Beating Sugar Addiction For Dummies
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Regardless of how clean your diet is, almost everyone gets cravings for sweets or junk food now and then. As you practice better eating habits and wean yourself off sugar, use these suggestions to fight back when a sugar craving strikes:

  • Drink a cold glass of distilled water or citrus-flavored mineral water.

  • Identify what triggered the craving, and don't allow yourself to have the treat until you come up with the answer.

    Is it hunger? A stressful event? An inconsiderate spouse? Thirst? Loneliness?

  • Make a conscious decision to eat or not eat the sweet.

    Remember, you're the boss of your behavior. No one makes you do anything. If you decide to eat some sugar, you must own it and do it on purpose. Don't make any excuses or point any fingers!

If you decide not to eat something sweet:

  • Give yourself a (healthy) personal reward!

    Draw a smiley face on the calendar, put a dollar in the cookie jar, or take yourself to the movies.

  • Tell someone!

    Call or e-mail a friend, or write a blog post or a Facebook update.

  • Choose a positive substitute activity if you want.

If you decide to eat something sweet:

  • You must abide by the ten-minute rule — you have to wait ten minutes before you eat a sugary treat.

    If you still want it after ten minutes, go ahead.

  • Put the amount you'll eat on a plate first — no eating from packages or serving dishes.

  • Try a substitute sweet fix instead:

    • A couple squares of sugar-free chocolate

    • A small portion of a low-glycemic fruit like cherries, apples, or plums

    • A Tic Tac or Altoid mint

    • Decaf green tea or licorice tea to help restore adrenal function

    • Water sweetened with stevia and a splash of fresh citrus

About This Article

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About the book author:

Dan DeFigio is one of the most respected names in the fitness and nutrition industry. His articles have appeared in numerous professional journals, and his workshops have been presented in many cities across the United States. He has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and was featured in SELF Magazine, MD News, Personal Fitness Professional, and a host of other publications.

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