Consuming large amounts of sugar is linked to high blood pressure, high insulin resistance and other disorders. Sugar has become a part of the everyday diet, sometimes sneaking in through unexpected foods. In her book, "Sugar Shock," Connie Bennett notes there are more than 100 different names for sweeteners, reports "Women's Health" magazine.
Document
Start the process of limiting sugar intake by documenting the sugar you consume, advises "Whole Living" magazine. The magazine suggests keeping a sugar diary for three weeks, by reading labels and recording all the sugar you consume. After a while, you will begin to notice a relationship between the foods that you eat and your energy levels.
Eat Breakfast
Around 90 percent of people addicted to sugar skip breakfast, according to an article in "Women's Health." Around mid-morning, they will consume large quantities of sugar in the form of doughnuts and sugary treats. Instead skipping breakfast, have a low-fat yogurt, granola or oatmeal made with low-fat milk and natural peanut butter as a sweetener.
Frequent Meals
Eating small meals frequently will aid in breaking a sugar addiction. Eat a combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. Dr Jana Klauer, author of "How the Rich Get Thin," tells "Whole Living" that proteins and fats will aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels as they drop due to sugar cravings.
Fruit
Elisea Zied, M.S. R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association told "Women's Health" that sugar addicts should replace sugary foods with fruits such as bananas apples and berries, which are a source of natural sugar with fiber and antioxidants. Zied also recommends dried fruits and 100 percent fruit juices as sugar substitutes.
High-Sugar Foods
Eliminate high sugar foods completely, such as sodas, candy and ice cream. If you drink a can of soda every day, start by cutting down to every other day and then progress to once a week.
If You Must
If the cravings are too much to handle and you have to have a sugar sensation "Women's Health" magazine suggests sticking to 100- to 150-calorie portions and no more than 16g of sugar.
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