7 healthy food items you can indulge in guilt-free to satisfy your sugar cravings
Cannot cope with your regular desires for something sweet after every meal or tired of absolutely needing a sugary beverage to accompany all your meals? You've come to the right place! Did you know cravings are essentially your body's method of conveying its needs??For instance, if you are craving your favourite salty potato chips your body may be low on sodium or if you find yourself with a sudden hankering need of chocolate your body may be signalling a requirement for magnesium.
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Healthy food items to combat sugar cravings
If your sugar cravings seem to be getting out of control or you are fed up with your unhealthy diet pattern, here are 7 healthy food items you can have instead when those sugar pangs come knocking.??
1) Berries
Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are the ideal way to combat your sugar cravings. Low on the glycemic index, these fruits are a natural sweet alternative that is tasty and won't raise your blood sugar levels. Since berries are packed full of antioxidants, fibre and other nutrients they keep you full for a longer time and provide a ton of other benefits as well.
2) Dark chocolate
According to a study, dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, a healthy plant compound, that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which helps maintain a healthy blood glucose profile. Additionally, flavonoids present in dark chocolate are responsible for lowering insulin resistance in blood, ultimately maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
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3) Dried fruit and nuts
A handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios are a great snack option whenever those sugar cravings strike. Not only are they a great source of healthy fats, fibre and protein, but they are also very satiating and can help stabilise blood sugar levels. In addition, dried fruits like dates are also good alternatives to having something sweet other than sugar as they are rich in potassium and fibre.
4) Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in good carbohydrates, fibre, potassium and vitamins A and C. Due to their sweet taste, sweet potatoes make a wonderful addition to any kind of dessert and can be enjoyed as a balanced snack at any time of the day.
5) Greek yoghurt
According to a study, Greek yoghurt is rich in protein, probiotics and calcium and can help regulate your appetite and blood sugar levels ultimately controlling your sugar cravings as more often than not when we crave something sweet we are actually feeling hungry. Be sure to choose an unsweetened and unflavoured Greek yoghurt and top it with fresh fruits to gain maximum benefit from it.
6) Avocado
Avocadoes are often considered a superfood because they are highly nutritious. This creamy-textured fruit is packed full of healthy fats and fibre and is extremely delicious whether you have it as is, make a zingy guacamole out of it or blend it with chocolate and convert it into a decadent mousse. In fact, a study published in?Nutrients concluded that replacing refined carbohydrates with avocado in meals helps not only suppress hunger and increase meal satisfaction but also limits insulin and blood sugar spikes.
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7) Seeds
Sesame seeds and chia seeds are great sources of healthy fats and fibre which can keep you full for a very long time and help combat sugar cravings. You can add both of them to your trail mix, blend them with your regular smoothies or simply sprinkle them on top of your favourite fruit. According to a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, chia seeds are also the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids for you if you are vegetarian.
Remember, a healthy and balanced diet does not mean completely eliminating sugar from your diet, but rather adding foods that not only contain natural sugar but other important nutrients as well. From weight management to lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, whatever your goal may be, it is important to understand how to incorporate the right balance of sugar in your diet while also being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to indulge in your favourite foods every now and then.
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