Since I was diagnosed with prediabetes last year, I have become more aware of not only what I eat but when I eat. Before my diagnosis, I would look for something to eat at the first feelings of hunger. I didn’t think twice about what it was that I reached for, as long as it would satisfy my hunger. Depending on the time of day and where I was when my hunger pangs struck, I might reach for some Oreo cookies, a frozen burrito, or a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal. Whatever was within reach and somewhat delicious.
But as I learned more about nutrition and the effect different foods have on my blood sugar, I realized that I didn’t have to eat something at the first instance of experiencing hunger. I noticed that my feelings of hunger would pass on their own, even without eating anything. Sometimes the hunger would dissipate after a few minutes and other times it might take closer to half an hour, but regardless, eventually my desire to eat would disappear.
Many times my hunger would disappear after drinking a glass or two of water. When I was craving something with a bit more flavor than just water, I might make myself an ice coffee with almond milk and Gavalia’s coffee concentrate. While this delicious and refreshing drink was not entirely free of calories or carbs, the counts were minimal. Surprisingly, this iced coffee recipe of one half-glass of almond milk and one half-glass of Gevalia coffee concentrate seemed to fill me up and dissipate any cravings for an unhealthy snack.
Taking just a few seconds to ask myself if I was truly hungry or maybe just thirsty has saved me many times from reaching for a bag of chips or a peanut butter sandwich. Beverages, especially water, can not only help us stay hydrated, but they can also satisfy our carb and sugar cravings. After drinking two 8-ounce glasses of ice water, I had no desire to eat those chips or make myself a sandwich. I was full.
Even though I realize that water is healthiest beverage and we should all drink plenty of it, there are times when a Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper will satisfy a craving for something sweet. And after I have one of those, I feel rather full and don’t really want anything else.
Everyone will come up with their own individual hacks and tricks to fight back against those carb and sugar cravings that may strike at your most vulnerable moments. But having some healthy snacks available in your kitchen like broccoli or cauliflower (and maybe some low-sugar salad dressing to dip them in) can help you get through those difficult times when the cravings have you looking for some potato chips or cookies.
Not only will you be able to successfully bypass those cravings and tempations, you will be providing your body the vitamins and nutrients it really needs. Imagine how much better you will feel if your stomach is full of broccoli rather than a bag of Doritos. When you consider your next snack in those terms, the choice of what to eat is easy.
