By Jennifer Tardy
Whenever we eat sugar by itself — especially processed sweets — the body responds in a predictable chemical chain reaction:
- Blood sugar spikes quickly
- Insulin surges to bring it down
- The body often overcorrects
- You crash
- Your brain panics: “Quick, more sugar!”
Your nervous system interprets this as a threat — not as you “cheating” on a diet.
And the more crashes you have:
- The louder the cravings
- The slower the metabolism
- The deeper the fatigue
Again, this is not about willpower.
It’s chemistry.
Cravings are communication, not condemnation.
Your body isn’t sabotaging you — it’s asking for stability.
Once you provide steady blood sugar and consistent nourishment, those “urgent” cravings begin to quiet down.
This Week’s Challenge: The Glucose Buffer
Try this simple rewire to stabilize your energy and curb cravings:
Pair carbs or sweets with protein and fiber.
Think nuts, seeds, eggs, Greek yogurt, or veggie-based snacks alongside your treat.
Take a 10-minute walk after meals.
Movement helps pull glucose into your muscles, where it’s used as energy rather than stored as fat.
And here’s your mindset/NLP upgrade for the week:
When a craving hits, try saying:
“This is my body asking for balance — and I know how to give it what it needs.”
Micro-Journaling Prompts
- What craving patterns am I noticing this week?
- How do I feel physically and emotionally after I buffer vs. when I binge?
- What does “empowered enjoyment” of sweets look like for me?
About Eating for Healing
Jennifer Tardy, IPHM, is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach, and Personal Trainer based in Lexington, South Carolina. She is an authorized provider for Optimal Health Systems (OHS), a professional-grade supplement line made from whole-food ingredients.
For consultations, personalized nutrition plans, or functional health testing, contact Jennifer at (803) 556-2593, email [email protected], or visit www.eatingforhealing.org
Jennifer is a IPHM, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and a Personal Trainer. Eating for Healing Nutrition and Wellness transforms lives through the power of holistic nutrition.
She can be reached at 803-556-2593. Her website is www.eatingforhealing.org.
