Nutrition

10 tips to beat sugar cravings

1. Keep Busy

Sugar cravings generally only last for 20 minutes so get active, phone a friend, or tackle an item on your to-do list.

2. Eat plenty of fibre, protein and fat

Fibre, protein and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil will help keep you full, balance blood sugar, and curb sugar cravings. Make sure you're having some form of fibre, protein and fat at every meal and snack. Eat and drink water regularly so you don’t get hungry, as often hunger or thirst are mistaken for cravings.

3. Plan meals and snacks

Last minute meal decisions at the end of a long day can lead us to make less than nutritious choices. This can be avoided by planning your meals and snacks in advance. A weekly meal planner is a good idea - see our Meal Planner article for an example of a meal plan and blank template to try it out for yourself.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water and non-caffeinated herbal tea each day is important given dehydration can lead us to feel fatigued, which drives sugar cravings. Thirst and dehydration can also be mistaken for hunger and cravings.

5. Keep your stress in check

Importantly, know your stress triggers. What makes you reach for the sugar? Work, difficult friends/family, overcommitting yourself? Could you calm yourself with deep breathing, a quick walk, or a cup of tea instead?

6. Get plenty of sleep

When we're tired, we often look for things that will give us energy fast - and that usually leads to consuming something sugary. Ensuring you get plenty of good quality sleep can help you curb the sweet cravings.

7. Look for hidden added sugars

They're everywhere! Become familiar with some of the many names for added sugar and look out for them on product ingredient lists. Choosing products that don't contain added sugar will significantly reduce your overall intake.

8. Avoid temptation

If you know having chocolate or your sweet treat of choice in the house is far too tempting or you, avoid buying them regularly and replace them with healthier alternatives instead. Check out our sugarfree dessert recipes in here.

9. Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends to support you by avoiding eating sugary foods when you’re around or by providing an encouraging phone call every now and then.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Whether it’s booking a massage, seeing a movie, or going to the theatre, reward yourself with something that will keep you stress free and strong through your cravings. Go on, you deserve it!

Download and print our handy Top Tips to Beat Sugar Cravings sheet below and stick it on a convenient place to give you a boost when the cravings strike!

Thank you to Gabby Campbell from The Tolerant Table for this helpful article.

Top tips to beat sugar cravings

Top tips to beat sugar cravings

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