10 Foods That Quiet Sugar Cravings Instantly

10 Foods That Quiet Sugar Cravings Instantly | XpertsReviews.com

Do you often crave chocolate, cookies or candy? If so, you are not alone. Sugar cravings are incredibly common because humans are born with an innate desire for sweets. Simple carbohydrates, like sugar, light up areas of the brain that release endorphins (“feel-good hormones”), making treats like birthday cake or holiday cookies even more irresistible. But while a little indulgence is a good thing, consuming too much added sugar can harm your health.

The average American adult eats approximately 17 teaspoons (68 grams) of added sugar each day, almost triple the amount recommended by the American Heart Association of 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men. Diets high in added sugars have been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, systemic inflammation and other health problems. A study published in Nutrition research and practice found that people with higher consumption of added sugar were more likely to experience health problems and even an increased risk of death. Notably, naturally sweet foods like fruits do not carry the same risks.

If you’re looking to limit your gluttony while maintaining your health, nutrient-rich foods may be the solution. The following options not only help manage sugar cravings but also provide your body with essential fuel. Here are 10 foods I frequently turn to when I’m craving something sweet. Keep reading and for more, don’t miss 7 Warning Signs You’re Eating Too Much Sugar.

10 foods that stop sugar cravings

Protein-rich energy bar

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An energy bar or protein-rich snack bar can feel like an indulgent treat while helping you manage sugar cravings. Look for options with less than 8 grams of added sugar (about 2 teaspoons) and no more than 200 calories. There are hundreds of options to choose from, but we love these 16 Healthiest Low-Sugar Protein Bars.

Dried fruits

dried fruits, nuts in a wooden bowldried fruits, nuts in a wooden bowl
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Dried fruits are a great option to enjoy instead of reaching for a bag of gummies or other sugary treats without essential nutrients. Dried fruits provide the vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients of fresh fruits in a more concentrated form. However, control your portions because dried fruits are high in calories. For example, five to six dried apricots contain around 110 calories, compared to three fresh apricots which contain only 60 calories.

The 10 Healthiest Fruits You Can Eat

Sugar-free gum

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Sometimes a stick of sugar-free gum is enough to quell a sugar craving. Indeed, when we are anxious or stressed, cravings for sweets can increase. More than 80 years of research about chewing gum shows that chewing gum can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase attention span.

Dark chocolate

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Dark chocolate is a wonderful way to combat your cravings for something sweet and chocolatey at the same time. With higher levels of cocoa, it provides antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and enjoy it in moderation.

9 Chocolate Bars Dietitians Love

Quick breads and muffins

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Quick breads like banana, pumpkin, or zucchini bread can be a healthier alternative to high-sugar baked goods that contain calories, fat, and sugar, and relatively no other beneficial nutrients. These recipes rely on the natural sweetness of fruits or vegetables, reducing the need for added sugar. The products in the recipe add fiber, essential nutrients and other bioactive compounds that help temper the impact of quick-releasing simple carbohydrates. Cook your own? Try using a stevia-sugar blend to further reduce added sugars.

Fresh fruit

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Fruits are naturally sweet and can crush your sugar cravings. The natural sugar found in berries, apples, citrus fruits, grapes and other fruits will satisfy your sweet tooth. The fiber in fruits will delay the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, increasing your satisfaction from overcoming your cravings.

Flavored yogurt without added sugar

woman eating yogurt, the concept of eating yogurt can help you lose weightwoman eating yogurt, the concept of eating yogurt can help you lose weight
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Flavored yogurt can be a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings while still getting high-quality protein, calcium, and many other nutrients in your diet. Protein helps slow digestion and therefore helps temper the release of sugar into your bloodstream. The healthiest option is usually Greek yogurt with no added sugar or sweetened with no-calorie sugar substitutes.

What happens to your body when you eat Greek yogurt

Trail mix

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Trail mix is ​​a great way to overcome a craving for something sweet. The dried fruits and chocolate in the mixes provide enough sweetness while the nuts provide fiber and protein. Trail mix is ​​high in calories and total fat, with about 150 calories per ¼ cup serving, so watch how much you eat.

Cottage cheese with fruit

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There are several brands of fruit cottage cheese, which add a touch of sweetness with the added nutritional benefits of cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein and low in added sugar. Individual servings are typically under 150 calories and sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The 7 Best Cottage Cheese Brands

Dark chocolate coated fruits

Chocolate Covered StrawberriesChocolate Covered Strawberries
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Chocolate-covered strawberries are a great way to get a little sweetness, as they are a good source of fiber and other bioactive compounds that help slow the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. Additionally, dark chocolate is known to contain flavonoids that help improve heart health. Strawberries may come to mind as a great fruit to dip in chocolate, but other healthy choices include slices of kiwis, oranges, and bananas.

18 Best Fruits and Vegetables to Keep You Fuller Longer

This story has been updated to include additional entries, fact checking and revision.

Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD

Julie Upton is an award-winning dietitian and communications specialist who has written thousands of articles for national media outlets, including The New York Times, US News & World Report and USA Today. Learn more about Julie

#Foods #Quiet #Sugar #Cravings #Instantly

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