I know how hard it is for you to control your sugar cravings because for years, my Little Sugar Demon (See below. That is him.) was in complete control of me.
After a stressful day at work, I would come home, eat a healthy dinner and then around 10pm, I would make myself a bowl of Chocolate Almond Butter Mousse, topped with trail mix. I would then sit on my couch, with my dog staring at me, and scarf it down.
1 bowl would turn into 2. 2 would turn into 3 and I would keep going until I was sick to my stomach. By the end of the night, I would eat at least...HALF A JAR OF ALMOND BUTTER (15 servings per jar) AND 1/2 BAG OF TRAIL MIX (12 servings per bag).
My secret sugar issues were so bad that when I would got dinner parties, after the dessert was served, that I never ate at the table, I would sneak in the kitchen throughout the rest of night, and take bites of the dessert until I was so full, I couldn't breath.
One time, I remember my friend, Michael, caught me and said, "Wow, Lauren, your Inner Fat Kid just came out." I looked at him, hands covered in covered in chocolate, mortified, not because it was true but because I finally got caught. At that moment, I realized I had a problem that needed to be addressed before it got even more out of hand.
So, how did I get my "Inner Fat Kid That Loves Cake Sugar Demon" to go away...90% of the time?
Haas Holistic Sugar Demon Arsenal Bag:
Start you morning with PROTEIN and FAT:
An organic egg and veggie omelet is my fav way to start the day. If you start your day with carbs and sugar you will crave more sugar throughout the day. By eating a combination of protein and fat for breakfast, you will balance your blood sugar which is one of the main secrets to stopping sugar cravings. By balancing your blood sugar, you will loose weight, reducing inflammation and keeping the Hangry Monster away that whispers in your ear, "Snickers..Chocolate...Donuts...Cookies."
Eat Regularly:
By eating three meals and two snacks or five small meals a day, you will balance your blood sugar. By skipping meals and letting yourself get too hungry, you will be more likely to crave sweet sugary snacks for quick energy, binge on unhealthy options or just eat way to much.
Snack Right:
Have a banana or apple with some cinnamon almond butter. Adding cinnamon and a little stevia to some almond butter and dipping apples or bananas in it will make your fruit snack more satisfying due to the fat from the nut butter. Not only is this a healthy option, but this snack is kind of like dessert. (I know, it is a stretch. But it works!)
Choose REAL Foods:
Fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, nuts, gluten free grains and beans are REAL FOODS because they come from the earth! The closer a food is to its original form, the less processed sugar it will contain. Your body knows how to use real food and wants to use it for fuel...so EAT REAL FOOD!
Check out some of my fav recipes HERE!
Add Fresh Herbs + Spices:
Fresh basil, cilantro, dill, parsley and coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom will satisfy your taste buds by adding a pop of flavor to your meal and naturally sweeten your foods which will reduce cravings.
Sugar Craving Supplements:
Take Omega 3-fatty acids, vitamin B and D. If you are not giving your body the essential minerals and vitamins it needs, it will revolt causing you to crave sugar.
Add 1000-2000 mg of L-glutamine to your water DAILY. Many times, sugar cravings start in the gut. Taking this amino acid with repair your gut and reduce the cravings. It also relieves sugar cravings because the brain uses it for fuel kind of like sugar.
Take a probiotic. This will also help repair your gut!
Add Magnesium to your diet:
If you find yourself craving chocolate, add some magnesium to your water. Chocolate cravings can be a sign that your body is lacking this mineral!
Move your body:
Exercise! Even taking a walk can help with sugar cravings because sometimes these cravings are caused by stress. Movement, whether you take a run or a yoga class, will reduce tension, boost your energy and can stop that need to eat that bag of cookies!
Get enough sleep:
Our brain craves sugar when we are tired because it’s a quick energy fix. Take a nap or get to bed early when you notice your cravings show up or are increasing. Take control of your cravings before they take control of you!
Be mindful:
Explore the emotional issues around your sugar addiction. Ask yourself, “Why am I craving sugar? I am sad, anxious or lonely?"
Sit with these feeling and think about why you feel this way and what you can do to feel better. Sugar will not fix these problems and will make you feel both mentally and physically WORST after you let the cravings win.
That cookie doesn’t equal happiness and never will!
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