This is a common problem that many of us encounter: sugar cravings. It happens pretty often, and most people can’t help but eat something sweet. Hopefully, there are some foods that stop sugar cravings, and we believe it would be helpful to know about them.
It is in our nature to crave sweets. That is how we were born. Simple carbohydrates, often known as sugars, trigger the parts of the brain that create endorphins, or happy chemicals. Besides this, sweet treats are always associated with happy events such as birthdays, parties, and Christmas. Because of this, people tend to love sweets.
Unfortunately, we have a problem: we eat too much sugar. But this is not a regular problem; it is a national problem. Currently, an adult’s daily intake of added sugar is around 17 teaspoons or 270 calories per day!
Read on and learn more about the foods that stop sugar cravings.
1. Chia seeds
If you are into a healthy lifestyle, you might know about the benefits of chia seeds. They are a great source of nutrients such as fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. In actuality, soluble fiber makes up approximately forty percent of chia seeds.
But did you know that they are also among the foods that stop sugar cravings? This happens because of the high fiber percentage. The soluble fiber found in chia seeds quickly and effectively absorbs water, and it turns into a jelly-like substance in your gut. This substance keeps you full for longer, and the best part is that it prevents sugar cravings.
You need to know that chia seeds, even if they don’t look like them, are actually quite versatile. If you feel like you would like to eat some sugar, try making chia pudding.
2. Sweet potatoes
This is some great news for potato lovers: Sweet potatoes are among the best foods that stop sugar cravings! They are extremely filling, they are nutritious, and they are sweet. What more can you ask for?
Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, all of which are essential for a healthy body.
But there is one big reason people tend to have sugar cravings: not eating enough. Some folks don’t eat enough meals throughout the day, and this might make them crave sugar because their bodies need energy to function properly.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates to include in your meals to help fight this urge for sweetness while also adding calories and creating a more balanced meal.
3. Fermented foods
Kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, and many more are amazing sources of good bacteria. This bacteria is known to keep the balance in your gut by destroying the bad bacteria that can cause disease.
In actuality, the bacteria in your stomach are connected to several bodily functions and have the ability to “talk” to your brain via the chemicals and hormones they create. Because of this, there are several ways in which your gut flora may affect how much food you eat.
Among these compounds are some that have the potential to mimic hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, therefore affecting an individual’s appetite and food desires. This is why fermented foods are some of the foods that stop sugar cravings.
4. Dark chocolate
When you crave something sweet, there is a high chance that you are craving some chocolate. And we totally get it! Chocolate is amazing, but if you want to try some foods that stop sugar cravings, chocolate is definitely not on the list. Or is it?
Chocolate that has a cocoa content above 70% is considered dark chocolate. What is great and beneficial about this type of chocolate is that it also includes polyphenols, which are beneficial plant components.
According to some research, these polyphenols’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could potentially help with heart health.
Dark chocolate does, however, include sugar and fat, much like regular chocolate, so it’s recommended to restrict yourself to a few squares just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Berries
If you are looking for foods that stop sugar cravings, berries are for you. They are an excellent choice because, even if they are sweet, they have lots of fiber, which makes them less sugary.
If you think that your sugar cravings are caused by habit rather than hunger, berries can help you with that. Next time you want to eat something sweet while you are watching your favorite show, try to eat some berries instead.
Another thing about berries is that they are full of vitamins, nutrients, and compounds with antioxidant properties. Even more, they are known for their ability to reduce inflammation. If you choose to eat berries, you can actually lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
6. Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, which makes them perfect for keeping your cravings and even your appetite in check. You can start by having eggs for breakfast because numerous studies have found that eating eggs in the morning can actually reduce your hunger throughout the day.
But why is this happening? The reason for this might be partially attributed to the fact that eating a high-protein breakfast reduces the levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin and raises the levels of the hormones that make you feel full.
This is why eggs are among the foods that stop sugar cravings. They will keep you full for longer, and in that way, you will not have any sugar cravings at all.
7. Whole grains
When we talk about foods that stop sugar cravings, we can’t skip whole grains. Their high fiber content does wonders and may keep you full for longer. Whole grains also have some beneficial nutrients such as phosphorus, vitamin B, iron, and selenium. So, eating whole grains regularly is a pretty healthy and nutritious choice that will keep your cravings at bay.
Even more, probiotics like Lactobacilli, Bacteroidetes, and Bifidobacteria can flourish in your stomach thanks to whole grains. Oddly enough, their fiber content is not a sufficient explanation for their filling properties. The effect they have on gut flora has also been proposed as a potential factor in this phenomenon.
All things considered, eating a diet rich in whole grains can help you feel full and may even help you avoid any temptations for sweets.
8. Legumes
Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are all amazing plant-based sources of protein and fiber, but they are also some of the foods that stop sugar cravings.
It is believed that these two nutrients will make you feel less hungry. So, theoretically, eating more legumes might make your stomach feel fuller and lessen your desire for sugar because of your hunger.
For example, if you eat 198 grams or one cup of lentils, you will get 16 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein. This is so much for such a quantity of food! Another interesting thing is that some research studies show that eating lentils regularly might also help you lose weight.
It is easy to see why including legumes in your diet is a great idea; they are nutritious, have many beneficial effects, and last but not least, they might help you with your sugar cravings.
If you want to stop eating sugar this book might help you: Divorcing Sugar: 40 Day Sugar Detox Plan To Eliminate Sugar Cravings, Overcome Sugar Addiction, Drop Fat And Reclaim Great Health
You should also read 5 Foods We Eat Today Were Once Considered Garbage