Natural Way to Stop Craving Sweets

Our bodies instinctively prefer sweet-tasting foods from birth, according to a 2007 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Over the years, that preference often doesn't change. The average American eats up to 160 pounds of sugar a year, writes Jeff O'Connell in his book "Sugar Nation." Consuming sugar can provide a quick boost of energy, but your blood sugar soon plummets and you're left feeling tired, hungry and craving more sugar. You can escape this unhealthy dietary cycle and go back to viewing sweets for what they really are -- an occasional treat.

Instructions

Stop Craving Sweets

• 1

  Eat at regular intervals. Skipping meals leads to hunger and depletes your energy levels, which lessens the probability that you'll make healthy food choices as you seek sugary foods to quell your hunger and provide a quick boost. Eating a healthy meal or snack every three to five hours -- including whole grains, lean proteins and produce -- stabilizes your blood sugar levels and helps calm sugar cravings.

• 2

  Substitute natural sugars for sweets. Eating fresh or dried fruits is a delicious and natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth, and simultaneously benefit from healthy nutrients and fiber content. The fiber found in fruit also slows down your body's rate of sugar absorption, which decreases cravings for more sugar.

• 3

  Go for a walk. Sometimes all it takes to quell a sugar craving is a distraction -- and some leisurely exercise is a worthwhile one. Not only does getting up and moving take your mind off your craving, but it also mimics the effect of eating sweets in that it raises your serotonin levels, which can elevate your mood.

• 4

  Purge your cupboards. It's hard to resist a temptation for sweets when your house is stocked with them. Before you go grocery shopping, make a list and stick to it. Don't go shopping when hungry or you may be tempted to impulsively buy treats. If you always keep your cupboards full of healthy and tasty foods, you're much more likely to grab one the next time you crave a snack.

• 5

  Indulge occasionally. It's a realistic approach and there's nothing wrong with having a sweet treat now and then. Doing so curbs your craving and, because you're not letting yourself feel deprived, it may actually help you avoid overindulging later on.

• 6

  Stop eating sweets cold turkey. If you're really serious about completely cutting out your sugar cravings, try excluding them from your diet. You'll likely suffer from sugar withdrawals for the first few days, but many people report that, after that period, their sugar cravings subside substantially or their bodies are satisfied with less.