When you take a drink of your favorite sugary coffee beverage, enjoy a delicious bite of cake, or indulge in your favorite pasta, you trigger a dopamine release in your body that’s similar to when you’re listening to your favorite music or falling in love. This release creates a positive association with that trigger in your brain—or what is commonly known as a "sweet tooth"—causing you to crave sugar. Sugar tastes good, it makes you feel good in the moment, so you want more. Yet, sugar doesn't offer any real benefits to your health.
You might be looking to reduce your sugar intake to prevent health issues such as obesity and diabetes, or perhaps you’re trying to lose weight. Whatever your reason, the following tips can help you kick your sugar cravings to the curb and improve your overall health.
Avoid Simple Carbohydrates
Highly processed foods like white bread and pasta can cause a spike in blood sugar and increase sugar cravings. You can keep your blood sugar more level by choosing alternatives with whole grains or eliminating grains altogether. For example, this Healthy Choice® Chicken Marinara Power Bowl subs in grain-free riced cauliflower, adding even more flavor and nutrients to a dish you’re sure to love. And yes, Italian food is still on the table (literally). This Basil Pesto Chicken Power Bowl packs all the old-world, comforting flavor you love into a healthier, low-carb meal that will keep your blood sugar low and enjoyment high! If you have a little more time on your hands, these Chicken Burrito Bowls are packed with bright, fresh flavor, and you could easily double or triple the recipe for lunches to last you all week. You could also mix things up and invest in a spiralizer so you can make spiralized veggie noodles, which will open you up to a whole new world of culinary possibilities, like Greek Chicken Zoodles flavored with a creamy tomato-olive sauce, salty olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil.
Fill Up on Protein
Another way to curb sugar cravings is to fill up on lean protein, which balances blood sugar—reducing cravings and helping you feel full for a long time. Try Birds Eye® Voila!® Balsamic Glazed Chicken for a protein- and veggie-filled meal your whole family will love. Stir-fry is always a great option; you can customize the veggies and proteins to your liking, as long as you have a good, flavorful sauce on hand. This easy Sesame Stir-Fry is made with chicken, tender broccoli, bell pepper, and onion, and packs in big flavor with P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Sesame Sauce. In a hurry? Healthy Choice has some delicious stir-fry options ready for your skillet, like this Healthy Choice Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry, featuring a feel-good blend of vegetables and 40% of your daily protein.
Add Healthy Fats to Your Diet
Like protein, healthy fats help satiate your appetite and curb your sugar cravings. Healthy fats are found in lean protein, eggs, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon. They’re great for simple snacks, like hard-boiled eggs or almonds, as well as main meals. Start your day with a protein-rich Oatmeal Power Bowl with Peanut Butter Drizzle, starring a trio of healthy fats from Earth Balance® Creamy Peanut & Flaxseed Spread, chia seeds, and flax seeds, to and curb those sugar cravings and keep you feeling charged all day. For a tasty lunch or dinner option, try this recipe for Pan-Seared Salmon with Guacamole made with spicy chipotle-seasoned salmon filets and chunky guacamole—you can whip it up in less than an hour.
