Sugar Cravings

Sugar cravings occur when our bodies begin to physically or emotionally need to have sugar in order to feel good.

Cakes and candies are often associated with love and acceptance.

Hormonal fluctuations, intestinal yeast, stress, and other physical problems can create a physical need for sugar.

There are many physiological reasons to crave sugar, even though having a diet high in sugar is ultimately not good for you.

Our body will take complex carbohydrates and convert them into glucose, a simple sugar. This substance fuels our cells and provides the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain.

We must have complex carbohydrates in order to function. But those carbohydrates should not be empty calories; they should also fuel our body with the vitamins and minerals that we need.

Natural Remedies for Sugar Cravings:

Stop the Cravings Naturally:

Stock up with fruits to help stop those sugar cravings the natural way.

Prunes are high in water content, fiber, and vitamins which make it the perfect complex carbohydrate. Some others include:

  • Apricots
  • Plums
  • Pears
  • Grapefruits
  • Oranges

Have some fresh and some dried fruits. Make sure you have these available in the car, at work, and at home. Then when you get a sugar craving you can have a piece of fresh or dried fruit. Avoid any dried fruit that has added sugar and oil.

Stock Up on Whole Grains:

Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates and include:

  • Oats
  • Wheat germ
  • Barley
  • Wild rice
  • Brown rice
  • Cornmeal
  • Whole grain bread
  • Bagels
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Whole grain macaroni
  • Breakfast cereals made from whole grains

Stock your pantry with some of these whole grains, get rid of that white stuff, you won't miss it.

Eat Your Vegetables:

This dietary change is for the short term. You need to add more of the sweet vegetables to your diet. This includes:

  • Sweet corn
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Turnips

Adding in these vegetables while you are fighting sugar cravings will help curb your sweet tooth naturally. On the other side of the spectrum having a couple of servings of vegetables like broccoli, bitter melon, and spinach will add a bitter flavor to your meals that will assist in curbing sugar cravings.

Say No to Artificial Sweeteners:

Artificial sweeteners might only add to your cravings for more sweets. Try using something like Truvia®, Stevia, or Agave to add to your coffee and tea drinks. You might also think to include 100 percent fruit juices to your diet.

Supplements:

Add in nutrients like Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and Zinc. They will help your body metabolize the carbohydrates, convert tryptophan into serotonin which is important for the brain and your general sense of well-being, and help with digestion and insulin activity.