One study has focused on studying the effects of sugar on our brains and why we’re so ‘hungry’ for it so often.
Many sugar cravings stem from a blood sugar imbalance. Most people are on a blood sugar roller coaster, and it’s hard to get off it.
The key to balancing blood sugar is to eat foods that prevent too much insulin from being released, such as protein and healthy fats, and consume only small amounts of sugar (if any). It’s also important to eat regular meals and snacks because blood sugar drops when you skip a meal.
Read more: ‘Stevia’ vs ‘sugar’: Which is a healthier option?
Protein and fat are crucial to kicking a sugar habit. Unlike sugar, healthy fats and protein provide slow and steady forms of energy, more like a flat, newly paved road rather than that glucose-flavored roller coaster.
When your body doesn’t find sugar for fuel, it turns to fats, so eating plenty of healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil can help your body adjust to getting its energy elsewhere.Â
Here are some tricks to help you successfully kick the sugar habit:
- Start with a solid breakfast. T
- Plan your meals in advance, to prevent dips in blood sugar.
- Dehydration can make you feel hungry, so drink plenty of water. Â
- When you crave sweets, wait 10 minutes and change your environment. Take a walk, or get into a project.Â
- To satisfy your sugar cravings in a more healthful way, turn to vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash, beets, and carrots. Â
- Avoid artificial sweeteners Â
- Trick your body by eating something sour when you want something sweet. Â
- Ginger and turmeric help prevent insulin resistance, so don’t be afraid to consume them freely.