Sugar cravings are real! I work with so many clients who struggle to manage their sugar addictions. Some of it comes from habit and others from boredom, stress, and how we’ve trained our palate. Let’s address this especially during Covid-19 struggles and since we want to prevent type 2 diabetes, weight gain, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Let’s focus on prevention, substitution, and self-compassion.
Prevention. Avoiding sugar is the best way to curb the cravings, but I bet that’s super difficult if you feel addicted. Get it out of the house and focus on eating balanced meals, whole ingredient snacks, and staying hydrated. The more healthy you eat and have plenty of nutrients, you’ll crave less sugar.
Substitution. Before you reach for processed junk food, bars, cookies, etc., try getting some natural sweetness like berries, fruits, plain yogurt with fresh fruit, dates, super dark chocolate, etc. Take a moment to think about what tastes good and will also make you feel good too after the fact.
Self-Compassion. In my office, I find that so many clients work based on shame and judgment. I can’t blame people. That’s how our society works with so many diet programs that shame you when you don’t meet the goals of the scale or other measurements. Unfortunately this just sends us spiraling downwards and wanting more sugar or comfort food to feel better. It’s OK to indulge sometimes but that’s where moderation comes in. Look for quality and quantity. Focus on how you can be kinder to yourself, speak to yourself nicer, and celebrate all your baby step successes.
If you need help understanding nutrition and all the mixed messages out there, give us a call. We will address your stress level, diet, exercise, cravings, emotional eating and overall health and happiness. Start with a free health consultation at www.HappyFoodHealth.com or (619) 876-2655. See if this is the right match for you. I do things very differently to make health a natural lifestyle. Check out Yelp for other people’s opinion of Happy Food.
~ Samantha Hua, Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, San Diego, CA
