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The dreaded sweet tooth – so many of us have one and it can be oh so difficult to get rid of! Luckily there are not only ways to help get rid of it (think eliminating all sugar, processed foods and sweet fruits for 30 days) or there are tricks to help you calm it so you don’t give in to it when sudden cravings come along.
Here are some of my favorite tips to help you power through your sweet tooth:
Get rid of processed foods
If you can’t wrap your head around completely eliminating them at the very least reduce them- in a big way! Refined carbohydrates are high on the glycemic index and can create an insulin spike, which will inevitably lead to a drop and then a craving for sugar. It you do reach for some crackers or crave pasta make sure to add healthy fats and protein to prevent the insulin spikes.
Add healthy fats to your diet
Too many of us are terrified of fats but they are a very important addition to a healthy diet and can even help us combat cravings. Healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, pastured butter and nuts and seeds are easy ways to incorporate healthy fats. Switching to grass fed and organic animal protein will get you even more healthy fats and fewer toxic chemicals.
Eat more sweet veggies
Eating sweet veggies on a regular basis (everyday) can help you combat sweet cravings. Sweet red peppers and carrots are great for snacking on with some hummus. Sweet potatoes, winter squashes, onions and even carrots are delicious roasted in some coconut oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon. When you eat these regularly enough you can trick your body into thinking it has had plenty of sweets – which it has except these are the healthy kinds!
Eat nature’s candy
Fruit that’s in season is so delicious you probably won’t even crave candy. Berries are an excellent option but get creative and try different things. Stick to local, seasonal fruits so you can properly nourish your body.
Check in with yourself
Sometimes a craving for something sweet is really a craving for some sweetness in your life. Take a moment to check in with yourself emotionally before giving in to your sweet tooth. Try journaling, asking yourself questions or even taking a few deep breaths to figure out what it is you’re really craving.
Jacqueline Banks, who grew up in Casa de Campo, is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother.
Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and families healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living.
Check out her website at: www.jacquelinebanks.com
