Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by Lori Geurin
When you feel stressed, what’s the first thing you reach for? A doughnut? Some ice cream? Although we often feel like we can’t control our cravings, there are some tricks you can use to help. Sugar cravings can be difficult to resist, but with a few simple strategies, you can reduce their intensity and eventually overcome them. Here are seven ways to reduce sugar cravings.
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7 Easy Ways To Reduce Sugar Cravings and Feel Fuller Longer
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration can often make sugar cravings worse, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Eat Healthy Meals
Filling up on healthy whole foods can help stop a sugar craving in its tracks. Focus on eating more filling, high-fiber foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.
RELATED: 10 Fast And Healthy Sheet Pan Meals To Simplify Your Dinner Time
3. Avoid Sugary Snacks
If you’re constantly snacking on sugary foods, your body will crave more sugar. Try to avoid unhealthy snacks and instead eat healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables. Also, avoid buying sweet foods at the store to keep them out of your home.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can make you crave sugar.[*] Deep, restful sleep is essential for your overall health and wellness, and it may help you avoid cravings. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
RELATED: 16 Quick Tips To Help You Sleep Better Tonight
5. Eat More Protein
Protein keeps your blood sugar levels steady and helps you feel fuller for longer. So if you’re feeling hungry, try having a small protein-rich snack like eggs or peanut butter before giving in to your cravings.
Here are 20 high-protein snack recipes and easy-to-make protein pancakes for when you feel a craving coming on.
6. Exercise Regularly
Taking a brisk walk or doing some other form of exercise can help get your mind of sweet foods. Working out also releases endorphins, or “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, which can help you get through a craving without giving in.[*]
Printable Weekly Workout Tracker
The daily exercise tracker is easy to use, making it perfect for you and your loved ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You’re making a commitment to yourself and those close to you if you use the Daily Exercise Tracker. This is beneficial since working out might be tough and having a strategy helps a lot!
Using the training printable is a simple and effective approach to plan for and track your at-home exercise (or gym session). For your convenience, this minimalist fitness tracker is available in four lovely hues. Check out the Printable Fitness Tracker in our Thrive Berry Etsy Shop!
7. Practice Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation has been used to manage cravings for a long time.[*] When you’re experiencing a craving, take a few deep breaths (in through your nose and out through your mouth) and try to focus only on your breath.
Bonus Tip: Intermittent Fasting!
If you haven’t tried intermittent fasting yet, you should definitely give it a shot. When you don’t eat for certain periods of time, your body uses up the sugars stored in your liver (and makes better use of the sugar already in your blood) and burns more fat.
What’s more, intermittent fasting helps reduce insulin resistance and inflammation. You can learn more about intermittent fasting in our Intermittent Fasting Guide.
Final Thoughts: How To Cut Sugar Cravings
Sugar cravings can be difficult to resist, but with these seven science-backed tricks, you may be able to decrease the intensity of your sugar cravings and eventually overcome them. Try one or two of these tactics to see which works best for you.
Be sure to check out our Printable Weekly Meal Planner to help you stay on track with your healthy eating plan!
What are your best tips to reduce sugar cravings? Share below!
