5 Ways to Curb Your Sweet Tooth
Sugar cravings. Possibly one of the hardest things to overcome. It can derail us from reaching our goals and can take over our mind and bodies without warning.
We’ve all been there when you come to, fingers covered in chocolate, feeling guilty and gross and having no idea how you got there. Often our cravings can be so strong, they kick us out of the driver seat and steer us whichever way they please. But truly know, you CAN be stronger than your cravings. It just takes some serious dedication and practice.
Luckily, I have narrowed down the 5 most effective tips and tricks to kick that sweet tooth to the curb.
Reassess the sitch
When you find yourself scouring through your kitchen cabinets for something sweet, step back, take a deep breath and put some hard thought into your goals. What are you trying to accomplish? Is this act of giving in to your craving fuelling your highest self?
Action plan:
Being able to catch yourself redhanded in the act isn’t always easy. I rely on post its. No joke. You better believe when that time of month hits and I’m ravaging for chocolate, my cupboards have notes taped to the front asking me if I’m hungry or bored and if it’s really worth it?
However, you choose to remind yourself, make sure it’s in the open and available in the time of need.
2. Turn to naturally sweet or peppermint tea or essential oil
Peppermint is not only great for digestions but is known to put a stop to cravings. Peppermint tea or peppermint essential oils (Saje’s peppermint halo is my fav!) are 2 great options.
My favorite taste bud trickster is organic licorice tea. It is naturally very sweet, offers a
variety of health benefits and always satisfies my sweet tooth. Blend it up with a splash of nut milk and you’ve got yourself a delicious, guilt-free latte.
Action plan:
Keep a couple tea bags of your choice in your purse. Take one out and leave it on the counter for evening time. Mentally know it’s a great option to fall back on.
3. Brush your teeth
Reset your pallet by cleaning the slate. Literally, brushing your teeth is one of the best, fastest, and easiest ways to rid your sweet tooth. Especially at night. Brushing your teeth is an easy act because if you know if you go for that chocolate, you’re going to have to brush those pearly whites again before bed. Personally, by the end of that day, I’m way too lazy for that.
Action plan:
Try making a habit of brushing your teeth a few minutes after dinner or lunch before the sweet tooth has a chance to set in.
4. Drink a large glass of lemon water.
We so often confuse thirst with hunger. Lemon water hydrates and offers our palate a
clean slate, as well as aids the body in its natural detoxification process and promotes alkalization.
This is a great tool mid-afternoon trick in between meals, if and when you start to feel the craving monsters creep in. Because water can dilute our digestive enzymes and interfere with the breakdown and digestion of our food, opt for a tip #1, 5, or peppermint essential oil if dealing with a craving post meal.
Action plan:
Bring lemon wedges in the ziplock bag with you to work. Try adding them to your water in the afternoon. Alternatively, pack a peppermint essential oil with you in your purse for post-meal cravings.
5. Remove & distract yourself
Cravings have been said to only last a few minutes. Although during that time they can be overwhelmingly strong, our brain is much stronger. Try to distract yourself for at least 10-15 minutes. Going for a walk, getting from fresh air, refocusing on your goals, stretching, deep breathing or practicing yoga are all excellent choices to get you through to the other side.
Action plan:
When you feel the craving start to set in, set your timer for 15 minutes. If you can, go outside, grab some fresh air while taking 10 deep breaths while repeating the affirmation ‘I am focused on achieving my goals and I only put goal supporting food and drinks into my body. I don’t crave sweets, I’m too good for that sh!t’.
If you’re at work, put your hands on your lap, take a few deep breaths. Walk away from your desk if you can to clear the air and energy so you return with a clear mind, focused, and ready to rock.
You have all the power within you to reach your goals and be bigger than your cravings and now you have 5 tools to help you access it!
Watch the vlog here!
