So how do you stop sugar and salt cravings
on a plant based diet. After all, most "low sodium" options are either tasteless or still pretty high on the salt scale (example low sodium soy sauce.) Whole, single-ingredient foods are typically very low to no sodium. So what is one to do if you are faced with sugar or salt cravings?
Here are some real-life solutions I have found to be helpful, and I hope you do as well.
1. Find natural salt or sugar flavors in whole foods. I used to love a sweet potato with brown sugar. Plain sweet potatoes are not as sweet as you would hope. Bananas are sweet. Mash a banana into a sweet potato, add some cinnamon and you have a pretty great combo. Fruit is sweet. Sweet tooth? Try adding some fruit before you sprinkle the sugar on. There are lots of salty foods too. Try some vinegar, mustard, or even lemon in your cooking, or even just sprinkled on top. Nature gives lots of flavors to curb the cravings.
2. OK, ok. So the natural stuff doesn't do it for you? I put guacamole on everything. I like the small, single serve packs, BUT they have salt. Not a ton of salt, but salt. So does alot of hummus. Salsa too. Guac, Salsa, and Hummus are staples at my house. Regular meals aside, when you are having a late night craving or just need a fix, grab a spoon and a big glass of water. Scoop two spoonfulls into a separate dish (I LOVE THESE MONKEY DISHES as they provide alot of flexibility.) Why a separate dish? To stop you from eating the whole container and to stop you from standing in front of the fridge and foraging for your next victim. Why the water? To make you feel full faster. It may sound weird, but like I said, it helped me a TON, so I hope it helps you.
3. Tackle A Major Task On Your To Do List. What?!? This has nothing to do with salt or sugar cravings. Well, come to find out, when I have an oppressive task looming that I know I should do, I like to eat instead of doing it. It's a procrastination habit that I probably formed in the womb, but believe it or not, I have found that I share it with many people. Think of something you are avoiding doing and do it. It will take your mind off eating, make you feel like you accomplished something, and lay the foundation for a great new habit.
4. Just Give In - I hate to say it, but honestly, if eating a bowl of potato chips right now is going to help get you back on track for a few more days, just do it. BUT, follow the same tips in number 2. First, decide on portion size in advance. Don't grab the bag of chips. Get a plate and lay some out. You can always go back for more. Get a glass of water too. Four chips and a glass of water is better than 12 chips. The water will fill you up and flush your body faster.
As always, I hope this helps. Let me know in the comments what you think.