7 Tips to Break Your Sugar Addiction

Are you a sugar addict? Do you always crave some sugary snack or beverage? If you are unable to get your sugar fix, do you start feeling tired, light headed or confused? You’re not alone! In fact, this use to be me too. Sugar addiction is one of the most widespread of addictions affecting many children, teenagers, and those who have poor eating habits.

Sugar cravings are very difficult to ignore. Moreover, with sugary treats so easily available, it makes it even harder to ignore cravings. When this happens, many tend to overload on simple carbohydrates (i.e. sugar). While this may give your body a short-term energy boost, you will become hungry and crave for more. Can the cycle be broken?

Here a few tips to break the addiction:

1. Feed your craving with fruit. Keep fruits around for when those sugar cravings hit. Fruits are naturally sweet and full of nutrients and fiber. Bring fruits with you to work or and fill up your kitchen with them.

2. Go for a walk. When you get a sugar craving, get out of the house and go for a walk. If you are at work, take a break and walk about for 10 minutes. This will take your mind off of grabbing something sugary sweet. BONUS: You will also be getting in some physical activity. And if you wear a Fitbit like me, it’s always great to get in those steps to make sure you have at least 10,000 for the day ☺

3. Eat regularly. If you don’t eat healthy meals throughout the day, you may be craving for sugar because your body is low on sugar. So be sure to consume whole foods that are rich in nutrients to ensure that your body is getting the nourishment it needs which will lower your cravings.

4. Eliminate temptations. Go through your refrigerator and pantry to get rid of all sugary treats. Also, when you go grocery shopping, make a list of the things that you need to buy and stick to the list.

5. Read food labels. Many consumers are not well informed of the amount of sugar that popular food items contain. Therefore, one of the best habits that you can start is to become well educated on food labels. Read them so you are aware of the actual content of sugar and the ingredients before you make a purchase. You may be very surprised by what you learn!! This awareness of sugar content can help you avoid foods that are high in sugar.

6. Make improvements to your diet. Eat more protein and healthy fats. Incorporate more whole foods. Consume small frequent meals to keep your blood sugar level stable.

7. Lastly, if satisfying your sugar craving is a must, go for quality instead of quantity. Have a small piece of dark chocolate instead of that candy bar. This is okay every once in awhile and it will be so satisfying.

– Wishing you continued success in your fitness journey!