Sweet cravings can happen anytime but usually it’s around that time of the month for women or after dinner when you want to sit down and enjoy a little sweet indulgence.
Here are our top 5 ways to curb your sweet tooth craving naturally.
1. Think about your goals
When you are rummaging through the cupboards or fridge looking for a sweet treat, take a step back and think about your goals. Write yourself some post it’s and pop them on the shelves of the pantry or on the fridge door. When the goals are written down they will help you quickly reassess the situation. Think about it carefully and ask whether the few seconds of enjoyment from the chocolate really worth it? Probably not.
2. Peppermint tea or peppermint essential oil
Peppermint is not only great for digestion but it’s known to stop cravings. So rather than sitting down having an after dinner mint or ice cream, replace that habit with a quality herbal peppermint tea. Peppermint is known to curb sweet tooth as is Licorice Root tea. They are both naturally sweet and offer a variety of health benefits as well.
Put a couple of drops of essential oil onto your hands, rub together and take a few deep breathes to breath the oils. This will help the peppermint to get into your system quickly. Peppermint can be slightly stimulating so it may wake you up a little but won’t stop you from sleeping.
3. Brush your teeth
Clean your palette. Brushing your teeth is one of the best and fastest ways to rid your sweet tooth. Get into the habit of cleaning your teeth after lunch or dinner to stop you wanting that treat before bed.
4. Drink a glass of lemon water
We often confuse thirst with hunger. Lemon water will hydrate your body and offer the palate a clean slate as well as aid in natural detoxification process.
This is a great mid-afternoon trick between meals especially if you feel the cravings creep in. Water can dilute our digestive enzymes and interfere with the breakdown and digestion of our food. If you are dealing with a craving after a meal, go back to the 3 points above.
5. Go for a walk
If you are a runner, go for a run instead, but walking is just fine. This serves as two purposes. First you are distracting yourself from the food that you are craving and secondly exercise will release endorphins (feel good chemicals) in your brain which can help turn off the craving.
Bonus Tip - Dark Chocolate
Have a small square of rich dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher. The higher the intensity the less you will want, but it will be enough to stop that craving. Keep it in the freezer and have them already broken up into bite size pieces. When the time comes, take a piece and put it in your mouth and allow for it to slowly melt. We guarantee you will only need one piece.
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