7 Tips To Kick Your Sugar Cravings For Good

Ah, sugar cravings. We’re all familiar with them. Who hasn’t experienced an afternoon urge for something rich, sweet and indulgent?

Many people struggle with these urges daily, which can de-rail our health goals in the long run. Thankfully, there are a host of dietary habits that can help you beat your sweet tooth for good.

1. Learn to love apple cider vinegar

Add a teaspoon of ACV to a bottle of water and sip it throughout the day. The acid helps to stimulate the gastric juices in the stomach, which aids digestion and keeps you regular. It also works like magic in reducing sugar cravings.

2. Eat more bitter foods

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Upping your intake of slightly acidic and bitter foods – such as rocket, radicchio, chicory and artichokes – promotes gut health, eases sugar cravings and can even help your taste buds change over time, meaning that foods you once craved can become too sweet for your liking.

3. Take magnesium glycinate

This is my favourite mineral and it’s a powerful way to increase energy and reduce cravings. I advise taking it under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

4. Reduce caffeine intake

Drinking too much coffee can affect blood sugar levels, which can cause sugar cravings later in the day. I recommend drinking one cup of coffee a day, preferably before 10am.

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5. Eat more good fats and protein

These satiating macronutrients keep you fuller for longer, which prevents sugar cravings.

6. Cut out artificial sweeteners

While they can seem like a healthy alternative, often, artificial sweeteners can actually trigger sugar cravings. I recommend replacing it with cinnamon, a teaspoon of organic maple syrup or honey.

7. Eat a protein-rich breakfast

Consuming a nourishing breakfast sets you up for a day of wholesome food choices. It’s also the key to stabilising your blood sugar levels, improving concentration and promoting energy throughout the morning.

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Of course, there are times when we all enjoy something sweet. When that time comes, I love to have something nourishing up my sleeve, such as my signature sugar-free protein balls. They’re rich, full of protein and go perfectly with a hot cup for chai. Enjoy.

JSHealth Sugar-Free Protein Balls

Makes: 10

Ingredients:

4 tbsp LSA mix (linseed, sunflower, almond meal) or 4 tbsp protein powder
2 tbsp mixed seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds
1 tbsp cacao (optional)
2 heaped tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
1 tbsp chia seeds or psyllium husk
1 tsp cinnamon
2-3 tsp stevia powder or 6 vanilla stevia drops
¼ -½ cup warm filtered water
¼ cup desiccated coconut, for rolling (optional)

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Method:

In a high-powered blender or food processor, add all the ingredients, except the coconut, and blend until the mixture is smooth. If the mixture is too wet, add more LSA mix; if the mixture is too dry, add a splash of warm water.
Spread the desiccated coconut over a plate.
Roll the mixture into balls of your desired size and roll in the desiccated coconut until the balls are evenly coated.
Place balls into an air-proof container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Jessica Sepel

Nutritionist and best-selling health author Jessica Sepel is one of the founding members of the Women’s Health Fitfluential Network. Jess believes in inspiring us to “nourish our bodies rather than punish them […] I believe our diet culture has caused women to have a complex relationship with food and their bodies."