Simple Tweaks to Reduce Cravings

Do you know how much sugar most people eat in a calendar year? According to a government study, an average American consumes 152 pounds per year. That means, six cups of sugar are consumed in one week. Stop and take that in. SIX CUPS – or the equivalent of 3 pounds of sugar per week!! 

In contrast, 200 years ago, the average American only ate two pounds of sugar per year!

When you think of sugar, sweet desserts such as cakes, donuts, candy, and cookies come to mind immediately. But there are tremendous amounts of sugar hiding in other things you consume. And, when you consume them regularly, they add up fast. 

Making a few simple tweaks can make a significant difference. Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep added sugar to a minimum in your life: 

Focus on fiber and protein.  Fiber-rich foods will fill you up and keep you satiated longer, so you’ll be less likely to eat something when you’re not hungry. Protein-packed foods have the same benefit.  Combine both of these for delicious ways to stay satisfied throughout the day, and you’ll be less likely to seek out sugary or starchy snacks.

Study labels before you buy. Is your pantry brimming with pre-packaged, processed foods? It’s time to learn to start reducing these. Also, start reading the labels on packaged foods before you buy them. Added sugar is in some of the most unsuspecting places so read the label before putting anything into your grocery cart.

Ditch sugary beverages. If you drink soda, sports drinks, juices, and/or specialty coffee drinks, you may be consuming a lot more sugar than you realize. One can of soda can have as much as 11 teaspoons of sugar and a grande Starbucks Frappuccino has 66 grams or 16.5 teaspoons of sugar. Ideally, water is the best beverage to keep you hydrated. Sometimes, you can mistake hunger for thirst — and other times, a stressful day can make you reach for desserts. Either way, a glass of water can solve the problem. Drink a full glass and then wait 15 to 20 minutes before giving into your craving. Usually, your craving will subside, but if not, choose a piece of fruit to satisfy the urge.

Choose whole fruits.  It takes no extra time to grab an apple rather than a pre-packaged fruit cup or applesauce. It’s just as easy and doesn’t contain any of the added sugar found in many pre-packaged

Phase out added sugar. If you’ve put sugar in your coffee every morning for the last ten years, start decreasing the amount slowly until you no longer use it. You can also try kicking the habit on the spot if you’re ready for it.

It can seem daunting to tackle removing sugar from your daily routine, but you’ll be amazed at how good you can feel without it! If you are ready to reduce or remove added sugars from your diet and want support, guidance and accountability, the Sugar Reset is for you!

Are you tired of feeling controlled by your cravings? Does this sound familiar…. 

• You plan to have a few chips, and the next thing you know, the bag is empty! 
• You’ve had a rough day, so you “deserve” a glass of wine. 
• You swear tonight you aren’t going to eat after dinner, and then you demolish that pint of ice cream on the couch while you watch Netflix…..

If so, join us, starting on May 13th for this interactive online program, to stop craving sugary and starchy snacks, like chocolate, ice cream, chips and pretzels. In ten days, you’ll feel more in control of the foods you put in your body, avoid the sugar highs and lows and feel less dependent upon sugary and starchy snacks to get through each day.

Yes, I’m ready to ditch cravings