THE PULSE

We’ve all been there—midday, feeling sluggish, and suddenly you’re craving something sweet. Before you know it, you're reaching for a candy bar, a cookie, or something sugary to give you that quick boost of energy. But don’t worry! You can outsmart those sugar cravings with a few simple tweaks to your routine. Here are four easy, hacks to help you crush your cravings and stay on track with your fitness and health goals. 

1. Stay Hydrated 

Did you know that sometimes what feels like a sugar craving is actually just your body telling you it’s thirsty? Dehydration can trick your brain into thinking you need sugar, so the next time a craving hits, drink a glass of water first. You might find that the craving fades away as your body gets the hydration it needs. 

If plain water doesn't appeal to you, infuse it with refreshing fruits like lemon, berries, or cucumber to make it more exciting! Or even a low sugar electrolyte powder.  

2. Balance Your Meals 

Skipping meals or loading up on mostly carbs can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash, leading to those mid-afternoon sugar cravings. When your blood sugar crashes, your body craves quick energy in the form of sugar. To avoid this rollercoaster, aim for incorporating protein, healthy fats, and fiber into every meal throughout the day. 

3. Satisfy Smartly 

Fighting your sweet tooth can feel like an uphill battle, but instead of completely avoiding sugary treats, try working with it. Rather than reaching for processed sweets packed with empty calories, opt for naturally sweet alternatives, like fruit or yogurt that still satisfy your cravings without the sugar overload. 

4. Get Enough Sleep 

One of the most surprising causes of sugar cravings might be something you don't even realize, lack of sleep. When you’re running on too little sleep, your hunger hormones get out of whack. Ghrelin, the hormone that signals hunger, increases, while leptin, the hormone that tells you when you're full, decreases. The result? You crave quick sources of energy, which often comes in the form of sugar. 

Prioritizing sleep is not only important for your physical health but also for controlling your cravings. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to restore itself and help regulate those hunger hormones. You’ll find that the more rested you are, the less likely you are to crave sugary snacks. 

The next time a sugar craving strikes, don’t panic. Instead, try out these four simple hacks: stay hydrated, balance your meals, satisfy smartly, and get enough sleep. By implementing these strategies into your daily routine, you can curb those cravings while also supporting your overall health and fitness goals!