What to Drink When You’re Trying to Reduce Sugar Cravings: 10 Natural Choices
, by "Sarah Faneh", 7 min reading time
Struggling with sugar cravings? Explore the best low-sugar drinks and smoothies that satisfy your sweet tooth naturally while supporting steady energy and better hydration.
What to drink when you’re trying to reduce sugar cravings can be an overwhelming question, especially when sugary temptations seem everywhere. But opting for the right beverages can naturally diminish those cravings while keeping you feeling fuller longer. Choosing drinks to reduce sugar cravings that are low in sugar and rich in nutrients can help stabilize blood sugar levels and enhance hydration - both crucial in managing your sweet tooth.
Let’s explore 10 natural, low glycemic drinks and smoothies that curb sugar cravings effectively and support your wellness goals.
Understanding What to Drink When You’re Trying to Reduce Sugar Cravings
Why Choosing the Right Drinks Matters
Sugar cravings often result from blood sugar fluctuations, dehydration, and lack of satiety. Drinking the wrong beverages, especially those high in added sugars, can cause energy crashes. Conversely, selecting low sugar drinks and low glycemic options helps maintain steady blood glucose while satisfying the urge for sweetness in a healthier way. Hydration and sugar cravings are closely related - dehydration can sometimes mimic hunger, leading you to reach for sugary snacks.
Key Features of Drinks That Help Curb Sugar Cravings
Natural drinks that effectively reduce sugar cravings typically share these qualities:
- Low in added sugars and refined carbohydrates
- Rich in fiber, protein, or healthy fats to increase satiety
- Contain natural sweetness or flavor without added sugar
- Support hydration and balanced blood sugar
By focusing on these aspects, you can enjoy drinks that satisfy cravings and promote overall health.
1. Herbal and Green Teas: A Calming, Low Sugar Drink
Benefits of Green and Herbal Teas for Sugar Cravings
Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, and rooibos, as well as green tea, offer a naturally low-calorie, low sugar drink option that soothes the palate. Green tea, in particular, is renowned for catechins that support metabolism and help regulate blood sugar. Without added sugars, these teas provide gentle sweetness and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and assist in appetite control.
How to Enjoy Tea to Curb Sugar Cravings
Brew your tea without sugar or sweeteners and experiment by infusing with natural flavors like cinnamon sticks, a slice of citrus, or fresh mint leaves. Enjoy iced or hot, these no added sugar smoothies alternatives can replace sugary drinks while promoting hydration and quieting sweet urges.
2. Fruit-Infused Water and Low Sugar Juice Blends
Hydrating With a Hint of Natural Sweetness
Fruit-infused water is an excellent low glycemic drink that combines hydration with gentle sweetness and vitamins. Using citrus slices, berries, cucumber, or herbs like mint adds flavor without spiking blood sugar or adding calories. Similarly, low sugar juice blends - limited to mostly vegetables with a touch of fruit - provide nutrients and antioxidants while lowering sugar content compared to typical fruit juices.
Simple Infusion Ideas to Try
- Cucumber and lemon slices with fresh mint
- Strawberry and basil
- Carrot-celery juice with a splash of green apple juice
- Watermelon and lime with a pinch of sea salt
These drinks keep you refreshed, promote hydration and help balance sugar cravings naturally.
3. Low Sugar Smoothies and No Added Sugar Smoothies
Best Smoothies to Curb Sugar Cravings
Smoothies that combine fiber-rich vegetables, protein (such as Greek yogurt or plant-based powder), healthy fats, and low glycemic fruits can be powerful in controlling cravings. The best smoothies to curb sugar cravings avoid added sweeteners and focus on natural ingredients like avocado, spinach, berries, and nuts.
Recipe Example: Green Protein Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 handful spinach or kale
- ½ avocado for healthy fats
- ½ cup mixed berries (blueberries or strawberries)
- 1 scoop plant-based or whey protein powder
- Ice as desired
This no added sugar smoothie is full of fiber and protein to boost satiety and stabilize blood sugar, reducing sugar cravings.
4. Coconut Water: Nature’s Hydrating Low Sugar Drink
Electrolyte-Rich and Naturally Sweet
Coconut water is a natural low sugar juice blend that hydrates while providing potassium and magnesium. It's calorically light and contains no added sugars when consumed pure. This makes it a fantastic option to combat dehydration-related sugar cravings while replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise or heat.
When to Drink Coconut Water for Cravings
Reach for coconut water when you feel thirsty or fatigued, especially post-workout or in hot climates, to support hydration and avoid turning to sugary beverages.
5. Sparkling Water with Natural Flavors: Fizzy and Sugar-Free
Enjoy the Fizz Without the Sugar Spike
Sparking water infused with natural flavors like lemon, lime, or berry extracts offers a refreshing alternative to soda and other sweetened drinks. Choose options with no added sugar or sweeteners to keep it a low sugar choice. This type of drink can satisfy your desire for something sweet and bubbly without adding to sugar load.
DIY Sparkling Water Ideas
- Carbonated water with fresh lemon and a sprig of thyme
- Sparkling water with frozen raspberries and mint
- Mix of soda water and a splash of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
These beverages add variety and help prevent sugary drink consumption.
6. Protein-Enhanced Drinks to Boost Satiety
Protein Drinks and Their Role in Reducing Sugar Cravings
Protein helps keep blood sugar stable and promotes fullness, reducing hunger-driven sugar cravings. Drinks incorporating protein, such as protein shakes or smoothies made from Greek yogurt, nut butters, or protein powders, deliver lasting satiety. Choosing low sugar drinks in this category ensures you benefit from sustained energy without added sugars.
Examples of Protein-Enhanced Drinks
- Unsweetened protein shakes blended with spinach and berries
- Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of unsweetened almond milk and cinnamon
Incorporating these can reduce the frequency and intensity of sugar cravings throughout the day.
7. Herbal Infusions and Functional Waters to Support Cravings Control
Functional Drinks That Soothe and Satisfy
Herbal infusions like cinnamon water, ginger tea, or chamomile not only impart flavor but offer ingredients known to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. Functional waters infused with apple cider vinegar diluted in water can also help curb cravings by stabilizing blood sugar and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Usage Tips
Consume these drinks warm or cold, and avoid artificial sweeteners that may perpetuate sweet cravings. A warm cup of cinnamon or ginger tea after meals can be particularly effective in managing sugar urges.
Summary: Natural Drinking Choices to Successfully Reduce Sugar Cravings
Understanding what to drink when you’re trying to reduce sugar cravings involves choosing natural, low sugar drinks that promote satiety, hydration, and stable blood sugar. From herbal and green teas to low sugar juice blends and no added sugar smoothies, these options help you gently curb your sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor or nourishment. Incorporate protein-enhanced drinks, coconut water, and sparkling waters to add variety and prevent sugary drink relapse. Remember, hydration and sugar cravings are tightly connected, so staying well-hydrated with thoughtful beverage choices supports your cravings control and overall wellbeing.
If you’re looking for low-sugar juices and naturally balanced smoothies made fresh every day, explore the handcrafted options available at Clean River Juice Bar. Our menu features refreshing blends designed to support your wellness goals without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
