If you find yourself reaching for sugar to fend off the mid-afternoon slump, feel like you need sweet treats just to make it through the day, or are regularly struck by impossible-to-resist cravings for fast food – you’re in the right place. 

Because we’re here to help!

To stop sugar from undoing all your hard work, we’ve rounded up 6 of our top tips to help you beat cravings and feel your best.

Tip 1. Don't skip meals

If you fuel your body with proper nutrition, you won’t crave sugar - it’s that simple!

Breakfast is important. But when it comes to curbing those afternoon cravings? Lunch is essential. 

To keep your energy levels high and those sweet cravings at bay, eat a lunch that includes protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

Tip 2. Make sleep a priority

Getting enough sleep is key to good health.

According to research from Berkeley University, sleep deprivation is often the cause of sweet cravings.

• “[In our study], high-calorie foods also became significantly more desirable when participants were sleep-deprived.”

• “This is because high-level brain regions required for complex judgments and decisions become blunted by a lack of sleep, while more primal brain structures that control motivation and desire are amplified,” says professor of psychology and neuroscience, Matthew Walker ⁽¹⁾.

Tip 3. De-stress your life

Ramping down life’s stressors and practicing things like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help curb your sugar cravings.

You see, if you're experiencing stress at home, on the job, or in your relationships, it’s completely understandable that you might seek comfort in food. Given sugar's effect on your feel-good hormones, sweet foods can naturally feel like the quickest way to overcome those low feelings.

Tip 4. Drink more water

Dehydration can often be confused with sugar cravings. 

If you feel a craving coming on, drink a big glass of water then reassess if you're still wanting that sugary treat.

Tip 5. Move your body

Physical movement releases endorphins and helps boost your serotonin levels. 

Research has shown that even a 15-minute brisk walk can reduce sugar cravings ⁽²⁾.

Tip 6. Plan to fail

Sorry to say it, but chances are you’re not going to go cold turkey on your sugar habit on day one, and that’s okay!

Plan to fail with healthy energy-boosting snacks that can stand in for the sugary treat you’re trying to avoid. Think snacks that are high in fibre and protein like: crackers with hummus, nuts, yoghurt, chia pudding, and protein shakes.

Steer clear of refined carbohydrates that cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to spike.

And if you need an extra helping hand to curb your cravings? We’re here to help.

For all-day energy and a better night's sleep: