Here are my top tips to tackle sugar cravings.
Eat fat!
Yes, good fats can get rid of the sugar craving and give your body slow-release energy.
Coconut oil is particularly good as it contains large amounts of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily digested and used as energy, giving you an energy boost without an insulin spike. But don’t get carried away and eat the whole jar!
Fish oil, full of omega 3 fats, will help to overcome the need for sugar. Omega 3 fats improve cell signalling, boosting brain power and improving mood. So reach for the fish oil instead of the biscuits to perform better at work.
If all else fails, a handful of nuts will satisfy cravings and keep you going.
Drink fruit or herbal tea
A fruit or herbal tea can cleanse the palate and leave you with a zingy taste that removes the desire for sweetness, especially after meals.
There are so many teas on the market now that you are never stuck for choice. They are also a great alternative to caffeine (which raises cortisol).
Take glutamine
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. Take a scoop of glutamine powder in a large glass of water whenever you feel a sugar craving. Particularly useful for that mid-afternoon slump – keep some glutamine in your desk at work!
Do some high intensity exercise
Exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel good – removing the desire to self-medicate with sugar if you are feeling down, tired, lethargic or otherwise ‘meh’.
Drink water
We’ve probably all heard that being hungry is often a result of being dehydrated. Drink plenty of water (alkalise it with a quarter of lemon or lime) to reduce your desire for naughty foods.
Eat small regular meals
Not eating properly or regularly is likely to induce cravings for sugar. Eat a protein- and fat-rich meal every three hours or so to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Drink a ‘diet’ soft drink
This is not the ideal solution as diet soft drinks contain caffeine and artificial sweetners. However, if used sparingly, they can be useful in satisfying a persistent craving for sugar, if all else fails.
Distract yourself
Once a craving has taken hold, we tend to dwell on it. Distract yourself and the craving will probably go away. If you are indoors, go for a walk in the fresh air. Find someone to have a chat with, read something absorbing, listen to an uplifting piece of music!