Drink Your Sugar Cravings Away!

Let’s be honest: who didn’t feel the oh-so-loud siren call of a tasty sugary treat screaming at us every now and then? And by now and then, I mean every day, at least three times a day.

Sugar cravings must be at the top of the list of universal experiences, as they thread through the tapestry of our day-to-day lives with the sweet promise of a well-deserved escape. Whether you’re fighting for a chocolate bar after a long day full of meetings or a homemade cookie, these cravings are nothing less than whispers of joy.

But like anything else in life, sugar cravings have their pros and cons. Eating too much sugar might ease the mental pressure for a sweet tooth, but it also contributes to a myriad of health concerns if consumed in excess, including an increased risk of dental cavities, weight gain, and even heart health concerns. Let’s see if we have any other alternatives to getting our sweet treat!

Lower-sugar sodas

Lower-sugar sodas can be a great and very tactical choice for those of you who are looking to manage or even reduce their sugar cravings. These beverages contain less sugar than their overly-sweet counterparts, which ultimately leads to a reduced sugar intake overall.

Moreover, if you manage to consume them in moderation, they will definitely satisfy the desire for a sweet taste without delivering the full load of sugar you’d usually find in regular sodas. This can also help in slowly diminishing the body’s craving for sweets, as it acts as a stepping stone towards adopting a much healthier diet with lower sugar content overall.

Unlike diet sodas, which are known to contain artificial sweeteners for their sweet taste, some lower-sugar sodas have smaller amounts of sugar with natural, non-nutritive sweeteners, such as stevia leaf, which helps provide the flavor we all know and love.

Watermelon juice

If fruit juice is what you’re looking for, reaching for watermelon juice may ease your thirst but also help you manage your powerful sugar cravings. Only one 8-ounce glass of watermelon juice packs around 70 calories and zero grams of added sugar.

However, it’s worth noting that it does contain natural sugars, but they’re not bad for you. If you’re wondering why this drink ended up on this list, it’s because it’s one of the best and most natural sources of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can easily play a significant role in driving sugar cravings because this mineral is essential for your glucose metabolism.

Without enough magnesium, the body might struggle to regulate blood sugar levels, which would lead to an increased desire for sweets as a fast and reliable energy source. An 8-ounce glass has 24 grams of magnesium.

Water

Plain old H2O could help you curb your sugar craving naturally and, frankly, quite conveniently. How come? Well, some folks out there (not us, of course not) conclude that if they are hungry, it means they need to eat. It sounds obvious, right?

Well, in some instances, they just need to drink water. So leaning on water when a strong and stormy sugar craving hits might allow you to tame your thirst and manage your sugar craving. And since you don’t actually need sweets and your body was only asking for a sip of water, you get to avoid “overdosing” on sugar while also keeping yourself hydrated. Honestly, it’s a win-win situation!

Matcha

Matcha, a rather finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has gained increasing popularity not only for its amazing, unique taste but also because of its health benefits and cultural significance in many tea ceremonies.

It has the ability to manage sugar cravings because of its high content of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and well-being while also reducing stress and anxiety, which are very common for sugar cravings. If you’re not a big matcha fan, traditional green tea would work just as fine.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea famous for its peculiar taste and various health benefits, especially thanks to its potential to aid in managing blood sugar levels. This beneficial effect can also be attributed to the presence of acetic acid, which is made during the fermentation process.

Acetic acid is believed to improve insulin sensitivity, which allows the body to utilize glucose in a more effective manner, lowering blood sugar levels. Besides, kombucha has many probiotics, which contribute to a healthier gut microbiome, which is oftentimes a factor linked to improved glucose metabolism and some food cravings and desires.

Recent data released from Georgetown University confirms that drinking some types of kombucha with a wide range of probiotic bacteria can effectively reduce blood sugars among people with type 2 diabetes. When you decide on “your kombucha,”  make sure you pick one with live bacteria that come from all kinds of strains and with acetic acid.

Apple cider vinegar shots

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) shots are small amounts of concentrated apple cider vinegar, often combined with water and sometimes flavored for a better taste. These shots are also known to help manage sugar cravings by helping stabilize blood sugar levels in some populations.

The acetic acid discovered in AVC slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This process can help mitigate spikes in your blood sugar, which are the main culprits in your sugar cravings. The AVC shots are a wildly popular choice for those who want to maintain a balanced diet and also manage their sugar intake.

Infused water

Infused water is another refreshing alternative to staying hydrated. Infuse some fruits, vegetables, and herbs in cold water. Not only will it enhance the flavor of water, but it’s also more appealing to drink due to the subtle essences and nutrients of the infusion ingredients. When it comes to managing sugar cravings, infused water is definitely a super powerful ally. The natural sweetness that comes from some of our favorite fruits, like berries, watermelon, and citrus, can easily satisfy any sweet tooth without needing added sugars. This way, you get to effectively curb the cravings in a healthy and hydrating way.

Coconut water

Coconut water is already super sweet and hydrating. On top of that, it packs a ton of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. But it gets better: low in calories and completely free from added sugars, this exotic water is definitely one of the best ways to satisfy your sugar cravings and also replenish fluids and support hydration.

Homemade smoothies

Homemade smoothies can be made from a wonderful combination of fruits, leafy greens, and a much-needed source of protein like Greek yogurt or any other plant-based protein powder. They represent a nutritious and satisfying option for your stubborn sugar cravings. Blend any of these ingredients together with some water or unsweetened almond milk and enjoy a delicious and wholesome treat!

Sparkling water and fruit juice

Have you ever tried sparkling water with a dash of fruit juice? Thank me later. You’ll get the best of both worlds, as you will savor a drink that has both the natural sweetness and the fuzziness of soda, minus the added sugars. We recommend you go with unsweetened sparkling water and add your favorite juice, preferably with no added sugars.

If you found this article useful, we also recommend checking out: Satisfy Your Junk Food Cravings: 7 Delicious Healthier Alternatives to Try