Can't stop the sugar cravings?
Updated: Nov 29, 2022
Here's some top tips from Tanya, our resident nutritionist on how you can manage and reduce sugar cravings.
Drink a glass of water Sugar cravings can be a sign of thirst. Try drinking some filtered water before you give in to the craving and see if it goes away.
Munch on a few dried fennel seeds Fennel seeds have a 'liquorice' flavour which is slightly sweet - they help to stabilise blood sugar levels.
Go for a brisk walk outside Gentle exercise has been shown to reduce the craving for sugary food
Eat protein with every meal A protein rich meal can actually slow down the absorption of sugar and prevent glucose spikes, which in turn can reduce your sugar cravings.
Grab a handful of raw nuts The healthy fats in nuts keep you feeling satisfied for longer, making it less likely for you to have an energy dip between meals which is often the start of sugar cravings.
Reach for some fruit Eating whole fruit instead of juices provides your provides your body with a good source of fibre which allows the slow-release of the natural sugars helping to reduce cravings.
Sleep for 7-9 hours every night Sleep deprivation can raise your blood sugar levels quite dramatically which, in turn will inevitably lead to a crash. This crash can cause sugar cravings.
Do you what you can to avoid excess stress Sugar stimulates our brains to release serotonin, the feel-good hormone, which makes us feel relaxed and happy. This is why we crave high-sugar foods during times of excess stress. If you are stressed, try a short meditation (even taking 5 long breaths regularly can help) instead of a chocolate bar.