When it comes to learning how to curb hunger cravings, its essential to talk about healthier alternatives to have on hand. Suppressing your cravings might seem like the best way to curb them, however, it frequently does more harm than good. When we ignore our cravings regularly, the desire for them only gets stronger. If you have a burning sweet tooth and are looking for a way to satisfy it without reaching for the candy, we suggest finding a healthier alternative. With a little effort, some of the sweetest desserts can be made healthier by using natural and wholesome ingredients.
Are you itching for something sweet? Try grabbing a piece of dark chocolate after your meal. If you enjoy salty food, make these Sunflower Crackers. Or, if carbs are your craving of choice, swap out traditional tortillas with an almond flour Keto Tortilla. Whatever you desire, there's bound to be a healthy swap for it. This year, make it a goal to get creative in the kitchen and try out new recipes that are just as great for you as they taste. After a while, you'll find yourself craving healthy snacks instead of the sugar-filled treats that fill your cabinets.
Drinking more water is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to avoiding sugar-filled foods. If you're working and feel a craving coming on, try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes before making your way to the kitchen. Often, when our body is thirsty, we mistake that urge for hunger. By taking a few sips of water each hour, you can easily kick hunger cravings to the curb, at least until your next meal. Drinking a healthy amount of water each day also offers many health benefits ranging from hydration to glowing skin.
Not a fan of the taste of water? If you don't get excited about drinking water as is, we suggest sprucing it up slightly. Fresh fruit like strawberries, cucumbers and mangoes can be added to water as a natural taste enhancer. Or, take your water to the next level with this Lemon Chia Fresca recipe, which uses carbonated water to create a truly refreshing treat.
The best way to curb hunger cravings is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Instead of focusing on what to do when you have a craving, fix your energy on creating meals full of nutrients your body needs. When your body is full of good-for-you foods, you're less likely to crave unhealthy ones.
To start, focus on creating meals made with wholesome ingredients like leafy greens, produce, lean protein, healthy fats and plant-based fiber. Using these ingredients to whip up mouthwatering plates like Squash and Mushroom Barley Risotto or Almond Crusted Halibut makes it easy to fill your body with more of the good and less of the bad. Additionally, dishes high in fiber like this Savory Spring Porridge will work to keep you fuller for longer, which can prevent your blood sugar from dropping and triggering unnecessary cravings.
The new year provides endless opportunities to start fresh. When focusing on your health, one of the most effective ways to eat more healthy foods is to have a kitchen that's full of them. Most of us have an emergency sugar stash or junk shelf ready for the times when we feel like munching on something other than carrots. While we may tell ourselves that this food is only there for "emergency" cravings, you're probably reaching for and replenishing that stash more than you'd like to admit.
We don't blame you! It's hard to resist delicious, sugary foods when they're within arm's reach, which is why cleaning out your kitchen is the best way to avoid those foods altogether. Keeping these not-so-great foods around the house may be encouraging your cravings. Each time you see a sugar-filled treat and tell yourself you can't have it, it stimulates the craving cycle. To stop this vicious cycle, take a day to go through your kitchen and donate anything that isn't adding to your health journey. Processed foods and those laden with artificial ingredients should be among the first to go.
While this out of sight, out of mind method is highly effective, it doesn't mean that you should leave your kitchen empty. Instead, make a list of healthy alternatives you can stock up on to replace the junk food you just emptied. Cucumbers, carrots, celery, almond butter, Bob's Better Bars and tasty Curry Coconut Popcorn are only a few of the many treats you can keep on hand. To elevate your health snack time, even more, set aside time at the beginning of the week to make wholesome snacks you can munch on throughout the day. Snacks like these Sunshiny Pina Colada Muesli Energy Poppers are sure to take you on a tropical vacation between Skype meetings. The healthier and tastier your options are, the less you'll crave the sugar treats you loved before.
Swapping sugar-filled foods for healthy ones doesn't mean that your diet will be bland. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Making healthy snacks at home opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to flavor options. The key to reducing your cravings is by satisfying them with flavors that you enjoy. Using herbs and spices in your favorite treats can ramp up the flavor without increasing your sugar, carb or calorie intake. Adding a sweet superfood like cinnamon to your morning coffee is a great way to start the morning off strong. And, if you're craving a savory snack to hold you over until lunch, use rosemary to flavor these Homemade Sea Salt Sourdough Crackers. You'll be surprised at how just a pinch of the right spice of herb can transform a bland recipe into a mouthwatering one. Plus, they're full of nutrients and health benefits!
We hope that the tips and tricks mentioned above help you create a healthier workspace and overall lifestyle. Ditching your favorite sugar-filled snacks might be hard at first. However, replacing them with healthier options and alternatives will leave your taste buds more satisfied than before. From savory spring porridge to homemade crackers, Bob's Red Mill has countless healthy snack recipes for you to try out. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
We love hearing from you. Let us know which Bob's Mill Recipe is your favorite in the comments below.
