I have a truth for you. If you keep “bad” food in the house, no matter how strong your resolve, it will eventually get eaten. Kicking the sugar habit can be the hardest habit to get rid of, unfortunately many women, including health professionals like myself, can easily fall into the sugar trap- unfortunately the more you eat, the more you want and the harder it becomes to set yourself free.

To take control of your sugar habit, you must try to uncover where these urges come from and then develop a system to control them. Here are my top three places to look.

1. Stress: Did you know that studies have proven that 77% of stressed out women are more likely to experience sugar cravings compared to 33% of women who are more relaxed. And to no surprise, stressed out women have a higher waist circumference and higher leptin levels (our hunger hormone).

Consider the factors that cause stress on the body. A lack of sleep, a bust work schedule, fractured relationships… aim to address these issue and you may be on you way to reduce sugar cravings.

2. Dehydration: Dehydration activates both hunger and thirst centers in the brain’s hypothalamus. Dehydration effects our liver’s ability to produce glycogen (stored carbohydrates), therefore making you more likely to crave something sweet.

Dehydration also effect the regulation of serotonin, the hormone that tells us that we are full and satisfied. Low serotonin levels can trigger the desire to eat more, and reach for more sugary foods. Aim to start your day hydrated with 250-400ml of water and ensure that you include water in your meals. This will help you hit your H2O goals.

3. Protein: One of the best tricks I use to beat sugar cravings is to kill it with a protein hit instead. This helps to break the desire by making you feel more satisfied for longer. Including protein and fats at breakfast time, has been proven to help control sugar cravings in the late stages on the day too.

A practical example of this is to have a 150g of Greek yogurt and berries after dinner instead of chocolate or making snacks using protein powders. I love creating new protein bar recipes. They are both cheaper and better for you than the commercial varieties.

Whether you are using whey or plant based powder, they will help to reduce appetite and cravings while maintaining healthy muscle and growth.

Here is my favourite 5 ingredient Protein bars recipe that has the perfect balance of macro nutrients and its made from nothing but wholesome ingredients (no ingredients you cannot pronounce)!

Chocolate Protein Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Oat Flour
• 1/2 cup of Protein Powder ( I used chocolate flavour)
• 1 tbs of Cocoa
• 2 tbs of Honey
• 1 cup of Natural Peanut Butter

Method

1. Put all of the ingredients into a bowl
2. Mix through using a wooden spoon. You will need to use a pressing motion to incorporate dry ingredients into the wet.
3. Add a splash of hot water and mix through. Add just enough water until the mixture binds into a big ball.
4. Line a baking tray with paper. Smoosh batter using a potato masher, ensuring that the mixture is firming pressed.
5. Refrigerate until set, cut into bars and enjoy!