Sugar is the real fat-producing culprit. If you want to lose weight or maintain your current physical state, you must be mindful of all the sugars (even sugar from fruits) that you consume. Here are 5 ways to help you ward off sugar cravings:
- Eat a High Protein Breakfast: A high protein breakfast will greatly enhance your energy and support your workouts at the Pivotal Fitness Greenville gym. Consume a good dose of protein within 30 minutes of rising. Good sources include eggs, beans, lentils, spinach and other leafy greens, and breakfast meat. A high protein breakfast will satisfy your hunger and ensure that you feel fuller longer. Fueling up on protein will also help you to steer clear of unhealthy morning or mid-day snacks loaded with sugar.
- Eat Lots of Beans & Lentils: Beans and lentils are an awesome source of carbohydrates. Whenever you are feeling the urge to splurge on something chock full of sugar, consider eating a cup of beans or lentils instead. Beans and lentils are low on the glycemic index, very filling, full of protein, and provide a sugar fix without inducing a huge spike in blood sugar. Include a hefty serving of beans or lentils at each meal.
- Seek Comfort Elsewhere: Sugary treats provide temporary comfort. Dopamine is released, which creates a sense of happiness or elation. That elation is short-lived, however. So, rather than reach for a Milky Way, seek comfort elsewhere. Create a list of healthy, comforting things that don’t induce a sugar coma. For example, drink your favorite tea. Enjoy a yoga class at the Pivotal Fitness Greenville gym. Relax in the tub. Seek out both comforting and self-supporting activities.
- Don’t Restrict All the Time: Allow yourself to indulge every once in awhile. In fact, schedule in your indulgences. Choose one day per week where you allow yourself to enjoy all the sinful pleasures. Restrictions are psychologically impairing. When you cut something out, you usually find that you desire it even more. So, allow yourself it. Just do so mindfully and strategically so the sugar doesn’t impair your fitness goals at the Pivotal Fitness Greenville gym and your state of physical health and well-being.
- Don’t Snack: If you have enough protein in your diet, you should not feel the need to snack throughout your day. If you feel this need, it’s time to reevaluate what you’re eating and add more protein to your meals. Consult the Pivotal Fitness Greenville health club to see how you can craft a meal plan that works for you. If you must snack, choose snacks high in protein. Nuts and seeds are a good option. You can also enjoy a tablespoon of an organic nut butter once per day. Think protein!
Remember: Food is fuel. You want to select food options that fuel and sustain you. Protein will go a long way. Sugar, however, will only provide temporary bouts of energy. That’s not to say all sugar is bad. You do absolutely need carbs (healthy carbs such as beans, avocados, berries, etc.). You just probably don’t need as much carbs as you think. So, place emphasis on protein and healthy fats. Stay away from the sweetness.