A sugar detox can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your physical and mental health. However, those first couple days might have you struggling with some intense sugar cravings that make you want to give up before you even start.
Not all hope is lost, though. There are several things you can do to combat these cravings and stay on track for the duration of your detox.
Here are a few tips to help you push past the first 48 hours and keep your sanity in the process.
Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated is important to your overall health, but even more so when you’re in the midst of a sugar detox.
Drinking more water will help keep those cravings under control, even when the urge to snack out hits you like a hammer. Thirst is often confused with hunger, so the next time you feel like you’re starving, have a glass of water and see if it takes away the urge to eat.
Adding more water to your diet also helps you stay more focused and alert throughout the day and will help push through the mid-afternoon slump. Try adding lemon or cucumber slices to your water for added flavor.
Increase your protein intake.
A great way to keep the cravings at bay is to increase the amount of protein in your diet.
Foods like eggs, fish, chicken, almonds, avocados and tuna (to name a few) are packed with protein and will help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
It’s especially good to have some protein at breakfast to kick-start your day and reduce the number of cravings you may have.
Get in the habit of skipping the donuts and caramel frappé. Instead, try some avocado slices with scrambled eggs or a protein packed smoothie.
You’ll easily crush those cravings and make it through your detox with zero regrets.
Use the art of distraction.
When you’re in the middle of an intense craving, it may seem like it’s never going to end. However, the good news is, cravings typically only last 10–20 minutes at max, so there is an end in sight.
In those moments when you experience the need to reach for a sugary treat, try to distract yourself and get out of your own head for a bit.
Take a walk out in nature, work in your garden, or clean your car out. Simply do something that makes you temporarily forget that sugar exists until your craving passes.
It will get easier over time, so don’t be too discouraged, especially in the first few days.
Eat fruit when you get a craving.
When your sweet tooth starts acting up, it’s important to make sure you have plenty of fruit on hand. Fruit not only packs quite a punch of healthy nutrients and fiber, but you’ll still get a little of that sweetness you crave as well.
Instead of reaching for a bag of chips or a piece of cake, slice up an apple, a piece of kiwi or a banana. You should also stock up on seeds and nuts as a healthy alternative to the sweet treats you used to consume.
Don’t let the possibility of sugar cravings keep you from trying out a sugar detox. With a few of these simple tips, it will be smooth sailing long past the first 48 hours.
