What Helps to Stop Sugar Cravings (Even on Holiday)

Have you ever gone on holiday and found yourself craving sugar, followed by energy crashes and bloating? It’s that typical feeling of needing another holiday (or full reset) once you’re home! Holiday sugar cravings are so common, we hear it all the time, and we’ve been there ourselves too. Thankfully, they don’t have to ruin the way you feel.

So, if you’re wondering what helps to stop sugar cravings, especially when you're surrounded by buffet breakfasts and snacks by the pool, this is for you. We’ll be talking about what actually works to stop sugar cravings naturally, with a focus on magnesium and berberine, two of the best supplements to reduce sugar cravings and help you feel good while you’re away.

Let’s Talk Holidays (and the Pressure We Don’t Often Talk About)

So much effort goes into preparing for a holiday, not just packing, planning, and prepping, but mentally too. There’s the unspoken pressure to be "bikini ready,” and to feel great in your clothes. And I’m sure this goes without saying, but every body is a bikini body! And we’re so here for seeing more people on social media rocking all shapes and sizes with total confidence.

That said, when you’re away and feeling bloated and puffy, it can really affect your mood. Especially if you’ve been eating differently, drinking more, sleeping less, or skipping meals. These things often create a perfect storm for unstable blood sugar. This is where learning how to control sugar cravings before they snowball can make a big difference.

Why Do We Crave Sugar More on Holiday?

This will depend on the individual, some have that instant feeling of being on holiday, so all restriction goes out the window. And others may feel a physical change that increases sugar cravings. 

So, aside from "restrictions out the window, let me enjoy myself", here are some other common triggers:

• Eating more refined carbs or alcohol: Hungover mornings = quick and easy fuel needed, and often, the more refined we eat, the more refined we want to eat. 

• Sleeping less or at different times: Sleep impacts our blood sugar much more than you may think.

• Hot weather (affects hydration & energy): Dehydration can lead to imbalanced blood sugar and increased cravings. And of course, low energy means easy wins and quick energy sources, like carbs, sugar, and caffeine.

• Less protein & more on the go meals: Protein, as we know, is crucial for balanced blood sugar. Less protein, less stability. 

• Stress (yes, even holidays can be stressful!): Stress = cortisol spikes = imbalanced blood sugar = more cravings. 

Does Magnesium Stop Sugar Cravings?

Magnesium is usually known for sleep and mood support, but it’s also a key mineral for regulating insulin and managing sugar cravings naturally. Here are some of the key reasons why magnesium is a must in your holiday bag!

• Supports Insulin Function: During holidays, we’re often eating more carbs and sweet treats than usual, and this requires our body to make more insulin to move the sugar (glucose) into our cells. Magnesium helps by activating those insulin receptors, so sugar is used efficiently and not left lingering in the bloodstream. This means fewer spikes and crashes.
  

• Stabilises Energy & Curbs Cravings: Skipping meals, long travel days, or high sugar breakfasts (we see you, hotel croissants) can tax your energy. Magnesium supports ATP production (your body’s energy currency) to help keep you steady between meals and reduce those impulsive sugar grabs.

• Reduces Stress & Emotional Eating: Even when you're somewhere sunny and beautiful, emotional stress, travel fatigue, or sensory overload can mess with your blood sugar. Magnesium helps to calm the nervous system, making you less likely to reach for sugar as a quick fix.

• It’s Easy to Become Deficient: Sugar, alcohol, coffee, and stress all deplete magnesium. And typically, these are consumed in abundance on holiday. Soil depletion, food processing and poor gut absorption mean that even the healthiest diet might not be meeting magnesium needs.

How To Take Magnesium Complex?

Simply take two capsules daily, either 1 x morning and 1 x evening, or 2 x evening. Try our new Natroceutics Magnesium Complex for enhanced absorption and a potent 125mg magnesium per capsule.

Does Berberine Stop Sugar Cravings Too?

Berberine is a natural compound that’s gained a lot of attention for its blood sugar benefits. Some even compare it to metformin, a diabetes medication, but without all the side effects. 

Here are some of the key reasons it should be in your bag:

• Improves Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity: Berberine helps your body manage sugar more effectively. It slows carbohydrate digestion by affecting enzymes in the gut, so sugar is released more gradually into the bloodstream instead of spiking and crashing. This makes you feel more balanced and able to enjoy the odd dessert or indulgent brunch without it triggering that domino effect of cravings all day.

• Prevents Crashes & Keeps Energy Stable: You know that afternoon holiday slump where you suddenly feel flat and snacky? Berberine helps reduce those dips by supporting healthy mitochondrial function, so your cells are better at producing energy from the food you eat.

• May Help Belly Fat & Metabolic Health: Berberine activates AMPK, a protein that encourages your body to burn fat and regulate metabolism. While it’s not a miracle pill, it’s helpful for minimising holiday weight gain and bloating, so you can enjoy your food without the dread of coming home feeling inflamed, puffy, or heavier.

• Eases Bloating & Digestion: When we eat unfamiliar foods, rich meals, or drink more alcohol, the gut can get irritated and inflamed. Berberine has antimicrobial properties that can be helpful when we’re eating unfamiliar foods, and it supports gut balance and inflammation, meaning you feel less bloated and gassy after meals

• Can Help Prevent Overeating: Berberine has a blood sugar buffering effect that can reduce how quickly you feel hungry again after meals. It’s believed to influence hormones like leptin and ghrelin (your hunger and satiety hormones). You’ll feel fuller for longer and less likely to go back for seconds (or thirds) just because you’re craving more sugar.

How To Take Berberine?

Simply take one capsule with meals twice a day, such as breakfast and dinner. Ideally take 20 minutes before eating to optimize the blood sugar balancing benefits.

Can be taken alongside other supplements, such as our best selling Woman of Wellness and/or Liver Cleanse.

Final Thoughts: What Helps to Stop Sugar Cravings

Sugar cravings are a normal part of life, we are all susceptible. Modern living means even the healthiest of us can’t escape them. More often than not, these cravings are an indication that your body just needs a little more balance and support.

Whether this is at home or on holiday, there are plenty of ways to reduce sugar cravings naturally. It often means small tweaks like having more protein or avoiding coffee on an empty stomach, and then using targeted supplements like berberine and magnesium glycinate, which are our go to’s for curbing sugar cravings and keeping energy steady.

So if you're heading away soon, we wish you a fabulous holiday season and hope we can help you feel great before, during and after your holiday with our advice and support.