Five tips to beat your carb cravings

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  1. Hydrate first! Most of the time when we experience cravings it’s our bodies way of telling us we are thirsty.  Reach for water first, if that doesn’t work then go for option 2.
  2. Protein! Protein gives our bodies essential amino acids that our brain uses to make serotonin. Serotonin is our happy hormone, and when it’s low we crave carbs! Protein also help to activate our satiety hormones, telling our brain we are full. So, if your feeling low, and craving some sugar, go for protein first! Try a handful of salted nuts or a piece of chicken.
  3. Choose wisely!  When you’re standing in line at your favorite coffee shop, staring through the glass case at all the sweets, and the signs are advertising the newest seasonal hot beverage. Take a breath, step back from the glass case! Ask yourself, what’s going to feel good in my body? Instead choose the apple and cheese plate or bag of nuts or even a pre-made salad option or the small dark chocolates.  Then when you step up the cashier rather than opting for the vente pumpkin spice late with whip cream- choose espresso, americano, matcha late, chai or hibiscus berry tea instead, add your own honey, cream or dairy alternative. Always ask how much sweeter they add to your drink, and say no thanks!
  4. Chose a better alternative:
    • Stevia is all natural and does not influence your blood sugar at all!
    • Xylitol is a natural alternative that tastes great and is an easy 1:1 substitute for sugar, use it for baking, sweetening your favorite hot beverage.
    • Cinnamon can helps to lower blood sugar, taste great, and can be used to trick your brain into thinking your having something sweet.
    • Tea- there are so many delicious teas out there (Tazo Wild Sweet Orange, Chai, Earl Grey) that can help to provide that little bit of comfort and sooth that sweet tooth.
  5. Avoid sugar! Sugar begets sugar. Did you know the more you eat the more your brain craves it?! Take a break & reset, go 100% sugar free for 3 weeks, be a real stickler, read ingredient labels, avoid any added ingredient such as sugar, glucose, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and many more (a more complete list here). Keep carbohydrates low, no processed foods, wheat, flour, starches ect. Taking a break can really help your body and brain reset.

If your still struggling there may be something deeper going on, some condition like depression, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, candida, stress, inadequate protein intake, and others can work against you. If your interested in digging deeper and learning more about your carb craving and what to do about it. BOOK your FREE 15 minute phone consult today.