Ways to curb your sugar craving

Food and sugar cravings are a dieter’s dilemma. You might reduce your caloric intake, but get shaky because you are not eating enough.

by Joanne Henning Tedesco —

Food and sugar cravings are a dieter’s dilemma. You might reduce your caloric intake, but get shaky because you are not eating enough. The consequent dip in your blood sugar level then causes you to crave a sugared food. Your brain tells your body, “Give me sugar, now!” So you gobble down a candy bar, which gives you a quick energy surge, but it doesn’t last.

Here are some effective ways to beat those cravings, according to tips from Cosmopolitan and Prevention magazines.

• Try to eliminate the sugar craving by refraining from eating sugar for several days. This can be challenging, and you might experience a withdrawal, including headaches.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that a sugar craving is a sign of imbalance and recommends ingesting one to two servings of bitter foods such as arugula, radicchio, endive or chicory each day.

• Eat small meals every three to four hours throughout the day. Menu ideas include a whole wheat sandwich which includes a protein source, fruit, vegetables or nuts.

• The right kind of fruit can help you overcome a sugar craving. Choose berries, apples and pears rather than pineapple or watermelon.

• Eliminate refined foods from your diet, including white bread, cake and biscuits.

• Drink about two liters of water daily. Avoid coffee, tea and energy drinks, which can actually trigger sugar cravings.

• Consume more chromium, an essential mineral necessary to stabilize your blood sugar level. This trace mineral is found in baked beans, peanut butter, shellfish and whole grains.

• If you think the craving is caused by boredom, try brushing your teeth. The clean taste in your mouth will make you less likely to eat.

Joanne Henning Tedesco is editor of AzNet News.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 2, April/May 2006.