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If you find yourself constantly craving sweet stuff, it’s not just about willpower - it's your biochemistry! Your body is trying to tell you something!
Here’s what might be going on 🧐
1️⃣ Blood Sugar Rollercoaster 🎢
When you eat too many refined carbs or sugary foods (think white bread, pastries, cereal), or even seemingly "healthy" foods with insufficient protein at meal times, your blood sugar spikes … but then crashes. Your body panics and signals you to grab more sugar for a quick fix - keeping you stuck in a craving cycle!
💡 How to fix it:
✔ Swap carbs for protein, fibre, & healthy fats (e.g., swap toast & jam for avocado & eggs)
✔ Choose slow-digesting, whole foods like nuts, seeds, veggies and healthy fats.
✔ Don’t skip meals - keep blood sugar steady by eating balanced meals regularly - If you like to fast - make sure your blood sugar is balanced first - it is so much easier!
2️⃣ Stress & Emotional Triggers 😩🍪
Ever notice how stress makes you reach for chocolate or biscuits? Stress triggers cravings by increasing cortisol, which then boosts hunger and makes us more likely to crave foods like sugar and refined carbs. It also activates the brain’s reward system, making high-fat, high-sugar foods feel more satisfying.
💡 How to fix it:
✔ Balance blood sugar with adequate protein as above for level and sustained energy release and hormonal balance.
✔ Get enough sleep and incorporate some stress management techniques into your day. - Deep breathing, meditation, walking, a hobby you enjoy, time with a friend.
✔ Magnesium-rich foods (like dark chocolate, nuts, & spinach) may help manage stress & reduce cravings. Chromium, omega 3s and berberine may also help.
3️⃣ Your Body is Actually Hungry (or Missing Nutrients!) 🍽️
Cravings can sometimes mean you’re under-eating or missing key nutrients like protein, fibre, or healthy fats - so your body calls for quick energy instead.
💡 How to fix it:
✔ Eat enough protein & fibre to keep you full and satisfied.
✔ Stay hydrated - thirst can be mistaken for hunger.
✔ If you want something sweet, go for natural options like dark chocolate or berries with yogurt. - This won't seem so absurd once your biochemistry is under control!
✔ Or, if you are an all or nothing type person, and one bit sets you off! Maybe you need to abstain whilst you regulate that biochemistry and reduce those cravings.
4️⃣ Your Gut Microbiome is out of Balance ⚖️
The balance of your gut microbiome can influence cravings. A healthy microbiome, rich in diverse bacteria, can help regulate appetite and cravings. On the other hand, an imbalance, often as a result of antibiotics or poor diet may lead to increased cravings.
💡How to fix it:
✔ Eat a diverse range of plant foods to promote a diverse microbiome.
✔ Add in some probiotics including sauerkraut, live yoghurt, kefir or kombucha to introduce beneficial bacteria.
✔ Exercise and spend time in nature to positively influence the gut microbiome by promoting microbial diversity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall gut health.
The Bottom Line 💡
✔ Sugar cravings are a sign, not a failure - it's not a lack of willpower but your biochemistry telling you something - listen to your body!
✔ Keep blood sugar stable by eating adequate protein at each meal - A good hand-sized amount!
✔ Manage stress & establish a good sleep routine to curb emotional cravings.
✔ Promote a healthy digestion and diverse, varied gut microbiome with a colourful, vibrant diet and time in nature.
✔ Supplementation may help keep blood sugar steady and improve insulin sensitivity.
When you work with your body instead of against it, in a few days you start to feel lighter and more energised, you have clearer thinking, your mood and emotions are steady and you feel 100% better than you have in a long time! 💫
You'll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
But let’s be real - this stuff isn’t always easy. It should be, but with so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what works for YOU and what you should do. That’s where I come in 😉 - to simplify, guide, and support you in making lasting changes that truly improve your health.
✨ If you need any help, be sure to get in touch below. I would love to hear from you.😊
Julie x
Helping you live a healthier, happier life
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