Why you get cravings, how to overcome them & healthy alternatives

Have you ever had a sugar craving so strong it overwhelmed you? 

Like you didn't want it because you were hungry…

You wanted it because something inside of you needed a sweet treat.

Well, what if I told you that message was coming from your gut bacteria?

That might sound a little unnerving, but the trillions of bacteria in your gut can control your cravings, and it happens commonly when you are stressed, or when you've been eating healthier…

Read on to find out why you get cravings, how to shift those, and some healthy alternatives for when they arise.

Here's why you get cravings:

🍫 Certain ‘bad’ gut bacteria feed on sugar... And they know how to shout when they want more. This is why those cravings are so strong when you've been on a health kick - those ‘bad’ bugs are trying to manipulate you for their own survival! 

🍫 Your stress response is on.

Your nervous system is stuck in “go mode” and it wants quick energy to fight or flee. Stress cravings are for energy to run, not to sit in front of a screen. 

🍫 Your body’s trying to compensate from under fueling. 

Skipped meals, decision fatigue, emotional exhaustion and not enough regulation during the day can lead to craving something quick & emotionally regulating from a tough day...

🍫 You're looking for a dopamine hit. 

A quick fix to feel better about your day, packaged up in a convenient foil wrapper.  

It often isn’t a self-control problem....

It’s a communication problem between your brain, body, and gut.

Here's how to start shifting those cravings:

1.  Support your nervous system. 

   Cravings spike when your stress does. Learn root cause nervous system tools that you can apply before reaching for the treats. I teach these practical tools in my 1-1's and workshops!

2. Feed the good bugs.

   Crowd out the sugar-loving bacteria and feed the ones that fuel your focus. Book in a 1-1 to find out what your gut needs.

   
   

3. Prep for the inevitable.

   Prep some of the healthy treat options I share below so you have a healthy and satifying alternative when you want a treat. 

4. Get curious

   When cravings hit, ask yourself : “What am I really hungry for? Nourishment, rest, or relief?”

   
   

Try these healthy alternatives

Stuffed Dates: Stuff a medjool date with: nut or seed butter/dark chocolate/grassfed butter/goats cheese & sprinkle with sea salt (optional). I like to dip the stuffed nut butter date in dark chocolate and freeze. Basically a healthy snickers bar!

Energy Bites: These no-bake energy balls can be made in so many ways! They are quick, full of fibre, protein and fats and quick to make.

Greek yogurt + berries & nuts: Berries can satisfy a sweet craving, especially when you add a sprinkle of cinnamon which adds in blood sugar balance benefits. Greek yogurt and nuts will provide your body with energy to tackle stress or fill in any energy deficits that may be driving a craving.

Want personalised support in tackling your health at work? Reach out for a discovery call: info@victoriapudon.co.uk