Do you have a hard time saying no to Halloween candy? You’re definitely not alone. We’re all eating too much sugar on a regular basis and with tempting Halloween treats, it’s even worse. According to the American Heart Association, women should have no more than six teaspoons of sugar a day, nine for men, but registered dietitian Keri Glassman says most Americans eat two to three times that amount.
These tips can help you beat sugar cravings and resist Halloween candy:
- Eat your sweets, naturally - If you avoid unnecessary sources of sugar, your body starts to crave them less and less and you’ll appreciate more natural sources of sweetness, like apples and cashews.
- Make sure you’re getting enough calories - When you restrict calories too much, you end up with cravings and if your body is looking for fuel, that’s when the sugar cravings kick in. So make sure you’re eating plenty of whole foods to help break the sugar cravings cycle.
- Add protein to every meal - Eating a heavy, starchy meal, like a huge bowl of pasta, is pretty much setting you up for a guaranteed sugar craving. But adding protein and veggies for fiber to the pasta will help keep you full and satisfied.
- Reduce added sugars - Sugar is hiding in foods like salad dressings and bread, so it’s important to read labels and look for sneaky ingredients, like “dextrose” and “fructose,” which are both types of sugar.
- Run away from your cravings - Short bursts of physical activity, like a 15-minute walk, reduces cravings for sugary snacks, according to one study. So you can calm the craving and get a workout in. Bonus!
- Swap sugar for spice - Adding more flavor and experimenting with spices can help you crave sugar less. Cinnamon and nutmeg help give oatmeal a boost and both come with their own health benefits, too.
- Ditch the salt shaker - When you eat less packaged, processed foods and satisfy your salty cravings with more naturally salty foods, like olives, you’ll start to crave sweets less as well.
Source: Today
Photo: Getty Images