According to a CBS News report, the average American consumes 160 lb. of sugar a year. Craving and consuming large quantities of sugar can lead to a variety of health problems including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Learn how to control and stop sugar cravings using a variety of tips and techniques.
Step 1
Control your sugar cravings by eating sweet fresh fruit. Avoid canned fruit, which often includes sweet syrups, as well as dried fruit, which may be coated with sugar. Try fresh raspberries, strawberries or blueberries mixed with yogurt. Spread peanut butter on a banana for a quick treat. Don't forget about different types of melons. Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are sweet and juicy, a great fix for your sweet tooth.
Step 2
Avoid artificial sweeteners. They may give you a quick fix; however, you may continue to crave sugar on a more regular basis. People with the rare disorder phenylketonuria should not consume artificial sweeteners containing aspartame.
Step 3
Use natural sugars. Incorporate honey or maple sugar into your diet. Drizzle it on fruit, mix it into your tea and learn other cooking methods. While still sweet, honey and maple sugar are all natural and have more health benefits than sugar. Other spices such as ginger and cinnamon can be added to sweeten breakfast cereal or oatmeal.
Step 4
Dilute juice and other natural sweets. Add water to juice to decrease the amount of sugar consumed. Mix cereals together, unsweetened and sweetened, to avoid eating too much sugar -- adding to future cravings.
Step 5
Eat regularly scheduled meals to maintain energy throughout the day, decreasing the risk of having a sugar craving later. Consume small balanced and nutritious meals throughout the day and do not go longer than five hours without eating.
Step 6
Brush your teeth after eating and gargle with a mouthwash. Sweet, sugary flavors will taste unpleasant after a mouth cleansing.
Step 7
Don't bring processed, sugary snack foods into your home. Fill your pantry with healthy, naturally sweet foods. Chew on sugarless gum and always keep a pack in your pocket, purse or car.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh fruit
- Honey
- Maple sugar
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sugar-free gum
- Mouthwash
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