Let’s talk specifically about refined SUGAR today.
Eliminating sugar completely from your diet can be done!
The people I have worked with who actually have the BEST experience cut the sugar cold turkey.
It is VERY possible to be craving-free within a week of completely abstaining from the white stuff.
Here are 9 ways to help you kick sugar out of your life!
1. Try Soda Water with Lemon & Fresh Water
If you’re used to drinking sugary pops, soda water with fresh lemon can help you make the transition! Make sure it’s soda water (0 sugar/ 0 calories) and not tonic water which has sugar in it. You could also get yourself a SodaStream and make soda water at home, and infuse it with slices of fresh strawberries, lemons, limes, mint and basil leaves!
2. Herbal Tea
Try an herbal tea like mint or ginger offer relaxing, digestive, and soothing properties while also satiating that desire to have a little something. When you crave sugar, you can repattern your habits by making a nice warm cup of tea. Add a splash of sugar-free almond milk for extra comfort. One of the nicest ways to enjoy mint tea is to simply pour hot water over a small handful of fresh mint leaves and let them brew for a few minutes. For ginger, slice a thumb size of the root and boil it on the stove or let steep for 30 minutes.
3. Glutamine
L-Glutamine helps to balance your blood-sugar levels and reduce the intensity of your cravings. This can be helpful especially in the first week when you’re going through withdrawals! You can order L-Glutamin on Amazon or get it at any health food supplement store.
4. Stick to Low-Sugar Berries in the Beginning
Eating berries, in the beginning, can help you let go of the need for sugar. Blackberries, blueberries, and cherries are lower in sugar and rich in antioxidants. You can sprinkle a few berries in your oatmeal, in your chia puddings, or make a berry smoothie.
Here’s a low-sugar berry smoothie recipe to try:
- 1/4 avocado, ripe flesh
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (mixed or berry of your choice)
- 1 tsp. chia seeds
- small handful spinach
- 1 cup almond milk
Blend and enjoy!
5. Protein First!
Protein can reduce or even eliminate your sugar cravings quite quickly. As a rule, make protein your top priority while you’re rewiring your taste buds and detoxing from a high sugar lifestyle. This means that each meal has some form of protein, chicken, fish, grass-fed red meat and eggs are all excellent options. I like to pack some hardboiled eggs with me wherever I go to prevent sugar cravings from derailing my goals.
6. Eat Healthy Fats
Healthy fats can help nourish your body and prevent cravings for energy in the form of empty sugars like bread, pasta, candy, and lattes. Coconut oil, coconut milk, olive oil, ghee, grass-fed meats, and salmon are all wonderful ways for your to get healthy fat into your daily routine. Avoid getting your fat from empty sources like vegetable oils, deep-fried anything, and focus on Clean Eating approved fats mentioned above.
7. Prep Healthy Snacks
These Turkey Veggie + Hummus Wraps are a fun and tasty way to snack that keeps your temple clean and break the pattern with sugar. Make sure you have something on hand throughout the day whether you’re at home or out running errands so that you can stick to the plan! I promise you it gets easier after the first week!
8. Move Before You Eat
Getting enough exercise will help boost endorphins and give you a natural high – leaving more room for healthy cravings. Sugar cravings can be another way for the brain to try and “feel good”, so find ways to create that feeling in a way that serves your life goals. Go for a short run, do a class somewhere, or try to do 25-50 squats before you eat. If your mobility is limited, a simple walk and some fresh air can do the trick.
9. Get Enough Sleep
Low on sleep? Enter sugar cravings. If there is one thing that wreaks havoc on a Clean Eating agenda, it is not getting proper rest. Our will-power is at an all-time low when we haven’t had a good night’s sleep, so do your very best to make sleep a top priority while you’re on this journey.
Last but not least – if you are serious about quitting sugar and you need help, my team and I have your back! Join the next 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge and follow a step-by-step plan that will walk you through the process of eliminating sugar cravings and losing weight in a healthy, natural way!
