here are my 9 effective ways to reduce sugar cravings naturally
1. Stay hydrated.
Sometimes when you think you are craving sugar, your body is slightly dehydrated. Hydrating with minerals is an easy and effective solution. Remember to add a pinch of sea salt to your water to remineralize it. So before reaching for something sugary, drink a glass of water with minerals.
2. Eat before you go to social gatherings.
Eat a nutrient-dense snack or small meal – a cup of bone broth, raw cheese, a hardboiled egg, a pickle wrapped in ham with cream cheese, and mustard, etc. – before heading out to any social gathering or party, especially if you know the food choices are going to be less than stellar. This way, you arrive with some good nutrients in your body, and all the processed food and artificial sugary treats will seem less appealing.
3. Consume lots of fat-soluble vitamins.
Vitamins A, D, and K from healthy animal sources are some of the best nutrients to have in your diet. These vitamins reduce inflammation, fight disease, and keep the body full and satisfied.
Reducing sugar cravings is much easier and more manageable when the body feels full and satisfied.
4. Move your body daily.
“hen”you move your body (walking, yoga/stretching, rebounding, or any other exercise you enjoy), you ease tension, energy levels increase, and the need for an excess artificial sugar “hit” decreases.
5. Consume fermented foods and drinks.
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that feed the gutDon’ts, in turn, help curb some of the excess sugar cravings. I love sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented pickes, or 1/4 cup of kombucha.
6. Keep your blood sugar balanced.
Don’t skip meals, period. Regular meals filled with protein from pastured meats, fats from healthy sources, and carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables keep the body full and satisfied. When the body is satiated, blood sugar levels tend to stay balanced instead of flip-flopping from extreme highs to low lows and the other way around.
7. Use buttermints to help balance blood sugar.
These little “mints” are incredibly nourishing to the body. They are simple, easy, and unfussy to make. All you need is grass-fed butter and raw honey.
8. Prioritize sleep and rest.
It is best to get 8-9 hours of sleep each night. The more the body rest, the fewer sweets it craves and the more room for nutrient-dense alternatives. Need some troubleshooting on how to improve your quality naturally?
9. When indulging in something sweet, try your best to pick something made real food ingredients.
Sometimes this is impossible, or you might wait ALL year for Thanksgiving for your granny’s pecan pie. If this is the case – go for it, enjoy every minute of it wholeheartedly, and then move on with your life. There is no need to pile shame or guilt on yourself.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only.
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