10 Ways to Curb Sugar Cravings During the Holidays

Last Updated on June 28, 2024 by Ashleigh Pinkerton

The holiday season is full of cookies, cakes, sweet drinks, and all sorts of other processed foods that can be hard to stay away from. While I think that an occasional indulgence during the holidays is ok, it’s important to have a game plan so you don’t end the year on a sugar high.

Here are my top tips to curb your sugar cravings:

1. Eat plenty of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, and K from animal sources are some of the very best fats to have in the diet to not only reduce inflammation and fight disease, but these fats also help keep the body satiated. When you’re satiated, you won’t crave as much sugar.
2. Eat before you go to any social gathering. I like to drink a cup of bone broth and a salad before heading out to any party. This way, I arrive with some good nutrients in my belly and the processed foods and sugary foods don’t seem as appealing.
3. Enjoy fermented foods and drinks. Fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, salsa, and kombucha are loaded with probiotics, feed the gut, and help curb cravings.
4. A drop of therapeutic grade essential oils such as Grapefruit, the Metabolic Blend, or Peppermint on the tongue can zap cravings instantly.
5. Drink plenty of water. Sometimes, when you think your body is asking for sugar, it’s really asking for water.
6. Keep your blood sugar stable. Eat regular meals that are lower on the glycemic index such as vegetables, organic meats, fermented vegetables, and healthy fats to stay satiated and keep blood sugar levels from extreme highs and lows.
7. Move your body. Walking, yoga, and other gentle movements are a great way to ease the tension, increase your energy and decrease your need for a sugar lift.
8. Get plenty of rest. Try and get 8 hours of sleep a night in a dark and quiet room. The more rest your body gets, the less it will crave sweets.
9. Be mindful. If you find yourself craving something sweet, ask yourself, “If this sweet was a large salad, would I still be hungry right now?” If the answer is “no,” then you’re probably just craving the sugar and you’re not really hungry.
10. When you’re going to indulge in something sweet, pick something that’s made of nutrient-dense ingredients. Chia Seed Pudding, Panna Cotta, or my Pumpkin Pie Shake are all good choices.