Do you struggle with how to curb carb cravings?

Most of us crave sweet or salty carb-rich food when we are feeling stressed. Cravings for these type of foods is often caused by an emotional craving vs. a physical craving. One solution to banish emotional cravings is to get in touch with the feelings you are trying to distract from. Make the connection between what you are feeling and having an urge to eat.

Then there are the physical cravings which can be caused by spikes in blood sugar or perhaps you have a very low sodium diet.

You can curb carb cravings by balancing your blood sugar using the following tips.

Eat at least 3 meals per day. These meals should be enjoyed at fairly regular intervals each day. Breakfast within 30 minutes to 1 hour after rising, lunch 3 to 4 hours later, and dinner 3 to 4 hours after that. A regularity to meal times keeps you from randomly grazing, binge eating due to low blood sugar from a prolonged fast, and it’s less stressful to have a routine!

Eat breakfast everyday. The ideal time to break your overnight fast is within 30 minutes to hour of rising. Eating protein, fat and carbs at your first meal sets up your metabolism for the rest of the day. Numerous studies of show that breakfast eaters not only have higher intakes of key nutrients, they are also less likely to be facing weight problems come middle-age. Download my healthy breakfast recipe ideas here.

Eat all food groups. No one food group is banned. That’s right – grains are not your nemesis. Read on to find out how to enjoy the best grains for your health and weight loss goals.

Eat protein with every meal. Whether it’s eggs or leftover dinner meat, or a protein shake, make protein your first pick when you sit down to eat. This will help keep your blood sugar from crashing and calling out for a quick fix.

Water, water, water. Do you have a water bottle? If not – GET ONE! And keep it with you at your desk or in the car. Like nutrients, the body likes to absorb water in manageable amounts throughout the day – not in huge one huge dump all at once. Sip through the day, especially if you struggle with fatigue that’s making you want carbs.

Choose healthy carbs. Fruit, sweet potatoes, large flakes oats and quinoa are just a few of the many healthy carbs that release more slowly than carbs with white flour or sugar. If you need a carb fix choose healthy carbs to indulge in.

Try cinnamon. Studies show that this naturally sweet spice can help keep blood sugar stable and this is good news if you crave carbs. Sprinkle some on your breakfast or try it in your cup of coffee.