How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings Naturally

Like everyone else, I get a sugary craving from time to time. But despite my cravings, I don’t indulge in sugary treats as I know they are not good for my health. Instead, I try to go for healthy options.

And when I started eating more of these super fruits, I said goodbye to all my sugar cravings.

Unlike sweets, such as cookies and chocolates, these fruits are packed with fiber and can help you stay full. And the best part? They are all highly nutritious and do a great job of staving off my sugar cravings.

Here are three sweet treats to indulge in when you have sugar cravings.

Ripe Bananas

Every time I’m on a coffee break I want to have a little something sweet with it. So instead of reaching for a cookie or chocolate bar, I try to go for bananas. Ripe bananas are the best because they are at their prime flavor. They are extra sweet, mushy, and decadent. Instantly my sugar cravings go away.

Bananas have a myriad of health benefits too. One is, they are high in essential electrolytes, which helps maintain your body’s hydration levels. They are also high in potassium. Getting enough potassium in your diet is essential for maintaining blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. It can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Eating bananas can also help you lose weight as they are high in fiber and anti-oxidants.

If you want to flavor it up a bit, you can also cut it lengthwise in half, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with a little bit of honey or maple syrup. You can even put a dollop of heavy cream on top and sprinkle it with nuts if you want to be a little fancy, and there you have a healthy dessert on your plate.

Watermelon

Watermelon is one of those super fruits that have amazing health benefits. The good thing about watermelon is that it has high water content, and it can help you stay full.

Munching on watermelon slices is a great way to beat sugar cravings while giving your body the hydration it needs. It’s crisp and juicy and it’s a great snack to eat, especially on hot summer days. Eating watermelon is also a great way to ramp up metabolism and burn fat.

One cup (154 grams) of watermelon can provide: Vitamin C: 21% of the Reference

• Vitamin C: 21% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
• Vitamin A: 18% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
• Vitamins B1, B5 and B6: 3% of the RDI

So every time you have a sugar craving, instead of reaching for cookies or chocolate bar, treat yourself to some watermelon slices.

Dates

Dates are incredibly nutritious. They are high in antioxidants and contain all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. A handful of dates will do wonders for your body while satisfying your sugar craving. They are a great alternative to cookies and bars! It’s a great afternoon snack or a little treat when you want to relax with a cup of coffee.

One 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of dates supplies:

• Calories: 277

• Carbs: 75 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Potassium: 20% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 14% of the RDI
• Copper: 18% of the RDI
• Manganese: 15% of the RDI
• Iron: 5% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 12% of the RDI

The bottom line

When a sugar craving hits, it’s easy to fall for unhealthy foods and overindulge. But luckily, there are healthier alternatives to sweets. Next time you have a craving for sweets, skip the chocolate and cookies and reach for healthy options. Eating bananas, watermelon, and dates will help you combat your sugar cravings and give your body the nourishment it needs.