10 ways to curb sugar cravings

10 ways to curb sugar cravings 
from Wild Health Nutrition

Here are a few suggestions to heal sugar and sweet cravings. Choose whatever ideas that feel most appropriate for you.
 

1) Get help. There is inevitably an emotional link with sugar cravings (or any other addictive behaviour). Often cravings are activated by a deep emotional need, so it is vital to work on this. FIND A THERAPIST who works with EFT (emotional freedom technique), NET (neuro emotional technique) or a Kinesiologist, who specializes with addictions. This is very important. Learning EFT yourself will help you to curb cravings on a day to day basis.
 

2) Increase mindfulness through Mindfulness Meditation. Find a class near you and TALK TO THE TEACHER about your issues. Increasing awareness of mind patterns will allow you to 'make friends' with unwholesome habits and tendencies. When a thought-pattern or emotion is no longer the enemy, it can more naturally dissolve.
 

3) See a naturopath to find out if you have nutrient deficiencies. Often lack of a certain vitamin or mineral can cause cravings, e.g. lack of chromium can increase sugar cravings. Working with a health professional will help keep you on-track, and enable you to set goals with someone to monitor progress. They will also identify problem areas, (e.g. Liver stress or blood sugar issues), and know when a fast/detox is appropriate. 
 

4) Eat good quality protein at every meal and reduce intake of processed carbohydrates. Refined carbs like white flour, sugar, even white rice and pasta can increase sugar cravings. Eating quality protein helps slow sugar assimilation and provides longer lasting energy. Include a portion of protein in your snacks. Good protein snacks include: A handful of nuts, boiled egg, tuna or salmon, tempeh slices, goats cheese, or plain yoghurt.
 

5) Carry a water bottle and sip frequently during the day.
 

6) Avoid making absolute statements like 'I will not drink/eat that food today'. This aversive behaviour will only magnify the urge. Working on more subtle emotional and nutritional levels will allow the change to happen naturally and easily. 
 

7) Pray. In whatever way works for you, take time every day for 5 minutes to set your intention and ask for help from spirit/Grace/God. I like to write little reminder cards and read these to myself. Another great technique is writing down your prayer or affirmation 7 times before you go to sleep. For example: "I nurture myself with health supporting food and drink. It is easily to take care of myself so I feel energized". 
 

8) Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time. Check that you REALLY want to change, set and intention to heal and then open to receive guidance and assistance. If you're the sort of person who doesn't talk about your problems, then start sharing your vulnerable story in little bits. You will receive support this way.
 

9) Create a ‘star-chart’ for acts of self-kindness. Reward yourself every day for kind actions towards yourself and successes in your healing. Be generous!
 

10) Write about your process in a journal. After a while you will find answers and assistance will come to you from your inner knowing as you write.

You can do it!