How to Curb Your Sweet Tooth Naturally - Without Dieting or Restricting
Are you constantly craving sweets? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to kick your sweet tooth? You're not alone!
Many of us struggle with wanting to indulge in sugary treats, and you are completely normal for feeling that way, but the key is to find a healthier, more natural way to do it.
If you find yourself craving sweet foods often, I want to share with you a couple of things that completely changed my relationship with sweets and sugary foods. In this blog post we will be discussing how you can curb your sweet tooth naturally and enjoy the satisfaction of a sweet treat without any of the guilt. Let's dive in!
1. It’s not a moral failure on your part to crave sweet foods and treats
The primary role of carbohydrates is to provide energy to all cells in the body and dietary fiber. Adults should consume anywhere from 45–65% of their total calories from carbohydrates, except for younger children who need a somewhat higher proportion of fat in their diets.
When we experience stress, fatigue, hunger or overwhelm, our bodies instinctively reach for something sweet as it’s a source of immediate energy. This is because the brain and body recognize that sugary foods and carbohydrates provide quick-acting energy.
The important thing to remember is that there’s nothing wrong with having multiple sweet foods throughout the day. In fact, it's perfectly normal to enjoy sweet foods throughout the day. We all have different tastes and preferences, and we should respect our bodies and what they’re telling us.
Ready to stop sugar cravings once and for all, and learn how to work WITH your body instead of against it?
Join me for my live workshop on Thursday, Feb. 16th all about how to stop being controlled by your sugar cravings!
Here’s what you’ll get from this workshop:
You'll learn the science behind why your body craves sugar and how to work with your body instead of against it. You'll discover practical strategies for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, the impact of meal timing and meal components, and how to apply food psychology to manage your cravings.
No more bland, sugar-free treats.
No more restriction or deprivation.
This is a non-diet approach to ending your sugar cravings for good.
And the best part? You'll join a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards the same goal. You'll receive support and encouragement every step of the way.
You'll leave this workshop with a clear strategy for YOU where you'll understand the triggers for your cravings, exact techniques to reduce cravings and prevent them before they start, and a plan for how to understand your body's signals so you can keep yourself energized, fueled and mentally clear.
It's empowering to learn about your body in this way. I want you to feel confident and excited about your health protocol! And this workshop is step one on that journey. Join the workshop with the button below - it’s time to stop sugar cravings for good!
Avoiding Binging
Now that we’ve established that there’s nothing wrong with you for having sugar cravings - it means your body is working properly - that doesn’t mean that sugar cravings and sugar binges feel good. It’s important to address underlying triggers and causes for episodes of overeating or binging, especially on sugary foods so that you can feel more mindful and intentional around food.
To avoid binging, it’s important to get to the root of why you are craving sweet foods. Are you emotionally eating? Are you stressed or anxious? Is something going on in your life that’s causing you to seek out comfort foods? Research has demonstrated that certain emotions lead to cravings for calorie-rich and sugary foods.
So, how can we address this in order for you to have a more meaningful relationship with food?
Consider the following questions:
Are you eating enough throughout the day?
It is important to ensure that you are consuming enough food throughout the day in order to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. If you find yourself constantly craving sweets, it could be a sign that you are not eating enough nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating regular, balanced meals will help provide your body with the energy it needs and prevent your cravings from getting out of hand.
Are your meals well rounded and satisfying? Are your meals nutritious enough and you are getting enough protein?
Try to plan out your meals and snacks ahead of time so that you can make sure that you are consuming enough throughout the day. Ensure that each meal or snack contains a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats. For those moments when you feel like you just have to have something sweet, reach for something nutritious like fruit or a piece of dark chocolate. These alternatives are much better for your body and will help keep your cravings under control.
Feel like you’re addicted to sugar? You’re definitely not the only one!
Check out this video all about why sugar addiction happens, how to better understand your cravings, and how you can master your sugar cravings and stop feeling hooked on sugar.
Are you restricting yourself?
When it comes to sweet cravings, it’s important to take a look at whether you’re restricting yourself from certain foods or food groups. Restricting ourselves from certain foods can lead to cravings for the very things we are avoiding. This is why it’s important to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your diet. If you’re feeling restricted, consider adding in some of the food items that you’ve been avoiding.
Once you identify the reason for your cravings, it is important to find healthier ways to cope with them. You may want to reach for a healthy snack or something else that will satisfy your cravings without reaching for an unhealthy alternative. Drinking water and getting adequate sleep can also help reduce cravings.
2. Opting for Naturally Sweetened Foods
What matters is how much you’re eating, what type of sweets you’re having and how often you’re eating them. There are ways to incorporate sweet foods into your meals without going overboard.
Therefore, instead of trying to completely eliminate your craving for sweets, it’s best to focus on reducing it in a healthy way. To do this, try to focus on making small changes over time. If you find yourself binging on sweets, try to find ways to reduce the cravings and replace them with healthier alternatives.
I’ve dedicated an entire section in my cookbook for delicious, naturally sweetened treats that make for a healthier and more nutritious alternative than the classic sugary treats we might be tempted to turn to. Let me be clear that I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having the “regular” versions of sweet treats like cookies, brownies and cake, but I do think most of us can agree that we feel better after eating a more nutritious sweet treat that still tastes good and feels satisfying.
There are so many nutritious and healthy recipes that can satisfy your sweet tooth naturally!
- Protein pancakes
- Protein waffles
- Peanut butter toast with apples and banana
- Black bean brownies
- Chocolate banana bread
You can also try adding fresh or frozen fruit to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Fresh or dried fruits make excellent toppings for pancakes, yogurt, or oatmeal bowls.
Nuts, nut butters, and seeds can also be added to smoothies and shakes for a more satisfying and nutritious snack.
Dried fruits like dates, raisins, and prunes are packed with nutrients and make great additions to trail mixes and granola bars.
It's also important to note that some of the sugars found in food are natural, like those found in honey and maple syrup. There's nothing wrong with including natural sugars in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Overall, cravings for sweet food can be a signal from your body that it needs more energy. Finding healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth can help you stay on track with your nutrition and health goals. Eating enough throughout the day and ensuring your meals are well rounded and nutritious is important. Try some of the tips in this article to get you started!