6 Ways to End Sugar Cravings For Good

Sophia Belnap

Did you know that when it comes to sugar, it's almost as addicting as drugs? Sugar is found everywhere from obvious places like candies and confections, to lesser-known spots like ketchup, salad dressing, peanut butter and yogurt. Sugar consumption is directly associated with obesity, diabetes and heart disease and it's become a serious problem. If you'd like to get off the sugar crazy train and eliminate this harmful ingredient from your life, here are six effective ways to end sugar cravings and clean up your diet.

1. Eliminate Temptation

The very first step in your quest to vanquish a sugar addiction is to eliminate temptation from your daily routine. Go through your cupboards, pantry and refrigerator and remove all sweets including natural ones like honey and maple syrup. Give away or throw out cookies, candy and sugary soft drinks. Your house isn't the only source of temptation. Be sure to steer clear of donut shops, bakeries and anywhere else you'll struggle to resist sugar.

2. Wean Yourself Off Liquid Calories

One of the most dangerous sources of sugar and the hardest to quit is in liquid form. Sweet drinks go down so easily that you're not even aware of how many calories you're consuming. Slowly start to wean yourself off soda and coffee beverages by switching to sugar-free versions and eventually water. Research healthy drinks like tea and smoothies. If you've ever seen articles about Le-vel products and wondered What is Thrive all about, now is a good time to research and try this nutritious drink shake.

3. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Another effective way to gradually decrease your sugar consumption without experiencing withdrawal is through the satisfying flavor of certain fruits and vegetables. While you certainly don't want to overindulge, fruits such as prunes, dates and bananas are a great stepping stone between processed sugar and more nutritious choices. Likewise, sweet potatoes have an almost candy-like taste but are a powerhouse of fiber and beta-carotene.

4. Incorporate Healthy Fat Into Your Diet

Whenever you start to feel hunger pangs, sugar may instinctively be the first thing you reach for. One way to stop this from happening is by eating foods that keep you full longer such as healthy fats. When you eat a diet rich in quality omega-3 fatty acids, not only does it squash your sugar cravings, but it's also good for your heart. Found in avocados, nuts, salmon and olive oil, healthy fats prevent your insulin from spiking. The rich flavor also keeps you satisfied longer and you won't crash within hours of eating.

5. Reach For Dark Chocolate

If you're afraid that giving up sugar means you'll never get to enjoy another piece of chocolate again, you're in for a treat. Dark chocolate is low in sugar and is loaded with antioxidants that zap free radicals and decrease your risk of heart disease. If you're not a fan of dark chocolate, there's no need to worry. Once you've eliminated most sugar from your diet, you'll be surprised at how sweet it tastes. When buying dark chocolate, make sure you select 70 percent cocoa or more for the greatest benefit.

6. Be Patient

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice in eliminating sugar cravings is to be patient. Your brain has been hard-wired since you were a child to want sugar so it only stands to reason that it will take time to reverse the process. It could take close to a few weeks for your body to fully adjust to no sugar, but soon you'll find yourself developing a hankering for less damaging foods like fruits and vegetables. As with any dietary change, give yourself time to fully adjust.

Conclusion

If you've got very little control over sugar, you're likely addicted. To end your sugar cravings for good, increase fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and look to nutritious beverages to finally free yourself from the dangerous grip of sugar.