Nutrition Expert Marissa Puleo helped us out with some sweet tips to combat our sugary temptations. Treat yo’self! … but you know … let’s be smart about it.
HORMONES
When we eat foods, our feel-good hormone, dopamine, is released within us. But if we begin to indulge, our dopamine levels decrease and we stray further and further away from satisfaction. This is our brain is telling us to eat a wider variety of foods. But what’s interesting is that sugar consumption fails to even out our dopamine levels and in turn makes sugar addicting!
CUTTING BACK
No need to cut back on sweets! Try berries or puréed fruit on oatmeal. Explore dried, canned, or frozen fruits. Also, a glass of low-fat milk or low-sugar yogurt can help.
Let’s never forget to eat more fruits & vegetables and drink plenty of water.
PROTEIN. FIBER. MOVE.
Protein is an easy way to curb sugar cravings. Protein digests more slowly and allows you to feel full longer. Your blood sugar won’t spike the same way sugars do.
Remember that fiber helps fight a sugar itch! It keeps you full and keeps you energized.
And of course… Exercise! Wipe out those cravings and soon you’ll choose healthier foods over those sweet temptations.
Marissa Puleo, RDN, LDN is a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Scranton, PA helping people find the balance between healthy and happy. As a ‘food peace promoter’, Marissa specializes in helping those with food struggles and disordered eating in learning how to enjoy food while leaving guilt and self criticisms behind. Connect and work with Marissa, visit her at Thrive Nutrition! And check out more mindful eating tips to help with those sweet cravings with the full article.