3. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
The more sugar you eat, the more you crave it. Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) regulates blood sugar.
Take a tablespoon mixed with a cup of water with meals that include carbohydrates to help your body metabolize the sugars at a steady rate, rather than spiking.
You can also add the vinegar (unheated) as a salad or vegetable dressing. It also trains for taste buds to enjoy more complex flavors.
4. Be a Sugar Detective
Processed foods mix in various forms of sugar that you may not recognize as such. Things like “rice syrup”, “dextrose” or “corn syrup” are synonyms for sugar you might not recognize. You can find a list of common added sugars here.
A simple rule of thumb when you’re reading a food label: if it ends in “ose” (like fructose and dextrose) or “syrup” (like brown rice syrup or corn syrup), it’s added sugar.
5. Avoid Sugar Substitutes
If you’re craving something sweet and replace club soda for a cola or substitute a peach for a cookie, it won’t satisfy your craving because it doesn’t taste the same or have the same mouthfeel.
First, determine if you’re really hungry or if you just want to taste something sweet. If you’re hungry, eat something healthy that will fill you up.
If it’s a craving, substitute a sweet herbal tea (e.g., licorice root, chamomile, hibiscus) for a piece of candy. You can also try eating a handful of grapes, pomegranate seeds or berries. Try something new for the novelty, as it can provide the psychological reward even if it’s not sweet.
6. Eat Almond Butter
Almond butter helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels, which can stave off sugar cravings. It’s a good source of healthy fat and protein that will slow the process of breaking down sugar and make your energy last longer. Almond butter on a banana (pure almonds, with no added sugar or oil) will satisfy the cravings and keep blood sugar from spiking.