When you think about food cravings, typically the first thing that comes to mind would be some type of junk food.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you by now, but for me, that would be something sweet – especially if it is some type of English food (which, by the way, is where I am originally from). Sometimes I crave savory things, but usually, it is sugar. Sometimes my cravings stem from a need for emotional comfort, or sometimes if it has been a stressful day, I crave something sweet. Of course, like most of us, often, I just plain crave something sweet! ?
The majority of the time, the things we crave are high in calories, low in nutrients, processed and quite unhealthy. Is that what you tend to crave when a craving kicks in? What is your go-to craving — chocolate chip cookies? A big bowl of ice cream? Hit reply. I’d love to know.
I’ll be honest with you — I believe in a balanced life. I’m not saying to never enjoy a sweet treat again — not at all. The issue with ingesting processed foods and the chemicals that come along with them on an ongoing basis is the danger of addiction. We absolutely don’t want that, as it can disrupt the way our bodies function and wreak havoc in more ways than you can imagine.
I have definitely learned the hard way, the damage sugar can do to my body. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean I live a perfect life with my perfect little healthy lifestyle that I never deviate from. No, the thing with a healthy lifestyle is that you leave room for the unexpected, or for the delicious pleasure of life. But I do try to stay away from too much sugar, and I know for me that leads me down a slippery slope. But what it does mean is that I know the struggle is real. And I know it’s hard to quick the sugar or carbs once you are on that path. But as my clients will tell you, I don’t judge and I don’t put you down. I can empathize, and then lead you in the right direction and show you how to get back on a healthy track.
If you feel like you may be addicted to sugar and/or processed foods, there is something you can do to help. There are many foods you can add to your diet to balance your microbiome and get your good bacteria back to a healthy place. These foods are generally fermented foods that are filled with the good bacteria that your body needs to balance itself again and rid you of those cravings.
These fermented foods can include kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kefir to name a few. I’d love for you to choose at least one of these to add to your diet this week and get that good bacteria back into your body. Taking a probiotic on a daily basis will help balance your bacteria as well — my favorite brand is Renew Life.
Food Swaps for Popular Cravings…
Another of my favorite ways to combat cravings is to trade out unhealthy foods with beneficial ones.
If you’re craving potato chips… Try some raw carrot or celery sticks instead for that crunch.
If you’re craving soda… Try some sparkling water such as La Croix. There are so many flavors to choose from; you’re bound to find one you love — and you can finally ditch that soda!
If you’re craving a milkshake… Try a green smoothie instead to quench your desire for something cold and sweet.
Another helpful tip that I implement is to indulge mindfully. This is one I always try to follow (and not just with sugary foods Either). When you do decide to have a treat, enjoy a smaller portion than you’d even like to have. Teaching yourself restraint and how to indulge mindfully is an incredibly useful tool that you will carry with you always.
I know it’s hard, but that is why I told you in my previous blog about my 7-Day Sugar Detox Program. It’s all about getting off the sugar so that you can live a healthier, happier life. Too much sugar causes fatigue, a lack of sex drive, inflammation, headaches, weight gain and so much more. So if you are ready to “get off the sugar train” and get back on track, check out my previous blog and check out the details. Then for just $9.97 (a steal for this powerful program), you can purchase by clicking the picture below.
Black Bean Burger (low sugar recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 small carrot finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1 small egg
- 1/4 cup oats add more if the mixture is too runny
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a fork, mash half of the black beans. Add remaining beans. In a small bowl, mix dry spices together. Pour dry spices over bean mixture. Add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well with hands. Form into 4-5 burger patties. Bake them in a lightly oiled pan at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until browned. Serve with sweet potato fries and a side salad.