If you feel you are unable to stop eating sugar once you start, you may consider yourself addicted. The thought of going a day without candy or a soda may seem unfathomable, but with a few basic lifestyle changes, it is possible to kick your sugar habit. According to Karly Randolph Pitman, author of "Overcoming Sugar Addiction," the key is to be patient and realize that the first few weeks of detox will be the hardest.
Step 1
Maintain blood sugar stability by eating every two to three hours. If you don't allow yourself to become overly hungry, the temptation to binge on junk food may lessen considerably. Aim for five to six small meals per day, with each containing lean protein and complex carbohydrates.
Step 2
Focus on health rather than weight loss. You may lose weight by eliminating sugar, but remember that the biggest reason for giving it up is to be healthier overall. Remind yourself of the benefits of regulated sleep, stabilized moods and steady energy.
Step 3
Replace artificial sweeteners in your diet, whether you're diabetic or not. Artificial sweeteners tend to be much sweeter than sugar and keep your palate accustomed to very sweet foods. If you must sweeten your food, choose one with a low glycemic index, such as raw honey or agave nectar. Other low glycemic index natural sweeteners contain essential nutrients, such as molasses and barley malt, available in health food stores.
Step 4
Choose fruit over refined sugar when you crave something sweet. If you want candy, have a pear or apple and wait 15 minutes. The candy craving should dissipate.
Step 5
Replace white bread, pasta and rice with whole grains such as couscous, brown rice, quinoa and barley. Whole grains contain filling fiber and do not bring on the same drastic spike in insulin as refined carbs.
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