The aisles of the grocery stores are lined with bright packages of once-a-year Easter candy and it can be hard to resist even for those of us without a nagging sweet tooth. Those tiny chocolate bunnies, pastel colored chocolate eggs, and jelly beans may look harmless, and in fact inviting, but they have high calorie counts and absolutely no nutrition. Your favorite sticky, sugary treat may not only be unhealthy, but can also make you hungrier than before your afternoon snack. If you find your sweet tooth is difficult to manage, FitClub has five easy ways to regain power over your sweet tooth and stay healthy this Easter season.
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Build a better breakfast. A healthy breakfast helps you start your day with a healthy mindset and your healthy goals as your top priority. It’s also critical for managing your sweet tooth throughout the day. Certain foods like white flour, white bread, and potatoes actually make you crave sugar later in the day. Instead of putting yourself at risk of serious cravings, filling up early with a breakfast that contains fiber and protein will allow you to forgo the afternoon battle with the vending machine. Eggs, nuts, and vegetables for breakfast prevent blood sugar crashes and keep you feeling fuller all day.
Reduce stress and boredom. Before you give in to a sugar craving, take a moment to determine whether you’re actually suffering from stress or boredom at that particular moment. Stress releases cortisol into the body which often results in cravings for sugary junk food. Likewise, boredom is often disguised as hunger when what your mind and body really needs is an activity or something of interest. This may explain why sugar cravings are common in the late afternoon. Take a quick walk on a break from work or check out FitClub’s meditation class to begin your own meditation practice you can take anywhere.
Spice up your healthy snacks. Adding spices or healthy toppings to your snacks can make you feel more satisfied and help you manage your sweet tooth. Cinnamon is a natural way to reduce your sugar cravings and can be easily added to apples, vegetables, or even your morning coffee in lieu of sugar. Likewise, adding a small portion of nuts or natural peanut butter to your vegetables can add taste without adding sugar. Be leery, though, of any label that includes the words “artificial sweetener” or “high fructose corn syrup.” Sugar in disguise is just as unhealthy as sugar in the brightly colored bags of candy.
How do you steer clear of the Easter candy aisle while you’re grocery shopping? Do you have an effective tip for managing your sweet tooth when it starts to nag? Share your tips with your fellow FitClub members.
