HOW TO CURB YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Many people know that sugar can cause cavities but have you ever thought of how? According the NICDR, the mouth is full of beneficial bacteria that is good for your oral health but certain harmful oral bacteria feeds on sugars that you eat, this creates acid that can lead to cavities. Without treatment, cavities can destroy the enamel which causes pain and possible tooth loss. Knowing this, we hope you take these tips into consideration when trying to control your sugar intake and not letting it control you!

Nourish Your Body with the Nutrients It Really Needs 

The problem with sugar is not that we’re enjoying a little every now and then, it’s that we are indulging too much throughout the day and eating sugar just makes us crave more sugar, especially when our meals are not giving us the nutrients we need to feel satisfied. Meals that are high in good proteins like lean meats, legumes and eggs plus healthy fats like avocado and nuts plus fiber like fruits, vegetables, & chia seeds will help you to stay fuller for longer! Sugar cravings can also be caused by a mineral deficiency in magnesium, chromium, and zinc. So eating foods like dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and whole grains can regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels to help fight against sugar cravings! Dehydration can also be a cause of cravings so if you are wanting something sweet, drink a full glass of water to see if it subsides.

Utilize High Quality Essential Oils 

Grapefruit essential oil is a natural appetite suppressant, it curbs carb & sugar cravings, and helps balance your blood sugar! Simply getting a whiff of Peppermint essential oil can help with feeling more full. Another essential oil that balances blood sugar and suppresses appetite is Cinnamon Bark. The easiest way to get the benefits of these essential oils is to diffuse them in your home, another way is to put one or two drops in an 8oz glass of water if your essential oil labels state that they are safe to ingest.

Get the Sugar out of the House 

If you are serious about kicking your sugar cravings to the curb, it’s time to take control of your household! Sometimes, the reason we get a “craving” is simply out of habit. Maybe an hour after dinner, you enjoy a big bowl of ice cream while watching TV. If that’s the case, instead of keeping ice cream in your freezer, replace it with something healthier like a sliced apple with nut butter. It’s difficult to snack on things that aren’t there to begin with! Get rid of the sugary snacks, cakes, cereals, sodas, coffee creamers and ice cream. Replace them with fruit (especially berries), dark chocolate, sugar free gum, nut butters, yogurt, chia seeds, and sorbet.

Boost Your Happiness 

Low serotonin levels (the happy chemical) can cause sugar cravings. When you eat sweets and carbs, this can raise your serotonin levels which can make you feel better but this boost is only temporary. Sugar can actually deplete your body of this “happy” chemical long-term. Raise your serotonin levels by taking probiotics, eating foods high in vitamin D, C, and E, plus Omega-3 fatty acids and diffusing essential oils such as Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Orange. Lower stress (cortisol levels) by meditating, going for a walk, doing something you enjoy like cooking or reading. When you’re consistent, simple habits such as these can lower stress over time.

Depending on your personality type, quitting sugar cold turkey may or may not work for you. For most people, taking it slow is the best way to go. For example, instead of 2 sugars in your coffee, switch to one, then none. When you do get a craving, enjoy foods like high quality dark chocolate, sweet potatoes, and that will give you just enough sweet along with wonderful nutrients for your body.