Diet Review - What you're currently eating, what you're lacking in and what you need more of.
Eating Plans - How to put food together to get the most out of it.
Supplementation - Using vitamins and minerals to support bodily functions.
November Article: 12 Easy Tips to Stop the Sugar Shakes! Sugar Cravings be Gone! So what can you do about the sweet cravings? Here are some simple healthy practices you can do to help take control over the cravings. Through maintaining healthy blood glucose levels you can both look and feel better and possibly fit into those pants that you haven’t been able to wear for years! 1. Eat a low GI diet. This slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and prevents rapid insulin surges. It keeps you feeling full for longer and prevents a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels. Enjoy whole grains, salads, vegetables, legumes. If you don't know where to start, ask me how- I can help! 2. Eat protein with every meal and snack. Protein makes you feel more satisfied and gives you more sustained energy. It will not raise your insulin levels so will keep your blood sugar balance and prevent cravings. Enjoy lean meats, low fat dairy, nuts, seeds and legumes 3. Get more chromium. Chromium is a trace mineral required for insulin to work properly, helping sugar to move into the cells efficiently. It is found in liver, brewers yeast, wheat germ, and mushrooms. A therapeutic dose is at least 200mcg of 'elemental' chromium, but don't take large amounts for long periods of time without seeing a professional like myself- I can help you there. 4. Use the herb Gymnema. Gymnema can be useful for reducing sweet cravings, and reducing the sweet taste sensation on taste buds, making it less appealing to eat sugar laden foods. Spraying it directly on the taste buds seems to stop things from tasting so sweet and you are less likely to want to eat sweets. 5. Eat enough fibre. Fibre is important for slowing sugar absorption and making you feel full. Eating plenty of vegetables (preferably raw) will provide fibre, as will foods like brown rice and oats. You can also put a couple of teaspoons of psyllium husks on a low GI cereal or even in a drink to take before meals. 6. Clean your teeth! After dinner, clean your teeth right away. This works well for many people because you're less likely to snack on sweets when you have that minty taste in your mouth, and if you do, you know you have to clean your teeth all over again! 6. Tried Xylitol or Stevia? You can also reduce sweet cravings by substituting regular sugar with these natural sweeteners. 7. Drink Some Water. Often thirst is mistaken for hunger. We misinterpret the body’s messages. Tune in to your body’s cues and drink a big glass of water instead of starting on that bar of chocolate. 9. Do Something Different. Bored after spending hours at your desk? Distract yourself another way, call a friend, go for a walk, take a long hot bath, listen to some music and start grooving or do some yoga instead of giving in to the urge to eat something sweet. Craving something sweet be just a habit. 10. Clear Your Pantry. Eliminate or store sweet foods in opaque jars so that they are “Out of sight and out of mind.” 11. Plan your Shopping on a full stomach. Never shop when hungry. You'll reach for sweet treats unconsciously when blood sugar levels are low. Eat something like fruit or yoghurt before you commence shopping. Take a list with you and buy only what is on the list, nothing more! 12. Hypnosis to Stop Sugar Cravings. You might also want to try hypnosis, as another complementary tool in your quest to stop sugar cravings
Yes.
Most Naturopaths are happy to collaborate and communicate with your
doctor to come up with healthy and natural ways to get you better. It
is important that you notify our Naturopaths of your medical history
and medications you're currently taking. This way, they can be clear
about using supplements that won't interfere with your doctor's
prescriptions or recommendations.
What is the difference between practitioner range supplements and ones from the supermarket?
A
Naturopath ensures the right product is prescribed to you. The dosages
of these practitioner range supplements have been clinically tested to
produce therapeutic results. They are also quality assured,
meaning the freshness of the supplements is guaranteed, rather than it
sitting on a shelf for months. The benefit of getting your supplements
through our Naturopaths is that they can give you peace of mind by
checking with manufacturer's technical support if your medications
could interfere with your supplements.They will also monitor the
effects over time and make recommendations as you go, whereas buying
them from a supermarket you are missing out on the expert advice.
Can I claim health fund rebates with Naturopathy?
Yes, but this depends on your health fund policy coverage. Please check with your health fund to see if you're covered.