Three Tips to Curb A Sweet Tooth

Three Tips to Curb A Sweet Tooth

One of the frequently asked questions I get from my personal training clients is how do I resist my sweet cravings.  Working towards losing weight can be difficult when cravings strike, especially the craving for sugar.  From birth, sugar is the first preferred taste we have.  Sugar is a carbohydrate and when we consume carbohydrates the brain releases serotonin and endorphins which can induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.  The problem, however, is even though sugar can give you a quick boost of energy, that energy boost quickly plummets and often leaves you craving more sugar which leaves you feeling even more tired than you were before.  This can lead to a vicious cycle of overconsumption of sugar and calories which defeats your weight loss goals. To combat cravings for sugar give the following tips a try.

• Schedule regular, balanced meals throughout the day.  Don’t let too many hours pass without eating.  Waiting too long to eat causes blood sugar spikes in the body which can lead to cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates.  Incorporating lean proteins, whole grains, produce and foods with high fiber helps the body to stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid intense cravings that can occur when you wait too long to eat.
• Drink water.  Increase your daily water intake.  Drinking water can help your stomach feel full.  It is also essential for helping your body metabolize food and extract the nutrients your body needs to function properly.  Inadequate consumption of water will leave you feeling hungry no matter how much food you eat due to the simple fact that your body cannot efficiently process the food you have already eaten.
• Chew gum.  Studies have shown that chewing gum can reduce food cravings.  Chewing gum after a meal helps the body feel full longer while reducing cravings for sweets and snacks later in the day.  Chewing gum can also help you reduce consumption of food and calories by 10% when chewed for at least 45 minutes.

Taking these three, simple steps can help you reduce your craving for sugar naturally while helping you stay on track with your diet to meet your fitness and weight loss goals.

For more tips on how to curb a sweet tooth, eating healthy, strength training, or if you’ve been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, contact us.