10 ways to cut Sugar Cravings

Sugar or glucose is our major life force needed for metabolic energy.  Therefore, we need the sweet flavor in our diets.  According to Chinese Medicine the whole foods that provide the sweet flavor as well as its beneficial properties are non-glutenous rice, legumes, sweet vegetables such as carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, fruit, and dates.  The sugars in these foods are balanced with proper minerals.

The simple carbohydrates such as white granulated sugar, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, raw sugar, sucrose, fructose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, and agave (is highly processed with chemicals) are not recommended.

Other simple sugars such as maple sugar, rice syrup, unrefined cane juice powder, barley malt, black-strap molasses, malt sugar, raw unpasteurized honey may be eaten sparingly.

When sugars are refined and processed other minerals and naturally occurring enzymes as well as any healthful benefits are lost.  Unfortunately, sugar can be addicting and contributes to disease and unhappiness.  Many degenerative diseases have been attributed to sugar such as obesity, tooth decay, hypoglycemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, anemia, immune deficiency, yeast infections, Candida, and bone loss.

Here are 10 ways to cut sugar cravings!

1. Have a non-sweet breakfast containing a protein-rich food. Choose a whole grain or protein  such as: eggs, lox, smoked fish, lean poultry sausage, soy products, beans, nuts or seeds.  If you choose meats balance them with radishes, mushrooms, potatoes, or salads.
2. Eat salty foods sparingly because they contribute to craving sweets.  Salty foods may include sea salt, pickles, miso, soy sauce, meats, cheeses, or fish.
3. Avoid excess raw fruits and vegetables and juice. Fruits, especially the juice are higher in sugars and leave your blood sugar low creating a desire for more sweets. They are also energetically cooling creating a desire for more warming foods such as sugar.  A good rule of thumb for an appropriate proportion of your vegetables and fruits that are eaten cold, raw, or juiced is 5-10% of your daily fruits and veggies.  Eat them mostly lightly cooked and warm.
4. Eat green leafy vegetables daily, especially if chocolate cravings are a problem.  Eat them mostly cooked and warm.
5. Drink green tea daily. It helps maintain blood sugar levels, minimizing sugar cravings.
6. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Your body responds as if they are actual sugars.
7. Reduce or eliminate refined sugars such as, sucrose, fructose, fruit juice, commercial honey, and syrups.
8. Get adequate full-spectrum lighting. Natural light is essential for the brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a calming brain chemical which can help reduce sugar cravings.  Take a 20 minute walk, sit near a bright window, or use full-spectrum lighting in your work place.
9. Include good fats with essential fatty acids such as, flax seed, pumpkin, hemp, fish oils, or avocado.  Nuts and seeds are best purchased if they are in the shell, sprouted, or are unsalted, and lightly roasted.  Raw shelled nuts go rancid quite easily and may harbor parasites.
10. Try supplements of magnesium (350-500 mg) and chromium (200-500 meg). Minerals that help stabilize blood sugars.  Or use herbs:  fennel leaf, licorice root.

May your sweet tooth be satisfied!