If you’ve started your journey to quit added sugar, you’ve likely come up against the dreaded sugar cravings. Luckily, we’ve got a few tried and true techniques to manage these – one of which includes the drinks we choose. Here are 3 powerful beverages to keep you going through the withdrawal symptoms.

Green tea

There are a number of reasons why herbal tea – particularly green tea – can have a powerful effect on sugar cravings. Let’s take a look at a few of the elements responsible:

Caffeine: Green tea’s caffeine content can help supress sugar cravings as it stimulates the central nervous system, thereby increasing the production responsible for signalling fullness to the brain.

Polyphenols: These antioxidants are known to not only boost our gut health and reduce inflammation, but also help regulate our blood-sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This can prevent spikes in blood-sugars and those stubborn cravings.

L-theanine: This is an amino acid which has been found to reduce stress and anxiety – and we know there’s a strong link between emotions and eating. Many of us reach for the snacks when we’re feeling stressed, so eating foods that improve our mood can also reduce our chance of giving in to cravings.

Drinking green tea can help with hydration and improving overall health, and both of these things are known to reduce sugar cravings. While green tea can be a helpful tool in fighting sugar cravings, it should be used in combination with a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle.

Golden milk

Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink made with turmeric and milk, sometimes using other spices like ginger and cinnamon, and then and sweetened with honey. It is believed to have several health benefits, including boosting gut health and fighting sugar cravings. For starters, the turmeric which contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. By stabilising blood sugar levels, the turmeric can prevent the spikes and crashes that can trigger sugar cravings. If you add ginger to your golden milk, you’ll reap the antioxidising benefits which also stabilise blood-sugar levels. On top of that, ginger helps us feel fuller for longer and improves digestion, thereby staving off gut issues that can contribute to those cravings. Cinnamon is another impressive ingredient that may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings, with studies finding that cinnamon can help improve insulin sensitivity.

Plus, drinking a warm, comforting drink like golden milk can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which then sets us up for better gut health, mental health and fewer cravings.  

Water

That’s right, plain old water is one of your best weapons in the fight against sugar cravings! Staying hydrated is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, which then reduces our risk of sugar cravings. When we are dehydrated, our blood becomes more concentrated, leading to rising blood sugar levels. Drinking water can also help improve digestion – drinking water can help move food through the digestive system more efficiently, which can help regulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Again, this means fewer cravings. Not to mention, you’ll feel better and sleep better.

Why we should reduce our sugar intake

Despite the  war on fat that took over diet culture in the recent past, research shows it is actually fructose that is the true culprit.  Studies have found a direct link between obesity and excessive fructose consumption, along with researchers finding it causes development of visceral fat. Visceral fat is that which wraps around the abdominal organs, making it more dangerous than subcutaneous fat, which is generally harmless and is found between the skin and the external abdominal wall. Plus,  researchers have found excess fructose can cause leptin resistance – this is the hormone that signals to the brain that we’re full. So, it’s no wonder so many of us are struggling with sugar cravings and overeating when we’re consuming these sugary, ultra-processed diets! What can you do? Well, while some can reduce their sugar consumption effectively, others find committing to quitting added sugar can be a more effective method. And there’s no need to do it alone! Join us for the 8-Week Program. We’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining.

We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.

2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!