If you struggle with sugar like I do, and if the thoughts of cutting it out makes you break out in hives, I do have some tips that might help.
First of all, I admit I'm still struggling with moderation. In fact, I'm planning on cutting sugary junk snacks (except for dark chocolate) for the next couple of weeks. Why? Because I'm drinking way too sugary drinks, eating too many donuts, candy bars and other sugary snacks. Sigh.. I know. But you know what, it's a journey, and it's a learning process. And, it can also be fun to experiment and find out what does or does not work. So, I'm not discouraged. I'm learning, and learning to me is progress. So, I reset, and then find my moderation. I can do this, and you can too if it's your desire to do so.
And what I found when I cut out sugar last time (How I'm Going To Overcome Sugar Addiction) was that after a couple of days I really did crave dark chocolate. No seriously, it was bad. I tried a magnesium pill. I took Epsom salt baths, but as most of you know, I regularly take those. So what I wound up doing to ease the craving was actually go and buy Baker's Chocolate. (affiliate link)
And I took a bite and it was so horribly bitter ha. Yes, it's used for baking. There is zero sugar. But you know what, it did the trick with the cravings.
So I got creative, and I decided to melt some in the microwave and dip a cut up apple in it.
And it was edible, especially once your taste buds haven't had the sugary sweet sweets. So, it got me to thinking about different ways I could use Baker's chocolate and super dark chocolate, and this was what I came up with and it TOTALLY helped me when I was having a craving for something sweet or for dark chocolate in particular. I should mention, I've never been a dark chocolate fan.... just sayin'
When I Wanted A Specialty Coffee, Latte Or Hot Chocolate
At first I used Baker's chocolate which is zero sugar, but if I felt I needed just a touch of sugar, I'd reach for 85% or higher cacao. I'd melt a square or two in the microwave. I found that it sometimes took up to a minute to melt. But I started with 30 seconds and kept adding on more time.
I don't have a problem drinking milk. I know some of you aren't fans of dairy, so substitute whatever base you'd like to use. Almond milk or whatever suits your taste. But I would take 4-8 ounces (depending on my hunger) and add the melted chocolate to the mug. Place the mug in the microwave on my beverage setting. Once that was finished I either dumped it into the blender or used a little hand blender to mix it up. I found that it makes it more creamy. This is my version of a healthier (in my opinion) hot chocolate. And, for those times that I was just craving a specialty coffee, I would do the same thing with about 2-4 ounces of milk and then added coffee when I added it all to the blender.
Like I said, it did the trick. A lot less sugar, but still a warm creamy drink.
When I Wanted A Sugary Afternoon Snack
I don't know about you, but mid afternoon is often one of my most challenging times when it comes to reaching for something sweet. So, I once again looked at different ways that I could use dark chocolate. If I didn't have time to get creative, I'd simply eat a square or two of once again 85% or more cacao dark chocolate. It would usually curb my cravings.
If I had a little more time, I'd melt some dark chocolate in the microwave, and cut up apple or oranges and dip it in the chocolate. I found that I liked oranges dipped in the dark chocolate.
When Evening Cravings Hit
Well I could obviously do any of the things listed above, but I found that if I melted some dark chocolate and tossed some peanuts in that it usually satisfied both my salty and sugary cravings. Also, sometimes earlier in the day, I would take some melted chocolate and dip apples and/or oranges in it, and place it in the fridge. By evening, the chocolate would be solidified around the fruit. Hello yumminess!
Oh, and something else you can do with cocoa powder is take a frozen banana, toss it in a blender until it's smooth, add in the cocoa powder. Tada a delicious frozen treat.
So, as I embark on another couple of weeks of no sugary treats, I know this time around that a little dark chocolate can help keep the massive cravings under control. And I look forward to experimenting with different ways that I can enjoy dark chocolate.
I should add that I don't eat dark chocolate at every snack! I try to limit my dark chocolate to no more than an ounce or so a day. For me, it's all about moderation.
So there you have it... some simple ways to use dark chocolate especially when you are trying to eat less sugary treats.
So, do you have any tips for cravings when trying to eat less sugar?
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