we all know we could benefit from reduced sugar in our diet.

but did you know your dietary choices have an impact on your gut health and sugar cravings? that's because when we feed our bodies sugar it continues to crave it. research even indicates that the bacteria living in your gut can even have an effect on lowering your mood to try and make you give in.

so how do we curb those cravings and get the bacteria back in check to crave more of the good stuff? 

here's an action plan to help kick the cravings:

1. clean out your pantry. sounds drastic, but trust us - if it ain't there, you won't eat it! sharing a pantry with roomies or family who aren't on board? simply put sugary treats in a container out of sight, out of mind.
2. prioritise your meals. ensure your meals contain a good portion of protein and good fats (satiety macronutrients) as they'll keep your blood sugar stable and you fuller for longer. 
3. stay hydrated. often thirst is mistaken for hunger, so if you're hit with a sugar craving, drink a glass of water first and wait 15 minutes –  you’ll be surprised at how much the urge subsides. stay hydrated during the day and aim to drink at least 2L of fluid/day. you can’t count coffee, but you can include herbal teas in your quota.
4. choose sour over sweet. sour foods can help reduce sugar cravings while also providing a prebiotic to support digestive health.
5. change your after dinner routine. if the cravings kick in while chillin' on the couch after dinner watching Netflix or scrolling the gram, change it up by doing something different, enjoying a herbal tea instead of a snack, or just going to bed earlier!
6. be prepared. if cravings strike at a particular time of the month, be prepared and have some refined sugar free alternatives on hand to avoid the double-choc ice cream. we love our cacao blend panna cotta for a treat!

don't forget to go gently on yourself - your body will thank you in spades along the way!