Ah, sugar cravings. We’re all familiar with them. Who hasn’t experienced an afternoon urge for something rich, sweet and indulgent?
Many people struggle with these urges daily, which can de-rail our health goals in the long run. Thankfully, there are a host of dietary habits that can help you beat your sweet tooth for good.
1. Learn to love apple cider vinegar
Add a teaspoon of ACV to a bottle of water and sip it throughout the day. The acid helps to stimulate the gastric juices in the stomach, which aids digestion and keeps you regular. It also works like magic in reducing sugar cravings.
2. Eat more bitter foods
Upping your intake of slightly acidic and bitter foods – such as rocket, radicchio, chicory and artichokes – promotes gut health, eases sugar cravings and can even help your taste buds change over time, meaning that foods you once craved can become too sweet for your liking.
3. Take magnesium glycinate
This is my favourite mineral and it’s a powerful way to increase energy and reduce cravings. I advise taking it under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
4. Reduce caffeine intake
Drinking too much coffee can affect blood sugar levels, which can cause sugar cravings later in the day. I recommend drinking one cup of coffee a day, preferably before 10am.
5. Eat more good fats and protein
These satiating macronutrients keep you fuller for longer, which prevents sugar cravings.
6. Cut out artificial sweeteners
While they can seem like a healthy alternative, often, artificial sweeteners can actually trigger sugar cravings. I recommend replacing it with cinnamon, a teaspoon of organic maple syrup or honey.
7. Eat a protein-rich breakfast
Consuming a nourishing breakfast sets you up for a day of wholesome food choices. It’s also the key to stabilising your blood sugar levels, improving concentration and promoting energy throughout the morning.
Of course, there are times when we all enjoy something sweet. When that time comes, I love to have something nourishing up my sleeve, such as my signature sugar-free protein balls. They’re rich, full of protein and go perfectly with a hot cup for chai. Enjoy.
JSHealth Sugar-Free Protein Balls
Makes: 10
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp LSA mix (linseed, sunflower, almond meal) or 4 tbsp protein powder
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp cacao (optional)
- 2 heaped tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or psyllium husk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2-3 tsp stevia powder or 6 vanilla stevia drops
- ¼ -½ cup warm filtered water
- ¼ cup desiccated coconut, for rolling (optional)
Method:
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