We’ve all faced the struggle to resist those irresistible sugar cravings that surprise you and show up out of nowhere and mess up with your plans. But guess what? The secret to manage them might already be in your kitchen: olive oil. This golden magic potion doesn’t just lift up dishes; it’s loaded with benefits that help you kick sugar cravings to the curb.
Let’s check out how olive oil benefits your body while giving you some super-easy recipes to try out.
1. Balances Blood Sugar
Sugar cravings often begin from sudden spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels. When you snack on something sweet, it gives you an instant boost, but that energy fades away quickly, which makes you end up tired and craving more sugar.
Here’s where Olive oil outshines. Its healthy monounsaturated fats slow down the speed at which carbs get digested, helping your body release energy at a steady pace. The result? You stay energized without craving sugar.
Why This Matters:
Regulating your blood sugar not only fights cravings but also inhibits mood swings and energy crashes.
Easy Recipe: Olive Oil & Avocado Toast
Ingredients:
- 1 slice whole-grain bread
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A dash of salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Blend the avocado onto your toast.
2. Splash olive oil on top and season.
3. Enjoy a tasty, blood sugar-friendly snack!
2. Keeps You Satisfied Longer
One of the biggest triggers for sugar cravings is Hunger. When you’re stomach is all empty, your brain starts demanding for quick energy, and sugar often feels like the easiest answer.
Here’s where olive oil outshines: it’s packed with healthy fats that make you feel full. The fat present in olive oil tend to take a longer time to digest, unlike the sugary snack that would leave feel famished within an hour, keeping you satisfied for longer.
Why This Matters:
When you feel full, you’re far less likely to reach for that candy bar or donut.
Easy Recipe: Olive Oil Yogurt Bowl
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A handful of chopped nuts or seeds
Instructions:
1. Blend the yogurt and olive oil.
2. Drizzle nuts on top for a crunchy twist.
3. Dig into this creamy, satisfying treat!
Also checkout: 5 simple fenugreek recipes to control your blood sugar levels
3. Supports Gut Health
Your gut health plays a vital role in managing your sugar cravings. Lack of stability in gut bacteria can lead to stronger cravings for sweets. The antioxidants and healthy fats present in Olive oil, promote good gut health by enriching beneficial bacteria.
This isn’t just about digestion—when your gut is healthy, your body is less likely to send out those sugar-seeking signals.
Why This Matters:
A balanced gut reduces the intensity of cravings and improves overall well-being.
Easy Recipe: Olive Oil Veggie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steamed broccoli and carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A sprinkle of garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Stir up the veggies with olive oil and garlic powder.
2. Serve warm for a gut-friendly snack or side dish.
Also check out: How does Fermented food regulate your blood sugar levels ?
4. Eases Stress Cravings
There are times when crave sugar in those stressful moments. A long day at work or an over the top to-do list, sugary comfort foods often feel like the answer.
But here’s the thing: olive oil consists of polyphenols, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. Plus, its relaxing properties can help reduce cortisol levels (your stress hormone). The result? Reduced emotional sugar binges.
Why This Matters:
Decreasing stress naturally reduces the urge to self-soothe with sweets.
Recipe-Free Tip: Morning Boost
Begin your day by adding 1 teaspoon of olive oil to your morning tea or smoothie. It’s a small but simple way to roll out calming nutrients into your routine.
5. Fights Inflammation
Sugar is infamous for causing inflammation in the body. Ironically, the more inflamed your body is, the more sugar cravings you have for a quick energy fix. The anti-inflammatory properties in Olive oil work to reverse this cycle. It is rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E, which fight inflammation and shield your cells from damage.
Why This Matters:
Less inflammation = Lesser cravings and better overall metabolism.
Easy Recipe: Spicy Olive Oil Dressing
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Stir all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture over your favorite salad for a spicy kick.
Quick Tips to Use Olive Oil Daily
If the recipes feel like a ton of work, don’t worry—olive oil is quite easy to include into your meals:
- Drizzle: Drizzle a teaspoon over roasted veggies, soups, or even popcorn.
- Dip: When mixed with herbs, it can also be used as a dip for a whole-grain bread
- Cook: Swap butter or margarine with olive oil in routine cooking.
Small, regular changes can make a big difference over time.
The Real Power of Olive Oil Benefits
Apart from being a regular ingredient in your pantry, it is also regarded as a powerhouse that helps in curbing sugar cravings, Olive oil isn’t just another ingredient in your pantry—it’s a powerhouse that helps curb sugar cravings, supports your health, and adds a flavourful spin to meals. Whether you want to manage your energy levels, enhance digestion, or lower stress-induced cravings, olive oil has your back.
Start small—try one recipe or just swap butter for olive oil in your cooking. These tiny changes can help you take control of your cravings and lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Written By Ritesh
I am the founder of sugarsensible.com, a blog which aims to raise awareness about the impact of sugar on your body. I aim here to make the viewers understand the impact of sugar through in-depth research and personal experience. Dedicated to helping others break free from sugar addiction.