Many studies have indicated that sugar may be as addictive as alcohol, caffeine or nicotine, and overindulging in sugar can have long-term consequences for both your health and your appearance.
But how do you stop the sugar cravings if they have already set in and taken hold?Β Check out these top tips for beating sugar cravings from newly released book Sugar Detox for Beginners.
- Hunger and inadequate nutrition are the principal causes of cravings. Keep yourself well nourished, consuming small ‘mini meals’ that contain protein throughout the day.
- A big part of oneβs dependence on fast, prepared, or snack foods has to do with the readiness of such foods. Anticipate your need to eat, and cook before youβre hungry. Keep hard-boiled eggs, plain yoghurt, celery, bok choi, bell pepper strips, or green apples on hand to combat cravings.
- Remember that the craving will reach a peak and then spiral back down. If you can keep away from sugar for three whole days, youβll almost certainly ο¬nd that you crave it less. The longer you keep away from it, the less youβll ο¬nd you miss it. You might even kick the craving once and for all!
- If you must eat something sweet, remember that the joy is usually in the ο¬rst few bites. Taste it, then toss it (or give it away).
- If it helps just to know ‘itβs there’, store a tempting treat in the freezer. But know yourself. If youβre reasonably sure you wonβt be able to resist the temptation, throw it out or give it awayβquickly!
- Substitute. Prepare sugar-free versions of old favorites. Apple pie, for instance, can be prepared without sugar. So can whipped cream (although, alas, it still contains plenty of fat).
- Take a hikeβor at least a walk. When the craving hits, tell yourself youβre going to do something healthful instead, then get out into the sunshine. This is a win-win, of course, because youβre getting beneο¬cial exercise at the same time that youβre ο¬ghting against indulgence.
- Delay gratiο¬cation. If youβre cutting down rather than cutting out, remind yourself of an upcoming occasion on which you plan to indulge.
- Donβt get started. When you shop for groceries, do not buy tempting foods. Not only do you not need them, but no one else who lives with you does, either. If theyβre not in your home in the ο¬rst place, they canβt call to you.
- Use a tiny touch of stevia. Although we ο¬nd most artiο¬cial sweeteners troubling, so far stevia looks OK. Be advised, however, that while it has enjoyed years of popularity in other countries, it has only recently been cleared for use in the United States.*
* Note: Plant-based sweetener stevia gained approval from the Food Standards Authority of New Zealand in 2008.
Do you think sugar is addictive? What are your best tips for combating sugar cravings? Comment below and let everyone know!
Β Used with permission from Sugar Detox for Beginners, Hayward Press, $19.99, exislepublishing.co.nz.
Image / FreeDigitalPhotos.net – phasinphoto