Do you ever crave something sweet so much that you just can’t get your mind off of it? You aren’t alone! Sugar is an addictive substance and cravings are a common struggle in an otherwise healthy lifestyle. They can be frustrating and powerful, begging the question: how do you control sugar cravings naturally? Read on for five tips to battle your desire for the sweet stuff!

1.    Balance Blood Sugar
 

Imbalanced blood sugar happens when blood sugar levels spike quickly and then drop just as fast as they spike. This often results from eating a sugar- or carbohydrate-heavy meal or snack, which causes blood glucose levels to rise. In response, insulin is released by the pancreas to move the glucose to where it is needed – either for immediate use, or to be stored for later. However, when glucose falls quickly, it causes the body to crave immediate energy – sugar and simple carbs!

Therefore, one step to control sugar cravings naturally is simply to manage the spikes and drops in your blood sugar or “balance” blood sugar. You can do this by pairing carbohydrates with protein and fat to slow the introduction of glucose into the blood stream. Some of the best foods to reduce sugar cravings include healthy fats with fiber like nuts, seeds, avocado. In addition, proteins like pastured poultry and eggs, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed beef and dairy help balance blood sugar.

2.    Address Deficiencies
 

Your sugar cravings may be triggered by a deficiency in certain nutrients. Magnesium, zinc, and chromium are the three most common culprits. If you are deficient in any of these nutrients, they are some of the best supplements for sugar cravings. Yes, a good multivitamin can help you control sugar cravings naturally!

3.    Hit the Hay
 

Research suggests that getting enough good quality sleep can increase energy levels and improve impulse control while also reducing sugar cravings and appetite. This is because sleep plays a critical role in regulating hormone levels, including the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which regulate the body’s signals for hunger and fullness.

4.    Manage Stress
 

Stress affects your levels of the hormone cortisol, and elevated cortisol can alter your circulating levels of glucose and insulin. Yes, this simple imbalance of hormones can impact your blood sugar and sugar cravings!

Manage stress with some of our top tips and by supplementing when needed with supportive adaptogenic herbs like those found in our Stress Remedy®!

5.    Hydrate
 

Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger. This can lead to unnecessary snacking which then causes blood sugar to spike, which cascades into sugar cravings.

Conclusion
 

Excess sugar consumption can increase the risk of cavities, metabolic imbalances, and several other health problems. But sugar's addictive properties can make it hard to kick your cravings. Try these five tips to control sugar cravings naturally and reap the benefits of improved energy, mood, and overall health!