If you’re here, chances are you’ve found yourself struggling with sugar cravings. Maybe you’ve tried a bunch of different diets, cutting back on sugar, or maybe you’ve made a deal with yourself to only eat sweets “sometimes.”
But let’s be honest—if the sugar cravings keep showing up uninvited, you might feel like your willpower is failing. The good news is that it’s not your willpower that’s broken; it’s the modern diet. That’s why I want to introduce you to the Paleo diet as a natural way to reduce sugar cravings.
The Paleo diet has helped countless people get control over their relationship with sugar. It’s not a magic pill, but it is a way of eating that emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, which can naturally curb your sugar cravings by getting your body the nutrition it actually needs.
What is the Paleo Diet?
Before diving in, let’s first understand what a Paleo diet is. The idea behind this way of eating is simple: eat the foods that our Paleolithic ancestors consumed, such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
The premise is that our bodies evolved to thrive on these types of foods, and the modern influx of processed foods and added sugars is what throws our systems out of whack.
By following the Paleo diet, you’re avoiding processed sugars, grains, and dairy. Instead, you’re nourishing your body with natural, unprocessed foods that are high in nutrients and protein—an ideal environment to reduce those nagging sugar cravings.
How Does the Paleo Diet Reduce Sugar Cravings?
Sugar cravings often stem from unbalanced blood sugar levels, nutritional deficiencies, or just the addictive nature of refined sugars. The Paleo diet addresses each of these root causes:
- Blood Sugar Stability: By eating low-glycemic foods that don’t cause sharp spikes in your blood sugar, you keep insulin levels stable, preventing those sudden dips that leave you craving sugary snacks.
- Protein and Healthy Fats: Paleo meals emphasize lean proteins and healthy fats, which are crucial for keeping you full and satisfied. When you feel full and have steady energy levels, you’re far less likely to reach for sweets as a quick fix.
- Nutrient Density: Often, sugar cravings are a result of nutritional deficiencies. The Paleo diet includes nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, which help ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body is missing.
Paleo-Friendly Foods to Help with Sugar Cravings
Here are some Paleo-friendly foods that can specifically help you reduce sugar cravings:
Healthy Fats and Oils
Healthy fats are your friends when it comes to keeping cravings at bay. Foods like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil are perfect for keeping you full. Coconut oil, in particular, can be used in cooking or even added to smoothies. It’s high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which are known to help curb appetite.
You can grab a jar of Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to use in your cooking. With thousands of positive reviews, it’s a popular choice among people following a Paleo diet.
Lean Proteins
Consuming enough protein is essential to reduce cravings. Protein-rich foods like chicken breast, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and eggs can keep your hunger levels balanced and prevent that urge for something sweet. If you need a quick and easy way to add protein to your diet, try EPIC Bison Bars. They’re Paleo-approved and make for a great portable snack.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, proteins, and fiber—all of which help keep you full. Try almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds. They work well as a topping for a Paleo yogurt or mixed into a smoothie.
Kirkland Signature Unsalted Mixed Nuts available on Amazon are a great option—they have a variety of nuts and have no added sugar, which makes them ideal for a Paleo diet.
Vegetables and Low-Glycemic Fruits
Vegetables are a staple in the Paleo diet. Fill your plate with leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. These foods are loaded with magnesium, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Also, opt for low-glycemic fruits like berries, apples, and pears. They provide natural sweetness without spiking your blood sugar levels.
If you love something crunchy and sweet, try Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips available on Amazon. These are a delicious, natural snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.
Paleo Snacks to Help You Stay On Track
The key to reducing sugar cravings is making sure you never feel deprived or hungry. The Paleo diet allows for lots of snacks that are nutrient-dense and delicious, without added sugar.
Homemade Energy Bites
Make your own Paleo-friendly energy bites using almond butter, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and unsweetened cocoa powder. You can throw everything into a food processor, roll them into balls, and keep them in the fridge for a quick pick-me-up.
Paleo Protein Bars
For convenience, having a Paleo protein bar on hand is helpful. RXBAR Protein Bars are made with simple ingredients like dates, egg whites, and nuts, and are free from added sugars. They come in many flavors and have consistently positive reviews from people following Paleo.
Beef Jerky
Jerky is a perfect high-protein, sugar-free snack that keeps you full. When buying jerky, make sure it doesn’t contain added sugars. Country Archer Provisions Grass-Fed Beef Jerky is Paleo-approved, high in protein, and sugar-free.
Paleo Recipe Ideas to Fight Sugar Cravings
Cooking Paleo at home can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing cravings. Here are some simple recipes to try out:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 4 eggs
- Coconut oil
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced sweet potato, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies are soft.
- Make four wells in the veggie mixture and crack an egg into each.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set.
This breakfast hash is packed with complex carbs, fiber, and protein, helping you avoid mid-morning sugar cravings.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
If you crave dessert, make this Paleo-approved chocolate chia pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
- Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight until thickened.
This pudding is rich in fiber and healthy fats, helping curb cravings.
Addressing Emotional Sugar Cravings
It’s worth mentioning that sugar cravings aren’t always physical—sometimes they’re emotional. The Paleo diet helps reduce emotional sugar cravings by stabilizing your blood sugar and providing nutrients that boost your mood.
Foods like salmon (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) and avocados (high in healthy fats) are not only filling but can help support emotional health.
When you feel a craving hit, try to pause and assess if you’re physically hungry or emotionally hungry. If it’s the latter, instead of reaching for something sugary, you could try drinking a glass of water, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a cup of herbal tea.
One product that has helped many with emotional sugar cravings is Yogi Tea – Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy Tea. It’s caffeine-free, slightly sweet, and has been found to help curb the desire for sweet snacks.
Tips to Succeed with the Paleo Diet
- Meal Prep: Prepping Paleo-friendly meals and snacks in advance is one of the best ways to stay on track. If you have your meals ready, you’re less likely to make a hasty decision and grab something sugary.
- Eat Enough Healthy Fats: Ensure your diet is rich in healthy fats, as they play a key role in keeping you satiated. Coconut oil, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados are all your allies.
- Stay Hydrated: Many times sugar cravings are confused with thirst. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep cravings at bay.
- Avoid Paleo Baking Overkill: While making Paleo-approved treats (like almond flour muffins) is fine from time to time, over-relying on these baked goods can make it harder to fully kick the sugar habit.
- Get Quality Sleep: Lack of sleep often increases sugar cravings. Make getting 7-8 hours of sleep a priority.
Key Takeaways
Switching to a Paleo diet can be a powerful way to reduce your sugar cravings. By focusing on protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods, you’ll keep your body satisfied and stabilize your blood sugar levels, both of which make those pesky cravings easier to manage. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about giving your body what it truly needs.
It’s also important to stay prepared. By keeping your kitchen stocked with Paleo-approved foods, like RXBARs, Country Archer Jerky, and Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips, you’ll always have something satisfying on hand when hunger strikes.
Remember to listen to your body. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through breaking the cycle of sugar addiction.
With a little bit of preparation and some tasty Paleo-friendly foods, you can reduce sugar cravings and build a healthier relationship with food, one day at a time.