Everybody finds themselves battling a sugar craving at least once in a while for any number of reasons.
You didn’t eat a big enough meal and your body is on the hunt for quick fuel. You’ve gotten accustomed to that 4 p.m. candy bar from the vending machine to survive the late afternoon. A lack of protein in your diet is allowing sugar to cycle through your body too quickly, leading to a “crash” and more sugar cravings.
For whatever reason, they’re there. And if you cave into them too often it can play havoc with your blood sugar levels and raise your risk of heart disease. Many times these cravings have a physiological or psychological cause that must be dealt with long-term, but turning to healthier foods with nutrients you really need can be an excellent short-term solution when sugar cravings strike.
Almonds
These are packed with monounsaturated fats that can control your blood sugar and protect your heart health while also creating a sense of satiety, blunting your craving to eat anything else. One serving equals about 25 almonds.
Berries
Whole fresh or frozen berries include the fiber that fruit juice and dried fruit lack, which allows for measured release of the natural sugars they contain. Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are among the lowest-sugar fruits, so they’re ideal for this purpose.
Eggs
These savory, nutrient-dense orbs are a source of protein and fat that can blunt your sugar cravings and stabilize blood sugar. High-protein breakfasts in general have been shown to reduce food cravings throughout the day.
Greek Yogurt
Another possible source of sugar cravings is a gut microbiome that’s become imbalanced with bacteria that thrive on sugar, creating a vicious sugary cycle. Yogurt is rich in probiotics that can restore the balance, and Greek yogurt’s extra protein provides satiety as well.
Sweet Potatoes
These are naturally sweet without sugar so they can be a perfect antidote for your cravings, even if they take a little more time to prepare than a handful of almonds or berries. They can even be used to create healthier versions of desserts like brownies and pies.