Late night snacking can become a bad habit that prevents us from reaching our health and fitness goals.
While we may be able to resist the temptation through sheer willpower alone, an intense craving for something sweet late at night is usually an indication of an underlying issue with our body or lifestyle.
This can be anything from imbalanced hormones to low blood sugar levels or lack of nurtrients.
Here are 5 simple ways to reduce the sugar cravings:
Adaptogen supplements
Imbalanced hormones are one of the biggest culprits of late-night sugar craving. This will impact your insulin and destabilize your blood sugar levels, causing cravings at all hours of the day - but particularly at night. Adaptogen supplements such as Maca powder or Aswaghanda will help to balance your hormones in a natural way. Studies have shown that Spearmint tea is also an effective way to do this.
Omega 3 supplements
Omega 3 supplements such as Chia seeds are an amazing source of protein, dietary fibre, and essential fatty acids.
In fact, soluble accounts for 40% of chia seeds. This sort of fibre absorbs water and swells up in your gut to form a jelly-like substance in your gut, making you feel fuller for longer and prevent sugar cravings.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is the most commonly reported food people eat when they crave something sweet, particularly amongst women. Dark chocolate is a healthier option when this craving comes around. It contains more than 70% cocoa and healthy plant compounds such as polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Dates
Dates are highly nutritious and very sweet. Packed with fibre, potassium, and iron, they provide a nutrient-dense sweet treat.
Legumes
Legumes, lentils, beans, and chickpeas are great plant-based sources of fibre and protein. Both of these nutrients increase feelings of fullness, thus reducing hunger-driven late night sugar cravings. A portion of legumes for dinner early in the evening could do the trick.
