How to control sugar cravings
suepearly95
Posts: 6 Member
Hi! I am currently one month into my keto diet.
And I'm constantly craving for sugary stuff , chocolate , milkshakes , cakes.
I don't have any access to replacements like stevie either
Any tips to tame the sweet tooth?
And I'm constantly craving for sugary stuff , chocolate , milkshakes , cakes.
I don't have any access to replacements like stevie either
Any tips to tame the sweet tooth?
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Replies
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Without seeing your diary, I can't provide specific advice, but here are some general guidelines:
1. More food. Often, my worst cravings come when I haven't eaten. This is especially true in the beginning, when your glucose regulation my still be wonky. Your hunger signals often change when going keto, and it's possible you're going too long without eating without meaning to, until you find yourself craving sugar. Try to get three good meals in per day and see if that helps.
2. More sleep. Fatigue can cause sugar cravings. Try going to bed a little earlier, or improving your sleep environment (see also: "sleep hygiene").
3. More fat. Often, new people start out doing what they think is keto, but still fearing fat. Make sure you're getting enough fat in. You can do that fairly easily by "upgrading" the things you might already be eating. For example, if you drink coffee, use cream instead of milk (or try out bulletproof coffee; tip: if you get coffee from places like Starbucks, you can ask for "liquid heavy cream" for your milk option), select fattier meats like dark meat chicken and ribeye steaks, eat the skin of poultry, add butter to your vegetables, etc.
4. More salt. Another thing that can cause cravings is electrolyte imbalance. When you first go keto, you lose a lot of sodium (and water), due in part to the depletion of glycogen stores (which are fueled by carbohydrates). You should have in the ballpark of 5000mg per day to maintain your levels. Don't be afraid to salt things, and it might be helpful to supplement for a while (if you've been having trouble sleeping, this might also help with that, as sodium deficiency can screw with your ability to sleep).
Finally, to beat them, you just need to get through them. If you've ever quit smoking or caffeine, you're probably familiar with what withdrawal and the quitting process is like. Quitting sugar is very similar. Sometimes, you just have to grin and bear it, and muscle your way through it. It helps to keep all of that out of the house, and staying away from all forms of sugar or sweeteners, including things like fruit, for a month or two.9 -
Five words: Garden Fresh Dill Pickle Chips!
That's what did it for me. 2 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »
1. More food.
2. More sleep.
3. More fat.
4. More salt.
Sometimes, you just have to grin and bear it, and muscle your way through it.
I reckon this is one of those that could go up on permanent post - sorry can;t remember what it is called. Greta advice.5 -
Thanks guys! Will try out all the tips given!
Determined to make this work0 -
More protein.0
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... and NO added sweeteners or high carb food of any sort.1
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The more you go without the sugar, the more the cravings will let up. The more you feed the monster, the more it stays alive.4
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Avoid artificial no-calorie sweeteners. Go lower on your carbs, higher on the fat.
Dan0 -
flatcoatedR wrote: »The more you go without the sugar, the more the cravings will let up. The more you feed the monster, the more it stays alive.
I completely agree with you.
Just have to go cold turkey. Don't try to make low carb versions of sweet treats. Just break your taste for it all together.
It really does work.
Thibk if it like an alcoholic trying to get and stay sober. Can he have even a little drink? Or a non alcoholic version of the old favorite? Not a good idea.3 -
Strong chocolate cravings can indicate that you are low on magnesium so supplementing can help if you aren't already!0
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or 