Part 3 of 6: Q&A Series with Joanne – How To Beat Sugar Cravings & Emotional Eating

At The New You Plan, we know that weight loss is about so much more than packs and portion sizes – it’s about mindset, emotions, and daily habits too. One of the biggest challenges our community shares with us is dealing with sugar cravings and emotional eating.

That’s why, in this instalment of our Q&A Blog Series, our very own Joanne from Customer Support – who has over 15 years of experience helping customers on their journeys – is tackling this important topic. With kindness, practical advice, and plenty of encouragement, Joanne explains how to recognise cravings, manage emotional eating, and stay in control without feeling deprived.

Handling Sugar Cravings and Emotional Eating – Your Friendly Guide

Let us be honest – sugar cravings and emotional eating can sometimes feel like uninvited guests who do not know when to leave. They appear at the worst times, demand all your attention and can seriously disrupt your weight loss plans.

Here is the good news: you are not alone. With understanding and some helpful tricks, you can take back control without feeling deprived or miserable.

Understand Your Cravings – What Is Really Going On?

Not every craving is about hunger. Sometimes the body genuinely needs fuel but often cravings are our emotions trying to talk to us. Stress, boredom, tiredness or loneliness can trigger urges to reach for sugary snacks or comfort food.

When you feel that familiar pull, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “Am I really hungry or is there something else going on here?” This small moment of mindfulness can unlock the habit and help you make choices that truly support your goals.

The Magic of Cinnamon – Your New Best Friend

Here is a fun fact: cinnamon is not just a lovely spice that makes tea and coffee smell divine – it also helps with sugar cravings. Cinnamon stabilises blood sugar levels which can reduce urges for sweets.

Next time you crave sugar, try sprinkling cinnamon into your drink or over your New You Porridge. It gives your taste buds a gentle sweet nudge without the sugar crash.

Practice Mindfulness – Slow Down and Tune In

Mindfulness is about being present with what you are doing, especially when eating. Emotional or comfort eating often happens automatically.

Try these tips:

• When a craving hits, pause for a minute and check how you feel.
• Accept your feelings without judging yourself – stress, sadness and frustration are normal.
• Slow down when eating. Take smaller bites, chew thoroughly and really taste your food.

Engaging all your senses helps you feel satisfied and less likely to reach for extras.

Rewards – But Make Them Guilt Free

We all love treats and food has often been a reward in our lives. Whether a takeaway after a tough day, chocolate as a pat on the back or a celebratory meal out, food rewards are hard to break.

Here is a secret: rewards do not have to involve food. Try rewarding yourself with things that make you feel good without derailing progress – think new books, relaxing baths, favourite films or even retail therapy.

If you fancy a snack, our range of high protein treats, both sweet and savoury, is a fantastic way to indulge without guilt or setbacks. They are like your best friend supporting your journey.

Know Your Eating Style – Are You a Comfort Eater?

If you reach for food when not truly hungry, especially certain types of food, you might be an emotional or comfort eater. This type of eating often hits suddenly, craves specific flavours and does not satisfy hunger. It can leave you feeling guilty afterwards – a double whammy we all want to avoid!

The first step is to identify what triggers these urges. Is it stress, boredom, loneliness or old habits? Recognising triggers helps you develop strategies to respond differently and break the cycle.

Stay Active – Not Just for Weight Loss but for Your Mind Too

Sometimes cravings appear because your brain is bored or stressed. Staying active helps manage feelings and distracts you from sugary snacks.

It does not have to be a full gym session – little bursts of movement count. Whether a quick walk, dancing around the kitchen, gentle stretches or a new hobby that gets you moving, staying active boosts your mood and reduces cravings.

Be Kind to Yourself – This Is a Journey Not a Sprint

Changing habits and managing cravings is not easy and it is not about perfection. Every day you show up and try, you are doing brilliantly.

Keep your chin up, sprinkle some cinnamon on your tea and remember you are not alone. You have this and I am here cheering you on every step of the way.

Final Thoughts…

Sugar cravings and emotional eating are challenges many people face – but with mindfulness, balance, and kindness to yourself, they don’t have to control your journey. Remember: every choice you make towards your goals is a win, no matter how small.

Join Our 2025 £52K Cash Transformation Story Challenge!

Cash Prizes To Help Your Thrive – £52,000 Up for Grabs!

This year, we’re giving away 52K in cash. £7,000 cash will be won every 2 months for our absolute favourite glow-ups! One overall winner will WIN £3000 cash and 4 more customers will each WIN £1000. And the grand finale? An epic £10,000 cash prize for one overall winner!

Customers can enter any or ALL of the following challenges:

• Sept & Oct: Fall Focus (submit by Friday 31st Oct)
• The £10,000 Grand Finale (submit by Sunday 30th November)
• Nov & Dec: End 2025 strong (submit by Wednesday 31st Dec)

You don’t have to be at your goal to enter! Entering each time will keep you motivated and on track to achieving your goal. And, if you are already at your goal and maintaining your weight loss, you can enter too!

It’s free to enter, you can join at any time and you can submit every 2 months, if you wish. With 3 more submission dates this year, and 5 prizes each time, that means you have 15 chances to WIN a share of £52,000. And don’t forget about our £10,000 grand finale in November 2025, in which the overall winner of the year will walk away with £10k cash.