Nowadays, sugar is everywhere. From bread and cereals to processed meat, it's used in millions of products. Many of us are eating dessert at every meal without realizing it. Sugar not only affects your health but also causes addiction. In fact, it's eight times more addictive than cocaine. The more sugar you eat, the more you will crave it. What if you're already addicted to it? Is it possible to curb sugar cravings naturally? Yes, you can. Certain foods have the ability to suppress appetite and reduce sugar cravings. Some will even satisfy your sweet tooth without adding inches to your waist. Here are our favorites:
Dark Chocolate Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, dark chocolate will soon become your go-to treat. Unlike milk chocolate, it contains large amounts of real cocoa and little or no sugar. Plus, it's dairy-free, making it ideal for those with lactose intolerance. The antioxidants in dark chocolate support cardiovascular health and fight inflammation. Moreover, they slow down aging by scavenging free radicals. To reap the benefits, eat a couple of squares every day.
Chia Seeds These tiny seeds are touted as one of the best superfoods for a good reason. First of all, they're loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. Secondly, they're about 40 percent soluble fiber. Upon ingestion, they absorb water in the GI tract, which
helps increase satiety and reduces cravings. Plus, they taste amazing and can be used in dozens of recipes. Get creative in the kitchen and make your own chia pudding, lemon chia seed scones, or peanut butter chia muffins.
Natural Peanut Butter Most people crave sugar when their blood glucose levels drop, or whenever they're stressed, bored, or anxious. Unfortunately, sugar doesn't help. It actually triggers blood glucose spikes followed by crashes. Your energy goes up for an hour or two, and drops again. As a result, you eat more sugar. Natural peanut butter is rich in fiber and healthy fats, keeping you full longer. Since it has no sugar, it prevents insulin spikes and regulates blood glucose. Just think about how full you feel after eating a tablespoon or two of peanut butter. Swap sugar for this nutritious treat to ward off cravings and keep hunger at bay.
Sauerkraut Sometimes, sugar cravings are the result of a poorly functioning gut. Your microbiome boasts trillions of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Some microorganisms aid in digestion, produce enzymes, and regulate your mood. Others affect immune function, trigger weight gain, and affect mental health. An imbalanced gut may be populated by bad bacteria that thrive on sugar to survive. This leads to strong cravings for sugary treats. Pickled foods, such as sauerkraut, help restore gut flora and increase the number of good bacteria. At the same time, they help destroy disease-causing pathogens.
Coconut Oil Just like peanut butter, coconut oil is rich in healthy fats that curb hunger and cravings. This superfood boasts
medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that boosts your energy and raises metabolism. When you eat coconut oil, your body can use MCTs as a source of fuel. This helps reduce the urge to consume sugar and other energy-boosting foods. Simply add a tablespoon of coconut oil to smoothies, coffee, or home-cooked meals. If you’re struggling with sugar cravings, tweak your eating habits. Load up on protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These nutrients fill you up quickly and suppress appetite. Plus, they make weight loss easier!
