“Sweet is the first taste humans prefer from birth, “says Christine Gebastabt, MD, RD, a dietitian, and American Dietetic Association spokeswomen. This is due to the natural sweetness of breastmilk.

Sweets are all around us. They are part of every culture and play a role in our happiest moments and celebrations. They are associated with our memories and soothe us when we are having a bad day.

SUGAR ADDICTION IS A REAL THING

Sugar has not only been found to contribute to a number of health issues but research shows that it can be even more addicting than cocaine. Scary right?

It has been found that the link between sugar and addictive behavior is due to the fact that sugar stimulates the same reward circuits in the brain that are activated by cocaine.

And, every time we eat sugar, we are reinforcing those neuropathways. The more we eat sugar the more we are hardwiring our brains to crave it.

Even though sugar has a bad rap, I do believe sugar in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Everything in life is about balance including what we put in our mouths.

However, if sugar has become part of your every day and you are feeling like you can’t live life without it. It may be time for a little sugar detox.

Need help kicking your sugar cravings to the curb? The 10 tips below will help you get started!

STOP SUGAR CRAVINGS WITH THESE 10 TIPS

1. REACH FOR A GLASS OF WATER. 

Dehydration can cause cravings. I always advise clients to hydrate first when any craving sets in. You can also make hydration fun by enjoying sparkling spring water with a squeeze of orange, lemon, or lime or sipping on herbal tea.

2. REMOVE SUGAR FROM YOUR HOME AND SHOPPING LIST.

It’s nearly impossible not to eat something when it is staring you down every time you walk into the kitchen. Removing the sugar from your home ensures you remove the temptation too.

3. CHANGE YOUR STATE.

Sometimes when we have a craving, a change in state can make it vanish almost immediately. Go for a walk, jump up and down, listen to music, or read a book.

4. MANAGE YOUR STRESS.

Stress management is critical to a healthy lifestyle. If you had a demanding day at work, instead of reaching for a cookie, take a bath, meditate, exercise or cook a healthy meal instead. Do something that helps you relax and allows your body to find calm.

5. INDULGE IN A HEALTHY TREAT  EACH DAY.

This could be berries with unsweetened coconut cream or a piece of 100 percent cacao chocolate. Find a healthy option that satisfies you.

6. BUILD YOUR DIET AROUND NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS. 

When we nourish our bodies with whole, organic foods, cravings tend to disappear.

7. DETERMINE THE SUGAR ELIMINATION APPROACH THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU. 

Cutting all sugar out cold turkey works well for some. However, for others, it leads to immediate failure.

If this is you, then allow yourself one small treat daily. After the last bite, call it quits. Finding a sustainable way to indulge occasionally so it can become a lifestyle is critical to long-term success.

8. READ LABELS. 

If you consume anything from a package, read the ingredients and look at the number of grams of sugar per serving. Sugar is hidden in everything and may not always be obvious as it can fall under many different names.

9. SET SOME GOALS AND INTENTIONS. 

On a piece of paper, write down your “why” for eliminating sugar from your life and set a goal for what you want to accomplish by eliminating it. Place it on your fridge or a place where you will see it every day, and at the end of each week celebrate your sugar-free successes.

If you find there are failures, don’t be too hard on yourself. Re-set your intention and goal and determine one thing you will do differently going forward.

10. USE AFFIRMATIONS.

Affirmations are wonderful for so many reasons and can even help you shed your addiction to sugar. The words “I Am” are powerful and show us that we can do anything.

Our beliefs are habitual thinking patterns, and when we are constantly telling ourselves we need to have sugar, it becomes a habit. Bad habits can be broken and replaced by habits that serve us in a more beneficial way. Pay attention to the thoughts and beliefs you have around sugar. Each day spend a few minutes saying affirmations such as, “I am determined to stop eating sugar.” and, “I am in control of my choices.”

SILENCING YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS IS POSSIBLE

Sugar will always be a part of our lives, but it does not have to control us.

These 10 tips can help you take your power back and ensure sugar does not become your worst enemy. Less sugar will lead to better health and a more fulfilled life.

Ready to finally stop sugar cravings? Tell us in the comments below.

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