How to Treat a Sweet Tooth Addiction to Sugar

It starts with one cookie, then two...then suddenly you're holding an empty box, and you're covered in cookie crumbs. It's all too easy to polish off a whole package of sweet treats, and to let a sweet tooth turn into a full-blown addiction to sugar. As innocent as that cookie may seem, indulging a sweet tooth can take a real toll on your weight and health. Follow the simple steps below and kick your sweet treat addiction for good.

Things You'll Need

• Fruit
• Healthful snacks such as nuts, veggies, and whole-grain products
• Notepad
• Pen

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Instructions

Kicking Your Sweet Treat Addiction to the Curb

• 1

  Substitution is an ideal way to trick your sweet tooth and decrease your cravings. When you want something sugary, go for fruits or yogurt instead of candy and ice cream. They may not seem as indulgent, but an apple or a piece of watermelon can calm a sweet tooth without the extra calories. Before you know it, you'll be craving strawberries instead of a Snickers candy bar.

• 2

  If you don't have healthy alternatives around, don't give in to your sugary desires. Distract yourself by calling a friend, picking up a book, or flipping on the television. Chances are your new activity will last longer than your craving, and you'll avoid a sweet treat overdose.

• 3

  Keeping your blood sugar balanced is key to avoiding sugar cravings, so munch on healthful snacks such as unsalted almonds or baby carrots during the day to avoid a late-afternoon bonbon binge.

• 4

  If you make sure to bring your lunch to work and keep your pantry and fridge stocked with nutritious goodies, there is less of a chance that you'll succumb to sugary cravings. Keep a notebook on hand to record what you eat and when, and it'll be even easier to plan grocery shopping and avoid the vending machine. You'll also be able to tell when your cravings are likely to occur and plan to counteract them with something healthy.

• 5

  The less sugar you eat, the less you will crave it, but going completely cold turkey is a surefire way to end up face-down in an ice cream sundae. Allow yourself a small sweet treat once or twice a week to keep your cravings at a minimum and your sweet tooth addiction at bay.