[:en]
Three Steps to Stoping Sugar Cravings
By Sue-Anne Hickey, Naturopath
In a recent Facebook survey on sugar cravings, most people admitted they succumb when hit by the need for sweets. It’s no wonder; the truth about sugar is that it is incredibly addictive. In fact, refined sugars attach to the same receptors as narcotics, valium, and alcohol, according to Dr. Hugo Rodier, author of Licking Sweet Death.
Often the advice given for sugar cravings is to eat a piece of fruit. While this advice seems logical, eating something sweet, albeit healthy, is not the best way to combat a sweet attack. Cravings indicate lack of nutrition or a nutritional imbalance. In the case of a sugar addiction, one is often lacking protein. So for those who crave sweets, here are three things you can do to stop your addiction to sugar:
1. Eat more protein
It is important to eat more protein especially at breakfast.
If you have a real sweet tooth and signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, then ensure that you get adequate complete, full protein at every meal. In general, you need about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Two eggs for breakfast is ideal. When the yolk is runny, as with soft boiled or poached eggs, there is a negligible effect on cholesterol. Protein snacks such as trail mix with raw almonds, in between meals will also help.
2. Drink more water
We hear this tip all the time. Water keeps the body’s systems going and our skin looking great. It also helps to reduce sweet cravings. I had always considered that I drank a lot of water, but after I attended a conference about the health benefits of water, I increased my intake, especially first thing in the morning. It worked, I had far fewer cravings for sweets.
3. Reduce sweets
I know. You don\’t want to hear this. But sugar is like any other addiction. It is imperative to cut sweets in order to stop sugar cravings. This includes fruit. Yes, fruit is nutritious and healthy, but for people who are sensitive to sugar, eating fruit triggers more sweet cravings. You would do best to reduce the amount of fruit you eat until your sugar cravings are under control.
You are sweet enough as you are!
Good luck! We know you can kick your sugar cravings… Keep us posted on your progress!
[:fr]
Nous sommes désolés, cette page est actuellement disponible uniquement en anglais. Merci de votre compréhension.
[:]