Imagine. You’re eating healthy. You’re feeling good.
Then…
3 pm hits. You want something sweet!
Just then…you pass by the donut table in the office. You’ve avoided it all day.
But suddenly…
You crack! Oops…oh no!
Here are 7 tips to gain control over your carb cravings.
Get 7 hours of Sleep: 🛌Lack of sleep causes a hormonal shift in the body which leads to an increase in hunger, cravings, and poorer choices.
Improving insulin sensitivity is very important when it comes to carb cravings. Magnesium is the nutrient to help with this. Sports Scientists recommend a minimum of 500 mg of magnesium daily.
The best forms of magnesium are glycinate or citrate. Taking it before bed will help you sleep. Using a magnesium oil will help with leg cramps and muscle soreness.
Fix your gut: Everyone has GOOD and BAD gut bacteria. The BAD bacteria feed on sugar. An overgrowth of bad bacteria will skyrocket your carb cravings. Take a good quality probiotic to help increase the GOOD bacteria.
Deal with stress: Cortisol is a stress hormone. The fastest way for your body to deal with excess cortisol is an insulin dump. What causes an insulin dump? Excess sugar! Avoid this cycle reduce stress using a method below.
Stress reducing activities: Prayer, meditation, yoga, leisure walking, and Epsom salt baths.
Try L-Glutamine & 5-HTP These two supplements have been shown to reduce carb/sugar cravings immediately.
5-HTP is a popular supplement to help with depression and anxiety.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid and provides the brain with an alternative source of energy. It also helps with alcohol cravings.
If you are on medications consult with your Dr before adding them in. 5-HTP shouldn’t be mixed with certain meds.
🚫Avoid artificial sweeteners studies show when we consume artificial sweeteners it excites the brain. It thinks sugar is coming. When real sugar doesn’t come in you will begin to crave sugar. You can’t fool your body.
Studies show people who use artificial sweeteners will consume an extra 300 calories daily.
Lean🥩 and Green 🥦stabilizing blood sugar is your best defense against carb cravings. 4-5 meals a day of protein and fiber will help stabilize blood sugar.
Bonus: Out of sight out of mind. If the sweet stuff isn’t around, most of the time you’ll just resist the craving and move on. The momentary weakness will usually pass within 15 minutes.
In summary, if you find yourself struggling with carb cravings check your sleep. You’ll notice cravings are worse when you are running ragged. Other than that add in a few supplements like probiotics, magnesium, L-glutamine, and 5-HTP (check with your Dr of course.) If you find yourself stressed out go for a leisure walk, pray or take an Epsom salt bath.
Read End Carb Cravings Part 2 for more on this topic.