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    Home » Wellness Tips

    The Secret to Beating Sugar Cravings in the Afternoon

    Modified: Apr 15, 2025 · by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Close up of womans face as she holds two sprinkle donuts in front of her with text on the image.

    Afternoon sugar cravings can feel impossible to resist, but what if there was a way to stop the craving while still gaining energy? Check out these 3 simple tips to help regain control, indulge the craving, and gain some fuel all while skipping the 3pm sugar crash.

    Close up of womans face as she holds two sprinkle donuts in front of her with text on the image.

    It’s 3 PM, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and there it is—the NEED for something sweet. A pick me up. You know the one. It hits hard, and suddenly you’re eyeing that secret stash of chocolate chips in the pantry (we’ve all been there).

    Here’s the thing: those cravings aren’t about willpower. They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need something!” The trick is giving it what it actually needs before the craving takes over.

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I'm telling you that avoiding all cravings rarely works for the every day mom. It just leads to a cycle of distress, binging, and guilt.

    So, what’s the secret?

    Below are three simple things to consider and implement to help you beat the afternoon energy crash on a daily basis.

    👉 Start with protein. If your lunch was mostly carbs (hello, sandwiches and crackers), your blood sugar is probably crashing. Adding a good dose of protein to your meals keeps you fuller longer and helps avoid those afternoon dips. Learn how to eat more protein and use things like shredded teriyaki chicken to pop into wraps, salads, or over rice.

    👉 Plan for a high-protein snack. Instead of reaching for a quick sugar fix, have something ready that satisfies both your hunger and your sweet tooth. Think chocolate protein pudding, no-bake protein bites, or coffee protein balls.

    Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them.

    👉 Stay hydrated. Sometimes cravings aren’t hunger at all—they’re dehydration in disguise. Sip some water and see if that helps before diving into the snacks.

    Next Steps

    Cravings don’t have to control your day. With a little planning and recipes from the Strong and Sweet Protein Guide, you’ll learn how to fuel your body the right way to beat those sugar crashes and keep your energy steady—no guilt, no sugar highs, and no crashing later.

    This guide has over 25 recipes with 17 grams or more of protein to help you keep fueled and energized while still indulging your sweet tooth.

    Try one of these tips this week and see how much better you feel by 3 PM!

    Made For Moms
    Protein packed snacks for busy moms with wicked cravings
    Protein packed snacks for busy moms with wicked cravings
    10.99

    Inside the Strong and Sweet Guide, you’ll discover exactly how much protein you need each day, how to choose the right protein powder, and enjoy over twenty-five easy ultra-simple snack recipes, each packed with 17 grams of protein or more. 

    Buy Now

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    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.