Sugar cravings are anything but sweet, and for many of us they’re the leading reason we fall off the wagon. If you’ve been trying to stick to a whole, REAL foods but find your sweet tooth getting in the way, we’ve got just the solution. Here are 5 foods that will bust those cravings and keep you on track. 

So, what causes those incessant sugar cravings? Well, there are a few different factors at play. First and foremost, our brains are wired to seek out sweet foods because they provide us with a quick burst of energy. When we eat something sweet, our bodies release a hormone called insulin, which helps us absorb sugar from our bloodstream and use it for energy. Sounds good, right? Well, the problem is, when we eat too much sugar, our bodies can become resistant to insulin, which means that we need to produce more and more of it in order to get the same effect. This can lead to a vicious cycle of sugar cravings and overeating. That’s not the worst of it – sugar has been shown to have addictive properties, which means that the more we eat it, the more we crave it. It can also trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can make us feel happy and satisfied in the moment, but can also lead to cravings later on, particularly when we’re stressed and needing a pick-me-up. It's times like these that our willpower flies out the window – but you don’t have to be a sitting duck to your cravings, we’ve got a few powerful foods known to put a dampener on those feelings.

Ginger Tea

Not only is ginger tea delicious, but it's also a great way to kick sugar cravings to the curb. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means that ginger tea can help reduce inflammation in the body and combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to sugar cravings. 

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time. Additionally, the magnesium and vitamin E found in nuts may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can help prevent sugar cravings.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients like fibre, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Because they're a complex carbohydrate, sweet potatoes are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates like sugar, which means they can help keep blood-sugar levels stable and keep our appetite hormones in check.

Oats

Oats are another great source of fibre, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, oats are rich in a type of soluble fibre known as beta-glucan, which has been shown to help regulate blood-sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. The results? Fewer cravings and more energy!

Avocado

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, which can help you feel satisfied and full. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats found in avocados may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, which can help prevent sugar cravings.

Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or fight off a sugar addiction, we’re here to help. Join us for the 8-Week Program and 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. You might even consider gifting your mum with the program! 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!