Why do we have sugar cravings? You may ask yourself that as you crave a donut, sweet coffee, or cupcake everyday at the same time of day! So often we are traveling, stressed, or just living life On-the-Go, and we find sugar calms us down. The problem is, is that sugar leads to inflammation, weight gain and that sugar roller coaster that is hard to get off of.
If you want to reduce and eliminate sugar cravings, I have the answer for you. Follow these simple steps (Keep in mind, giving up sugar is not the easiest for the first 7 days, but you will Thank Me come Summer Vacation).
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine. The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar swings, and may cause sugar cravings to become more frequent.
- Drink water. Sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration. Before you go for the sugar, have a glass of water and wait a few minutes to see what happens.
- Eat sweet vegetables and fruit. They are naturally sweet, healthy and delicious. These include squash, sweet potatoes, and sweet yellow onions. The more you eat, the less you’ll crave sugar.
- Use gentle sweets. Avoid chemicalized, artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugar. Use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, raw honey, dried fruit, and dates.
- Get physically active. Start with simple activities like walking or yoga. Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase. Being active helps balance blood sugar levels, boosts energy, and reduces tension which will eliminate the need to self-medicate with sugar!
- Get more sleep, rest and relaxation. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, are the most readily usable forms of energy for an exhausted body and mind. If you are in a chronic state of stress and/or sleep deprivation, your body will crave the quickest form of energy there is: sugar.
- Evaluate the amount of animal food you eat. According to yin/yang principles of eating (such as in Macrobiotics and TCM), eating too much animal food (yang) can lead to cravings for sweets (yin). Imbalances can also occur with too little animal protein (for some individuals). Through experimentation and intuition, you can find which foods create balance for you as an individual.
- Eliminate fat-free or low-fat packaged snack-foods. These foods contain high quantities of sugar to compensate for lack of flavor and fat, which will send you on the roller-coaster ride of sugar highs and lows.
- Experiment with spices. Coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom will naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.
- Slow down and find sweetness in non-food ways! Every craving is not a signal that your body biologically requires sugar. Cravings often have a psychological component. By identifying the psychological causes of food cravings and substituting lifestyle and relationship adjustments accordingly, you can begin to find balance and take charge of your health. When life becomes sweet enough itself, no additives are needed.
If you need to break free from the Sugar Habit because Sugar leads to toxicity, then start drinking this smoothie and your sugar cravings will fade away, plus the nutrients in this smoothie will have you feeling satisfied in seconds.
Slammin’ Smoothie
1 1/2 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup spinach
½ cup blueberries
1 banana
1 date, without the pit
1 tablespoon ground chia seeds
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Blend all of the ingredients in a high powered blender and consume.
Remember when we are moving fast and feel toxic and tired, we crave carbs and sugar. The best way to combat those cravings is to take a few deep breaths, slow down and find the sweetness in life.
If sugar cravings are out of control, you may want to think about cleansing the body. Spring is the perfect time of year to cleanse the liver. When the liver is congested, you can experience brain fog, weight gain, poor concentration, those sugar cravings, mood swings, hormonal imbalances, weakened immune and more.
Sounds fun, NO WAY!
Join me and your host, Casey for a Spring Cleanse here at www.rachelswellness.com. Are you ready to hit the RESET button?
Rachel Feldman is a health coach, wellness momma, and a detox specialist. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Rachel assists clients nationwide via phone, email and Skype. Rachel helps men and women struggling with weight gain, digestive issues and toxicity.Rachel graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, Wild Rose Natural College of Healing, the International School of Detoxification andNatalia Rose Advanced Detox Certification Training. Rachel has also certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Her approach to health focuses not only on the foods you put into your mouth but also incorporates the elements of body, mind and soul. She helps her clients to access the blueprint for their health by discovering what foods fuel the body and not inflame the body. Her signature detox and cleanse programs help people to eliminate foods that are wreaking havoc on their body. To find out more about her work visit www.rachelswellness.com
Love this! Going to try this smoothie this week!