If you've ever joked that your cravings for sugar border on addiction, you may be more right than you know: Princeton University researchers in the Department of Psychology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute found in 2008 that sugar is addictive, creating cravings and withdrawal symptoms in the people who regularly consume it. Including too much sugar in your diet can edge out more nutritive foods, negatively affecting your overall health. Controlling sugar cravings takes some effort at first, but once you break the cycle of sugar consumption, you'll be amazed at the difference in your health.
Step 1
Eat three meals and one or two snacks every day. Avoid skipping meals because sugar cravings can intensify if you're feeling overly hungry.
Step 2
Substitute whole grains for refined flour. Eating lots of foods made with refined flour can make you feel tired and sluggish and may actually make you crave more sugar.
Step 3
Include protein or healthy fat every time you eat carbohydrates to help boost your feeling of fullness and ease sugar cravings. For instance, spread peanut butter on a bagel to add protein and good fat.
Step 4
Consume less caffeine, which can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels that lead to cravings.
Step 5
Allow yourself some sweets. If you try to cut sweet foods out of your diet completely, you'll end up cheating and starting the cycle of craving all over again. Instead, set specific limits on your sweet intake that feed your sweet tooth.
Step 6
Think before you eat. It's easy to turn to sweet foods when you're having a bad day or feeling stressed, so ask yourself if you are really hungry before you take a comfort bite. Try other methods of relaxation, such as a hot bath or yoga session, to learn how to manage stress without eating.
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