10 Steps For Dealing With Sugar Addiction

This list is taken from a handout in my Six Week Wellness Starter Program and my Sugar Busters Program. Check out more information on these programs at my website: www.livewellbewellnutrition.com. Enjoy!

1. Reduce or eliminate caffeine - the ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar swings, causing sugar cravings to be more frequent.

2. Drink water - sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration. before you go for the sugar, have a glass of water and then wait a few minutes to see what happens. caution: soft drinks are a number one source of added sugar and diet drinks contribute to the blood sugar roller coaster as well!

3. Eat sweet vegetables and fruit - they are sweet, healthy and delicious. the more you eat of these, the less you will crave sugar in general

4. Use gentle sweets - avoid chemicalized, artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugar. use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, dried fruit, stevia, barley, malt and agave nectar.

5. Get physical activity - start with simple activities, like walking or yoga. start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase. it will help balance your blood sugar levels and reduce tension without medicating yourself with sugar!

6. Get more sleep and relaxation - when you are tired or stressed, your body will crave energy - in the form of sugar. these cravings are often a result of being sleep-deprived, going to bed late or waking up early, sometimes for months and years on end

7. Evaluate the amount of animal food you eat - eating too much can lead to cravings for sweets. so can eating too little! a good health counselor will help you sort this out. experiment and respect your body's individuality.

8. Eliminate fat-free or low-fat foods - these foods contain high quantities of sugar to compensate for lack of flavor and fat, which will send you on the roller coaster ride of sugar highs and lows

9. Experiment with spices - coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom will naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings

10. Slow down and find sweetness in non-food ways! - your body does not biologically need sugar, but it does long for hugs, time with friends, outside time, workouts, massages, etc. when life becomes sweet enough itself, no additives are needed!