Do you have a problem with sugar?
Sugar cravings are quite common but they could be ruining your health. Not only does it cause you to put on weight, it can cause bloating, energy slumps, and mood swings. We often think it is lack of self-control or because we have no will power, but it usually isn't either of those things. It has more to do with hormonal balancing and the hormone that's out of balance is insulin. Here are 5 things you can do to reduce your sugar cravings and bring your insulin levels back into balance. 1 Increase chromium rich foods. Chromium is an important mineral which helps regulate blood sugar and may help prevent you reaching for the biscuits! Eating foods such as, seafood, lean meat, wholegrains, nuts, eggs, legumes, broccoli and asparagus. 2 Eat sufficient protein Protein at each meal from animal or plant source helps to stimulate the feeling of fullness and releases the hormone leptin which helps regulate appetite. Meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu 3 Eat good fats This also helps you feel full and stay fuller for longer. It will help reduce sugar cravings and help you to resist the donuts! Eating good fat does not make you fat. Go for full-fat natural yoghurt, hummus, nuts, seeds and avocados in your meals! Avoid the trans fats in processed foods such as ready meals as these are the fats that contribute to heart disease 4 Ensure plenty of fibre At each meal include foods such as, vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, pulses, beans, nuts and seeds. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice and pasta. Fibre increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) and slows the digestion of sugars which means slower energy release and less afternoon slumps! As with protein, fat has also been shown to improve the release of leptin (a hormone that tells you that you are full). 5 Don’t mistake hunger for thirst Dehydration can mask itself as hunger. Carry a reusable bottle of water with you and drink from it regularly. If you feel a hungry drink a glass of water, wait a 10 minutes. If you are still hungry then try having a handful of nuts or seeds, or look up my energy balls recipe. They can be refrigerated or frozen, so you can make them in batches. Combining all 5 tips above will help you beat sugar cravings quickly. Reducing sugar cravings can also help with anxiety and stress. You don't have to do them all at once. Why not introduce one tip every 3 days? That means in 15 days time you could be living a happier and healthier lifestyle and seeing the benefits for it. Or why not join me on my free 5 Day Shake the Sugar Challenge? My 5 day Shake the Sugar Challenge is about helping you eat balanced nutritious food that will help increase your energy levels, motivate you to stay positive around food, feel less bloated, shake some excess off the waistline, and feel great about who you are. It includes:
5 day meal plan with recipes, shopping list and a prep guide (veggie/non-veggie)
5 FB lives, (3 workshops and 2 Q&As)
Support and encouragement throughout the 5 days
A fabby group of people who will cheer each other on
Information on my Nourish and Thrive 3-6-5 monthly programme
What have you got to lose?!! - a few pounds, perhaps. You'll only find out if you take action.
Hope to see you there,
Marie x
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