Sharing some tips about sugar cravings, healthy foods to curb them, why you should enjoy a sweet treat when you want one, and why fueling yourself throughout the day is the key to feeling satisfied and energized.
Hi friends! How’s the day going? Are you excited about the return of fall? It’s bittersweet for us! I hope you have a wonderful day!!. 🙂
For today’s post, let’s talk about sugar cravings!
Sugar cravings make you feel the urge to eat something sweet, and it’s super common. It can also lead to overeating, as tons of sugary foods can satisfy your sweet tooth for a second, but also make you feel hungry and wanting more just as quickly. Some common causes of sugar cravings include: poor sleep quality, hormones (oh hey, PMS), being dehydrated, restrictive eating styles, and deprivation throughout the day. Today, I’m sharing a roundup of foods and strategies I enjoy to fight sugar cravings and hope that these tips are helpful for ya.
Healthy foods to curb sugar cravings
(10 years ago, I would have never posted these pics. My posture is slouchy and I don’t like the way my stomach looks. But, this is real life, and this is my real body, so there ya go.)
Make sure you’re getting enough protein
Protein is the building block of our cells and also adds a satiety factor to our meals. They’re so much more filling when there’s a protein component, and as it’s important to preserve muscle tissue as we age, high-protein food continues to be something you should include in your meals and snacks.
Some sources of protein you might consider:
– Greek yogurt
– Cottage cheese
– Chicken
– Fish (shellfish, salmon, tuna)
– Eggs
– Tempeh
– Lentils
– Red meat
-Deli meat
– A quality protein powder
Get fiber throughout the day
Foods that are high in fiber are also high in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and antioxidants, plus they can improve digestion. In your meals and snacks, try to include veggies with high water content, and eat the colors of the rainbow throughout the day. Each week, I like to grab a ton of veggies and roast them on a sheet pan. I’ll add these veggies to wraps, scrambles, and salads throughout the week. (Also, when you roast them, it makes them easier to digest. If you have a hard time digesting raw salads, roasted veggies may be an awesome solution.)
I’m also a huge fan of fermented foods, like kimchi and sauerkraut, and chia seeds increase fiber intake.
Foods that are naturally sweet (as opposed to foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners or added sugars) can also be sources of fiber in your diet, like fruit! I love berries, a couple of medjool dates stuffed with peanut butter and topped with sea salt, or a handful of dried fruit and nuts.
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