Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Angela Vaz
We’ve all been there—suddenly, out of nowhere, you NEED something sweet.
That overwhelming sugar craving hits, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in a tub of ice cream or inhaling a bag of candy.
But what if I told you that you can STOP sugar cravings in your tracks with a few simple tricks?
I recently had some gut issues and I had to stop any inflammation-causing foods – sugar being one of them.
So, I was pretty desperate and I’m including tips that have personally worked for me.
I’m also including a link to another post to help you find comfort without food in case you’re like me who often eats food to feel better.
If you’re tired of the constant battle with sugar, these seven science-backed tips will help you regain control and crush those cravings for good!
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1. Eat More Protein (It Works Like Magic!)
Protein is your best friend when it comes to stopping sugar cravings.
When your body lacks protein, it craves quick energy—aka sugar!
Eating more protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, tofu, or Greek yogurt helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you full longer (because it takes longer to digest), reducing the urge to reach for sweets.
👉 Try This: Start your day with a high-protein breakfast (like eggs and avocado) and watch how your sugar cravings disappear!
2. Drink a Glass of Water (You Might Just Be Thirsty!)
Believe it or not, dehydration can mimic hunger and cravings—especially for sweets.
Before you grab that cookie, try drinking a big glass of water and waiting 10-15 minutes.
You might find that your craving disappears completely!
👉 Try This: Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep cravings at bay. I know a lot of people despite water bottle culture – but there is a reason why it’s so popular.
3. Brush Your Teeth (Yes, Really!)
There’s something about the minty-fresh taste of toothpaste that makes sugary foods way less appealing.
Plus, once your mouth feels clean, you’ll be less tempted to eat something sweet and “mess it up.”
I do this after dinner, especially if I know I’m going to be reading or watching TV later. Brushing my teeth helps me avoid reaching for a chocolate bar.
👉 Try This: The next time a sugar craving hits, brush your teeth or chew minty gum and see how fast the craving fades away.
4. Fix Your Sleep Schedule (Because Sleep Deprivation = Sugar Cravings!)
When you’re tired, your body craves sugar as a quick energy boost.
This is something I learned the hard way.
Lack of sleep messes with hunger hormones, making you crave sweets like crazy! Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep can naturally help reduce sugar cravings.
👉 Try This: Set a consistent bedtime, avoid screens before bed, and create a relaxing nighttime routine to improve sleep quality.
5. Eat Healthy Fats (They Keep You Full!)
Healthy fats slow down digestion, keeping you fuller for longer and preventing sugar spikes that lead to cravings.
Adding more healthy fats to your meals can make a huge difference in controlling sugar cravings.
👉 Try This: Snack on foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to keep sugar cravings under control.
6. Distract Yourself (Cravings Only Last 10-20 Minutes!)
Here’s a secret: cravings don’t last forever—they usually peak around 10-20 minutes and then fade.
Instead of giving in, find a distraction!
Go for a walk, call a friend, clean your space, or do something to keep your mind off sugar.
I try writing in a journal (because more often than not, I’m craving comfort) and I’ve spiced things up by printing some personal photos and sticking them in the journal.
Being creative actually helps me take my mind off eating.
👉 Try This: The next time a sugar craving hits, set a 10-minute timer and do something else. You’ll be surprised how often the craving vanishes!
7. Eat Dark Chocolate Instead (It’s a Guilt-Free Fix!)
If you absolutely need something sweet, go for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) instead of processed sweets. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and less sugar, making it a healthier alternative. Plus, the intense flavor helps satisfy cravings with just a small amount.
👉 Try This: Keep a small bar of dark chocolate on hand and let a square melt in your mouth whenever you get a sugar craving.
Final Thoughts: You CAN Stop Sugar Cravings!
Sugar cravings are normal, but they don’t have to control you! By eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and using these simple tricks, you can take back control and say goodbye to those sugar cravings once and for all.
👉 Which of these tips are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!
