We want to curb cravings for weight loss, but at the same time we want something deep-fried and covered in chocolate. Am I right?
But Why Do We Crave Sugar?
There are many different reasons why we feel the need for something sweet…
It’s part of our nature. From the day we are born, sweet is the first taste that we prefer.
We get a feel-got sensation from eating sugar because it releases a chemical in the brain called serotonin. It also releases endorphins. These calm, relax, and make us feel happy.
There are several other causes for sugar cravings, including an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the digestive system.
But I don’t have a sweet tooth…
Sugar is not always sweet. Sugar is a carbohydrate. It is also found in things that do not taste sweet. Other carbohydrates are things like whole grains and vegetables. Then we get things that are sweet, but we don’t think are full of sugar. These things are usually fruit.
So what is the big problem with sugar?
The problem is not eating something sweet now and then. The problem is over indulging.
You don’t have to eat 3 whole chocolate bars for it to be indulging…
Seeing that most processed foods and sugary snacks are so jam-packed with sugar and carbs, we don’t really think that we are overdoing it. Take a look at the nutritional information table on that packet of gummy worms before you eat them next time. You might get a bit of a fright.
Let’s see how you can kick these cravings…
9 Tips to curb cravings for weight loss:
Eat fruit.
Yes, fruit also contains sugar. But it also has lots of fibre and nutrients. The fibre helps slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, giving the body more time to process it.
Dried fruit and nuts make great on-the-go snacks. Always keep some handy to avoid reaching for something sugar-filled when you get a craving.
Take your mind off the craving.
When you get a craving, do something to take your mind off it. Take a walk. Hit the gym. Do some work.
As long as you change the scenery or get your mind thinking of something other than your craving you have a better chance of not giving in to it.
Quality, not quantity.
If you just can’t say no to a sweet treat, pick something wonderful. GO for your all time favourite, not just “anything that will do”. And then stick to a small portion.
Just one or two blocks of dark chocolate. Share a small slice of cheesecake with your partner. Don’t stuff an entire lemon meringue in your face.
It is more healthy to add small amounts of your favourite treats into your diet. If you don’t, you may find yourself overpowered by your craving and giving in to an entire tub of ice cream.
Eat regularly.
If you wait too long between meals you just set yourself up for overeating, eating the wrong things, and having cravings ten times worse than they should be.
Eat every 2 to 3 hours. Make sure that you eat plenty of protein and fibre. Small, healthy meals and snacks can keep you going from meal to meal.
Drink plenty of water.
A time-tested classic is to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Often when you think you are hungry, you are actually thirsty. Drinking a glass of water before each meal will also help you feel full more quickly.
Exercise is very important to burn excess sugar in the bloodstream. It also promotes weight loss, as it helps to burn excess fat stored in the cells.
Eat low GI.
Eat a healthy, low GI meal (see the Manna Diet) as an option for a healthy lifestyle. This diet can help to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Replace a Meal.
Try to replace one meal per day with the new Manna Low GI Shake, because the amount of fiber, essential sugars and natural minerals in the plant helps to curb sweet and food cravings successfully. The Shake also helps to suppress appetite for effective weight loss.
Take the Manna Blood Sugar Support
Take the Manna Blood Sugar Support with each meal, because this product helps to retard the uptake of glucose from the food to the blood stream and therefore helps to curb cravings for weight loss, especially for sweet stuff.