Trying to cut sugar out of your diet? Here are ways to reduce sugar cravings naturally.
Last week I shared that I was giving up sugar. I decided to give up refined sugar after learning that your body converts sugar into triglycerides when watching Dr. Oz. Consuming more than 90 grams of added sugar a day can raise triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol levels). My plan is to give up sugar entirely for 2 weeks and then slowly add natural sweeteners like honey and coconut palm sugar back into my diet in moderation.
So how did I do on week one of giving up sugar? Better than I expected! I did slip up twice and drink coffee that contained French Vanilla Creamer in it. My husband made me a cup of coffee on Saturday and Sunday morning and I got halfway through the cup before I remembered that it had added sugar. This will be a challenge this weekend too. My husband has a very thoughtful habit of making me coffee on the weekend and I don't think too clearly in the morning, so I am seriously thinking about putting a note on the coffee maker reminding him not to make me coffee.
5 Ways to Reduce Sugar Cravings Naturally
1. Avoid Trigger Foods. Try to identify foods that set off cravings and avoid them. Do you normally combine salty foods with something sweet? If so then skip the salty foods, so it doesn't trigger a craving for something sweet.
2. Avoid artificial sweeteners. For many people, artificial sweeteners trigger sweetness cravings. I chewed a piece of sugarless gum and was surprised to discover that it triggered a craving for sweets.
3. Have plenty of fresh fruit on hand. After a few days without sugar, the fruit will start tasting much sweeter and will satisfy your sweet tooth.
4. Prep healthy snacks in advance. Have healthy snacks such as vegetables and nuts prepped, so that if a craving strikes, you can easily grab something healthy to eat.
5. Drink water first. Reach for water first. It may help reduce or eliminate your craving. I found that drinking a glass of water greatly reduced my cravings.
More Tips for Overcoming a Sugar Craving
What if those tips for reducing sugar cravings naturally don't work? Wait it out. Try one of these things instead:
- Go for a walk.
- Read a book.
- Take a bath.
- Or my favorite paint your nails. (It is really hard to eat anything with wet nails!).
Focus on something other than food for a while and you may find that the craving passes on its own.
I will keep you updated on my Facebook page on my “No Sugar” challenge. I am seriously considering expanding it from 2 weeks to 4 weeks to help make this a permanent lifestyle change.
What steps are you taking to bring healthy back?
Melissa @ Stockpiling Moms says
Going sugar free is one of the best things you can do for your body. I love when I am sugar free. I feel the best when I am.
Julie Copeland says
I have been mostly sugar free for two months! I had gotten to the point that I was having ” sugar aches.” Google them–they’re real. Ha. In three days I was feeling better and in two weeks I was a different person! I’ve lost 13 lbs. and have no desire to go back. I’ve had a few desserts in two months and actually they didn’t taste that great. Good luck!
Laurence says
What about fruits? They are full of fructose. Do you still eat them during your sugar free weeks?
Susan says
I have mood swings and headaches for the first week. The headaches are awful, but they are a good reminder of what sugar has been doing to me. I agree with the walks and baths. I also drink hot water or herbal tea to help. I keep dates on hand for natural sugars- one or two can help get over the hump. I eat fruit but only one serving a day.