Let’s talk about the post-thanksgiving sugar cravings!
Today, in our series of 5 ways to stay healthy this holiday season, we're talking about sugar cravings.
In the stress and busy-ness and the rush of the holiday season, it can be SO easy to fall into the habit of grabbing something sweet as a pick-me-up when we start feeling tired or overwhelmed.
After all, we're surrounded by sweet treats at this time of year!
And let's face it - a sugary snack really DOES make you feel better for a little while.
Unfortunately, that comforting feeling doesn't last long.
Sugar gives a brief rush of energy, but that energy dies back down again and we find ourselves reaching for another snack.
BUT- sugar actively contributes to inflammation, so that over time it makes us MORE tired, MORE grumpy and MORE in pain.
It also makes it MORE likely that we'll hit a flare during, or right after, the holidays.
And it makes it MORE tempting to skip or give up on our exercises, and lose out on the wellbeing that comes from moving our bodies.
In other words, if you are reaching for sugar to help you feel better, it could leave you feeling worse instead.
Just to be clear, I'm NOT saying that you should avoid your favorite treats completely, unless you are following a specific diet. Holidays are a time for celebration, and I want you to enjoy that!
Instead, try to be aware of WHY you're reaching for that snack. If you've been looking forward to one of your mum's famous gingerbread cookies all year, take the time to relish it!
So, how should you respond when you start craving sugar?
We need to recognize that our intense sugar cravings can be a signal that there is something more going on with our bodies.
Sugar cravings can serve as a useful barometer, as they are one of the first signs that we are getting run down- and perhaps even that a flare is coming on.
The sugar cravings are often the canary in the coal mine, so you definitely want to pay attention to them.
Take this as a reminder to check in with your body, and find out if there is something else you need.
Ask yourself if you are overdoing it? If you feel a flare coming on? And then- maybe you can head it off :)
Next, there are some steps you can take to reduce the sugar cravings. Instead of waiting for a sugar craving to hit and trying to fight it off, here are some ways you can prepare for battle:
Have a plan of what you're going to eat at mealtimes. When we're hungry, our brains become tired and depleted, and it is hard to make good decisions. You can make things much easier for yourself by deciding in advance. I find having a plan in place helps so much, especially when I'm traveling!
If you're like me, you might sometimes forget to eat when you're busy. Try setting a reminder to let you know when it's time to grab breakfast or lunch, or time to start preparing dinner.
For those hungry moments, stock up on healthier snacks that you can grab on the run.
Be sure to drink plenty of water. Often, we get sugar cravings because we are dehydrated. So, if we hydrate properly, we are less likely to have the sugar cravings in the first place.
And finally- just breathe. Sometimes I find myself standing at the cabinet, rummaging around for sweet things, and I realize that I have been holding my breath for hours. Sometimes taking a deep breath is enough to help you step away from the sugar and do something else instead.
If you can implement just ONE of these tips, it will take you a long way to protecting yourself from sugar-induced crashes this holiday season.
AND… the most important part is this! If you eat less sugar, you reduce your inflammation- which means that your body has less to fight and your exercise intolerance will increase.
So, less sugar intake means more energy to exercise!!!!
And that’s a good thing :)
Eating the right foods is really important to supporting your wellbeing and your exercise routine. That's why I created a food guide, which is available as part of the Autoimmune Strong program, to help new members eat in a way that supports their bodies as they build strength. You can learn more about Autoimmune Strong and the food guide here.