Snacks That will Actually Help you Kick Your Sugar Habit
Spice Things Up
A great motto for life, as well legit advice for breaking up with your sugar addiction. When my cravings hit their worse, ultimately it was my spice cabinet that kept me from running to the store for a bag of Gluten Free Tate’s Cookies. The thought may have occurred to me on one, two, or ten occasions. My cravings for sweets are always at it’s worst post meal time. I’ve got that savory taste on my tongue and I just want something to balance it out. Cinnamon is a naturally sweet spice that serves as a great sugar substitute. Not only does it taste amazing, but by eating it you can actually reduce your cravings for sweets. Cinnamon contains two compounds, chromium and polyphenols, both which have been proven to lower glucose levels. By minimizing the insulin spikes that result after an unbalanced meal. These spikes are exactly what cause us to go reaching for that pint of Van Leeuwen ice cream. If your looking for sweet treat try some cinnamon sprinkled over apple slices, this bomb cinnamon cashew butter, or if you want an all out dessert try this creamy pumpkin custard.
Almond Extract
I don’t know why this one wasn’t more obvious to me. I grew up on Italian cookies sweetened with almond extract, but it took a surprise encounter at juice press to bring the the idea into my consciousness. It was week three of my sugar cleanse and things were rough. I went for a post dinner walk and headed to juice press for a ginger shot to help my cravings. I was all set and ready to order my shot when I spied on their menu something else that intrigued me. It was their iced almond cold brew coffee. I checked with the kid behind the counter to make sure there was no hidden honey or maple syrup in the ingredients, and upon confirmation I promptly ordered one up. Per usual, I had to put my own spin on the order and I went minus - the dates (too much sugar) add +cocoa (I was seriously craving chocolate). What I received tasted like heaven😇🤤 Needless to say this drink has become my go to, and I have recreated it countless times over the last few weeks. Don't worry babes I would never leave you hanging, the recipe is below. Don't limit yourself only using almond extract in my frappuccino recipe, if you love the taste of almond then this extract is perfect for adding a hint of sweetness to just about any recipe your eliminating sugar from.
Fiber
Stabilizing your blood sugar is key to fighting off cravings. A study at Yale University has shown that when our blood sugar levels drop we lose our ability to control our desires and we feel an increased urge to eat. High fiber foods slowly raise and then stabilize your glucose levels, and as a result your cravings for sugar go bye bye!!!!!
Ok, so stop, and really digest that statement!
Are you really getting enough fiber? Do you eat a high fiber food with each meal? Or is your eating a diet loaded with processed foods ( think cereal or a bagel or breakfast)? Or have you’ve bought into the high protein low carb agenda that is always trending for weight loss?
I, by the way, was guilty of the later. I got so caught up in avoiding carbs that I subconsciously became carbophobic, and recently realized I’ve been ignoring healthy fiber filled carbohydrates in my attempts "eat more protein." Ahhemm, the problem is our bodies NEED carbohydrates!!!!! In fact, if your trying to loss weight then you should make slow burning carbohydrates (those loaded with fiber) your best friend. Why? Because not only does fiber keep you feeling fuller longer, but they also prevent your body from absorbing some of the calories in the foods you eat. "Fiber binds with fat and sugar molecules as they travel through your digestive tract, which reduces the number of calories you actually get," explains Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D., author of The F-Factor Diet. Facts are facts, whether your trying to get over your sugar addiction or just slim down for summer, avoiding carbs is not the answer. Instead, include more complex carbs that all loaded with fiber. Here is my list of my go to high fiber snacks............
- Carrots and edamame hummus
- Almond Butter and Celery
- Pumpkin Custard
- Sweet Peppers
- Popcorn with hempseed and nutritional yeast
- Pistachios
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Oatmeal
- GF Crisp Bread
- Apple or Pear with Cashew Butter
- Cauliflower Mash
- Guava
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Chia Pudding
- Pumpkin Seeds
Here Are Three Go To Recipes That Contain Most If Not All Of The Above Craving Busters
Creamy Pumpkin Custard
What You Need:
- 1 cup organic canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 3/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- pinch salt
- 2 pinches of grated nutmeg
- 2 organic eggs
- 1/4 cup grade B maple syrup optional- leave out if your cutting all sugars or 3/8 tsp pure stevia extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
The How To:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine pumpkin and all spices in one bowl.
In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs lightly then whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla and coconut milk. Whisk the egg mixture into the pumpkin mixture until well combined.
Pour the custard into 6- 1/2 cup ramekins or one medium ceramic baking dish. Place the ramekins in a baking pan and add enough water to the dish to come up 2″ high around the ramekins or ceramic baking dish. Carefully place in the oven and bake for 60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the custard comes out clean.
Truly Sugar Free Granola
From The Book Good Bye Sugar By: Elsa Jones
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup chopped almonds (you can chop them in a food processor or use a knife)
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
The How To:
Preheat the oven to 374°F. Line two baking trays with baking paper or grease lightly with coconut oil. Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan and set aside. Place all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Make a well in the middle and add the melted coconut oil. Mix thoroughly until everything is lightly coated with the oil. Divide the granola evenly between the two trays and spread out in a thin layer. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until lightly toasted and golden. Stir half way through to avoid burning. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Serve with milk of choice or natural yoghurt. Delicious served with fresh berries, grated apple or sliced pear.
Chocolate Almond frappuccino
What You Need:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla nut milk of choice
- 2 tsp unsweetened organic cacao powder
- 2 tsp organic psyllium husk powder (optional, but a great way to sneak in some fiber)
- 1 tsp almond extract
The How To:
The night before, pour nut milk into a standard ice cube tray and freeze. You should have about 8 ice cubes. The next day add all ingredients to the blender (don't forget you nut milk ice cubes!) and blend on high until puréed and smooth.
Babes I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do!
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Other Posts You May Be Into
A great motto for life, as well legit advice for breaking up with your sugar addiction. When my cravings hit their worse, ultimately it was my spice cabinet that kept me from running to the store for a bag of Gluten Free Tate’s Cookies. The thought may have occurred to me on one, two, or ten occasions. My cravings for sweets are always at it’s worst post meal time. I’ve got that savory taste on my tongue and I just want something to balance it out.