By: Nikki Nies 
High sugared foods– the more refined sugars we eat, the more we crave. Cutting unhealthy habits can be a challenge. In regards to the highly addictive substance, sugar, it is best to go cold turkey. Find options that work for you as reliable replacements and be sure to never leave home without them!
Like the title of this post states, but incorporating some small changes into your life, can lead to big results! The initial changes can be a test, but is important in building the confidence that you don’t have to turn to sugar or chips, but with the nourishment of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, one can develop a healthy lifestyle.
While changes and goals must be realistic and individualized to your own needs, it’s important to just get started!
Potential Suggestions:
- Start your day off with a protein, fat and carb packed breakfast
- Make a list of activities to do besides eating to have on hand for when you want to eat, but your body isn’t necessarily hungry
- Record your food intake including portions, time of day and emotion during that meal
- Opt for three meals and two snacks a day or 5 small meals. Listen to your body’s hunger cues!
- Try your hand at the spice cabinet. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find what you like best! Grab the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander and/or cardamom and go to town!
- Get moving! When one exercises, it helps reduce tension, boosts energy and decreases sugar cravings!
- Be open to exploring emotional causes of sugar cravings. One can turn to sugar as a means to meet emotional needs that aren’t being met
- Limit use of artificial sweeteners as this won’t help you with your sugar cravings! If you must use an artificial sweetener, opt for Stevia as it’s the healthiest.
- Change your environment, whether that means removing tempting foods from kitchen countertops to rerouting the drive home to bypass ‘must have’ fast food!
- Grab an accountability partner can help on the days when more support is needed!
- If you find yourself in a tempting situation, grab an apple, carrots and/or a handful of almonds to stave off the unhealthy foods!
Again, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many changes. No need to overhaul your life and adopt ALL of the above suggestions. Perhaps, incorporate one or two of these changes into your week and slowly add in more changes as you build your confidence and reduce your sugar cravings!
It typically takes two weeks of dedicated healthy eating for sweet cravings to subside. Yes, change can be hard and takes work, but are you ready for the challenge to become a healthier you? What steps are you taking today to get there?!
Photo Credit: LA Beach Fit
Sources: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/weight-management/current-consumption.html
wedishnutrition.wordpress.com 