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I'm sure we have all experienced sugar cravings at some point in time. Common sugar-craving culprits include: boredom, hunger, and low blood sugar levels - all of which can be avoided, but more often than not we reach for highly processed and refined sugary foods, such as biscuits, lollies, soft-drinks, ice-cream, cakes etc.
If this sounds familiar to you when you next feel a sugar craving coming on give one of these simple strategies a try!
1. Eat a protein-rich snack or meal
Protein helps stabilise your blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full, which can help reduce sugar cravings. Include a protein source at every meal, even your snacks - my Organic Pea Protein and Pure Native WPI are the perfect source.
My favourite protein-rich snacks include:
Greek yoghurt
Boiled eggs
Spoonful of almond butter
Salmon or tuna
Siken tofu
A protein shake made with Healthy Chef Protein and your choice of milk
Homemade sugar-free protein balls
2. Eat high-fibre foods
Fibre is found in plant based foods such as vegetables and fruits, oats, beans, nuts etc. Diets high in fibre stabilise blood sugar levels, support digestive health, manage sugar cravings and lower cholesterol.
My favourite high-fibre foods include:
Kiwi fruit
Avocados
Pears
Oats
Carrots
Artichoke
Almonds
3. Avoid buying sugary foods and artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners induce a whole set of physiological and hormonal responses that can actually make you gain weight by increasing your desire and craving for sweet sugary foods.
Think about my 80/20 approach and manage your sugar cravings by eating regular healthy meals, including enough protein and healthy fats as well as making our own healthy versions of the treats you love. In my Healthy Baking Cookbook, you'll find an abundance of healthy wholefood recipes that will satisfy your sweet side.
4. Drink water
Cravings often come about when you are dehydrated. If you feel a craving coming on try drinking a big glass of water and waiting 10 minutes to see if the craving subsides.
5. Treat yourself to a little chocolate therapy
Chocolate is one of the most commonly reported foods people eat when they crave sweets. However, traditional chocolate is often laden with refined sugar. That's why I love Healthy Chef Naked Chocolat - a purely delicious sugar-free drinking chocolate that's made from all-natural ingredients.
Try one of my delicious sugar-free chocolate recipes: