Top Ten Ways To Get Rid of Your Sugar Cravings

1. Practise Healthy Habits: Begin each day with a cup of hot lemon water and a pinch of cayenne. This will help cleanse the liver and stimulate the gallbladder to remove waste from the intestine. Eat within one hour of waking up to stabilize your blood sugar for the day ahead. DON’T make up for overeating by NOT eating- it will only encourage a late-day binge! Always have a healthy snack on hand- at home and on the go!

2. Exercise Often: Dopamine receptors love sugar! Working up a sweat encourages dopamine production in the body- this is why you often crave healthier foods after a workout. In addition, lack of sunshine in the winter leaves us with less of the “feel good” hormone, so we often crave sweets that stimulate serotonin production- get your heart rate up to boost serotonin naturally and beat the winter blues!

3. Get enough sleep: Sleep in a completely dark room to promote your sleepy hormone Melatonin for a more restful sleep. Sleep deprivation raises Ghrelin (hungry) and lowers Leptin (satiated) hormones, increasing cravings after a bad nights sleep!

4. Stay Satiated: Combine protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates at every meal/snack to feel satisfied and avoid blood sugar (insulin) spikes. Protein releases the PPY hormone that tells you when you are full and halts cravings. Healthy fat sources include avocado, olives, coconut/olive oil, nuts/nut butters and seeds. Sorry guys- peanuts are not nuts! Opt for brazil nuts, walnuts, or almonds which don’t contain Aflatoxins like their legume counterpart!

5. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: Insulin is the hormone that stores energy (and sugar) as fat. Artificial sweeteners may be calorie-free but they create a surge in insulin that leads to more hunger and sugar cravings. Substitute with Stevia or Xylitol instead OR avoid all together and opt for a green juice or a serving of low-sugar fruit (green apple, kiwi, green grapes, papaya, or berries). Cinnamon makes a great substitute for sugar in coffee or oatmeal and has the added benefit of boosting your metabolism with just 1 tsp! Honey, maple syrup, and date/coconut sugar are okay in moderation, but avoid agave syrup- it contains more fructose than sugar!

6. Eat Dark Chocolate: A piece or two (at least 70% cacao) will curb your sugar craving and increase serotonin, not to mention it is loaded with antioxidants and packs a nice little caffeine punch!

7. Consider Supplements: L-Glutamine is an amino acid that acts as brain fuel and can aid in reducing cravings for sugar and carbohydrates among other benefits when taken regularly. Supporting your Adrenal Glands with herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola lower the stress hormone Cortisol, controlling appetite and encouraging restful sleep.

8. Read Labels: Eliminate packaged foods with corn syrup, dextrose, and fructose- these are the enemy. Eat whole, unprocessed foods and limit simple carbohydrates (sugar in disguise).

9. Choose Wisely: Eat more fermented Foods like sauerkraut and kefir that contribute to good gut bacteria (or take a high quality probiotic supplement)- sugar cravings are often due imbalances such as candida (yeast). Bitter greens like arugula and dandelion greens retrain the tastebuds and reduce sugar cravings. Incorporating acidic foods into meals (tomato sauce, ACV) reduces blood sugar spikes and blunts the increase of insulin.

10. Watch the movie FED UP: This documentary is sure to turn anyone off refined sugars, Watch Now