Six Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings!

I know from experience that falling victim to the 3pm (and 8pm) sugar attack is a tough habit to break. I also know there are only a few ways to stop the attacks, and what works one day may not work the next (at least for me this is the case). So here are six tactics that have helped me keep the cravings at bay, because I’m not going to lie and tell you that just because I’m a health and fitness enthusiast I don’t fight TCBY cravings too!

1. Drink Water

Heard this one before? Most often than we know, we mistake dehydration for hunger. Think you drink enough water? A little food for thought: Some of us need more than just eight glasses a day. If I only drank eight glasses of water a day I’d be passed out on the floor by 2pm. Feeling a sugar craving rapidly approaching? Fill up your water bottle and start chugging! Better yet, add a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a little flavor. Chances are you’ll hurdle that roadblock.

2. Exercise

So what if you’re at work? Do some squats, take a walk around the block or office building or just do some jumping jacks. Get your heart rate up and make yourself sweat a little for a few minutes and then see #1.

3. Chew Gum

I always carry gum with me even though I don’t chew it for much longer than 15-20 minutes. Worried about the artificial sweeteners in all that sugar free stuff? Buy the kind made with xylitol (a natural sweetener) instead. Pop a piece and forget about those donuts left over from the office meeting or the cake from your kid’s birthday party!

4. Read the Label (aka: Knowledge is Power)

Can you pronounce most of what you read on the ingredients list? Better yet, is sugar (in whatever form may be listed) one of the top five ingredients? Ask yourself if it’s worth it and then put it back and move on to #5! Some common names for sugar (but this is not an exhaustive list):

High Fructose Corn Syrup 
Glucose
Honey
Sucrose
Fructose
Lactose
Molasses

Confused about just how much sugar is in that particular food? The government uses grams on food labels, but to convert it to teaspoons so it makes more sense and really hits home as to how much sugar you’re consuming, do the math: Divide the number of sugar grams by 4 ( because each teaspoon of sugar is equal to 4 grams) to convert it to teaspoons. For example, if sugars are listed as 12 g, you’re getting 3 teaspoons of sugar per serving.

1. Eat Fruit Instead:

Grab an apple, banana, or some mixed berries and tame the beast with some natural sugar (this one is my go-to and usually works).

2. Drink Hot Tea:

Sometimes it’s not really about the sugar, even though we may think so (some people crave salt in the afternoons, or just something comforting). I find that when I’m in this mood where I want to reach for food to bring me out of my afternoon slump, if I drink hot tea instead I eliminate the craving AND I keep my mouth busy. My favorite is jasmine green tea which I get in bulk at Fred Meyer, but I also opt for caffeine-free herbal teas often.

If all else fails and you can’t keep the urge under control, at least be sure to reach for something of nutritional value...like the recipe in this newsletter! I assure you the secret ingredient in the cookies will blow your mind, and delight your tastebuds!

Meet the Trainer

Crystal is a certified personal trainer through
the National Sports and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has a passion for helping others live a healthy lifestyle and coaching them to push their limits beyond what they think they are
capable of.