Using mindset and essential oils to beat those sugar blues

A sweet tooth or sugar addiction can be difficult to shake but with persistence, self-love and the right mindset it is possible.  You can also use essential oils to support you on the journey.

The reasons for loving sugar are firmly rooted in our primordial brain. 

We are wired for sugar it has been scientifically proven that specific areas of our brain play a key role in keeping us hooked both on sugar and calories. Sugar activates reward areas of the brain that are associated with sweetness and the need for calories.  

We have learned to love what it signifies to us there is also a lot of habitual behaviour associated with why we reach for sugar, we are often conditioned to reward ourselves with sweet treats.

This is why, when we are stressed or anxious, we look for sweets and chocolates.  

So, what can you do about it?

We know the mind is super powerful so the first thing I would recommend is to work on mindset, get in touch with the feelings that lie beneath the craving.  Working with a hypnotherapist who can help you deal with the emotional and mental states that are driving the sugar cravings and re-set your mind is an ideal way to make the change.

Once your mindset is right it is about creating the support structures that help you to stay sugar-free like:

·        Try a healthy substitute for a sweet craving like a medjool date or a liquorice tea. 

·        Clean out the pantry  – visual cues are hugely powerful, keep it hidden if need be

·        Look at your overall diet and nutrition

Check out this article from Mind Body Green for some great tips on how to beat sugar for good. 

This blog focuses on the essential oils that can help.   The oil that will suit you best will depend on what is going on for you. Here are some of my favourite essential oils for busting that sugar craving.  If you are interested in essential oils, contact me or go to www.mydoterra.com/brigidarantz.  

Battling hunger?

Smart & Sassy

Smart & Sassy is a metabolic blend, which helps manage hunger while boosting metabolism and promoting a positive mood. It contains Grapefruit and Lemon, both of which have a high limonene content to help purify and cleanse the body and Peppermint, Ginger, and Cinnamon provide a stimulating and positive effect on the endocrine system.

Add one or two drops of Smart and Sassy to a large glass of water before meals can help your body to control appetite and over eating.  I keep a jug of water with Smart & Sassy in it handy all day to top up. 

Trying to detox?

 Zendocrine is a detoxification blend which has Rosemary, Cilantro, and Juniper Berry, which are known for their detoxifying properties, and Tangerine and Geranium, which have purifying effects.  These essential oils work together to create a blend that rids the body of toxins and free radicals while supporting the healthy function of many of the body’s vital organs, including the liver, colon, kidneys, lungs, and skin. 

 Are your cravings driven by hormones?

Clary Calm is ideal if your sugar cravings are related to your hormones. Clary Calm is a blend of essential oils that have been traditionally used to balance hormones and manage symptoms of PMS and the transitional phases of menopause. Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Fennel, Carrot Seed, Palmarosa, and Vitex provide temporary respite from cramps, nausea, hot flashes, and the emotional swings sometimes associated with regular hormone cycles in women.

Do you need some support to break the habit?

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree. Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings, support cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems.  It’s also a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health. And has been shown to be effective in supporting

Lemon is also a powerful oil for breaking addictive patterns. I love using Lemon oil in my daily morning hot water as it is far better than juicing up a lemon – you just add a drop of oil. 

Petitgrain is powerful for breaking habits. It delivers calming and relaxing benefits to ease feelings of tension and stress.

Are you feeling anxious or sad? 

Bergamot is fabulous to beat sugar cravings calming and uplifting oil when you are feeling anxious or sad. Add it to tea for instant earl grey or enjoy in your favourite salad dressing or water. 

Looking for something sweet?

Cinnamon bark is great in a large glass of cold water with a pinch of stevia for a sweet hit. Be cautious with Cinnamon Bark as it is a hot oil.

Need an energy pick me up? 

Grapefruit is an excellent essential oil to add to water, it helps curb sugar cravings and flavours water. If you tend to snack when you are tired, use grapefruit essential oil as it helps to reduce mental and physical fatigue. 

Remember, use essential oils safely, follow any specific guidance on how they should be use or applied.  Be careful of how they interact with other medications you are already taking.  Ask for guidance if you need it.