The Surprising Benefits of MCTs for Cravings, Weight Loss & Ultimate Energy
I’ve been off sugar for years now, but between you and I, I still struggle with cravings. Sugar is everywhere AND it’s addictive as hell, plus being a busy mum who’s always on the go means sometimes my body literally screams at me for fuel to keep me going. Not to mention our bodies are literally designed to seek out sugar as a primary source of energy. Today, I want to talk about something that’s been an absolute game-changer for me - MCTs. It’s my biggest secret weapon to stop cravings in their tracks AND help with weight loss. MCTs are the reason I dropped 4 stone and got my candida under control! So, let’s start with the basics…
What are MCTs and what makes them so great?
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which are a type of fat molecule found in coconut oil, palm oil and dairy products. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are easily digested, absorbed and quickly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick source of energy, much like sugar and carbs! But unlike sugar, MCTs don’t produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream, saving you from the slump and consequent cravings! This makes MCTs a great source of fuel for the body and brain whenever you’re feeling peckish and sluggish.
How MCTs help kick cravings
Few things will throw off your well-intentioned weight loss plans faster than “the snack attack”. I’ve been there, trust me. And when you’re stressed or tired, you’re more likely to reach for carbs to dampen the cortisol response - the office and school runs being classic examples of cortisol spiking danger zones.
Here’s where MCTs come in.
Research has shown that MCTs influence the secretion of hormones that regulate appetite. When you eat MCTs, the ketones produced suppress “ghrelin”, know as the “hunger hormone”. Just a couple of tablespoons of MCT oil is enough to keep me from reaching for toast and croissants first thing in the morning.
If you’re intermittent fasting or, skipping breakfast MCTs are an absolute life saviour, providing nourishment and energy to get you going first thing in the morning without breaking your fast. Just add some MCT oil or powder to your morning tea or coffee to keep you fired up and distracted from food until lunchtime.
Davinia Taylor - "Don't be afraid of healthy fats and cholesterol in your diet"
MCTs help regulate your blood sugar
Keeping your blood sugar steady is key to keeping cravings at bay and your energy levels even. MCTs are quickly absorbed by the body and used for energy and unlike sugar and carbs they don’t cause an insulin spike! Plus, MCTs are not easily converted into stored fat, which is a massive bonus! Check out my fascinating podcast with Jessie Inchauspe aka @GlucoseGoddess to learn more epic and easy-to-follow hacks about keeping your blood sugar and cravings under control.
MCTs fire you up with energy so you don’t go looking for snacks
The beauty of MCTs is the liver processes them super-fast making them available to cross the blood-brain barrier to generate ATP, aka “the brain cells fuel” which immediately livens you up. The brain receives this energy and stops looking for carbs and sugar as an energy source. So, you get a jolt of energy and reduce cravings for snacks. Plus, MCTs increase the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in a better overall mood and more willpower. Keep some MCT powder sachets with you in your bag and mix one together with a drink of your choice whenever you’re feeling sluggish or snacky for a quick burst of energy and nutrition.
MCTs kill off candida which makes you crave sugar
If you’re trying to come off carbs, you’re more than likely to have candida overgrowth in your gut. Candida can make you feel tired, irritable, and give you a foggy head and poor concentration. It can also cause intense cravings, as those nasty critters feed on sugar! It’s a Catch-22 - eating sugar makes yeast grow and having too much yeast in your gut makes you crave sugar. A low-carb and sugar-free diet, plus MCT is awesome at wiping out yeast and helping get candida under control.
In conclusion...
MCTs are your secret weapon to stop cravings, boost energy and help you lose weight. And now you can benefit from the crave-busting MCTs while you’re on the go with my new MCT Keto Sticks.
The MCT Keto Powder Sticks provide bioavailable MCTs for a ketone brain power boost, along with the vitamins and minerals from grass-fed butter. The sticks are great for beginners as they contain keto-friendly fibre to slow digestion, which doesn’t turn straight into glucose. Truth is, the MCT oil is more effective but can cause a temporary runny tummy, so start slow and rotate or combine the two while your body adapts.
I add MCT oil and collagen to my morning coffee before I run and again on my return. No need for cream or milk as these can spike your insulin causing cravings twenty minutes later. And remember, stay away from oat milk altogether as it’s an absolute killer full of junk emulsifiers like sunflower oil and is basically liquid sugar.
The Keto Sticks are awesome to keep in your purse as an on-the-move addition to bone broth, any other soup or low-sugar smoothies with greens, blueberries, acai, nuts & seeds. I take mine everywhere I go and take a sachet at lunch and then again, a couple of hours before dinner to get me through the day. The Keto Sticks also make a great air travel companion, to keep you from eating grubby aeroplane food.
Davinia xx