by Sharon Quercioli

When you hear the word addiction, alcoholism and substance abuse are the first things that come to mind. Cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription pain medication may pop up at the top of the list. One thing that so many people miss is an addiction to sugar.

Sweets are a go-to fix for so many people, whether it’s a piece of candy, a sugary drink, or a slice of cake for dessert. They make people feel good, offering a release from stress and a temporary boost in energy levels. However, sugar addiction will take its victim on a slippery slope. It can cause weight gain and open the door to a host of serious health problems. Now’s the time to say no to sugar!

Steer Clear of Sugar Substitutes

Your first instinct may be to replace sugar with substitutes. For example, many diet foods are sugar-free. The problem is artificial sweeteners and substitutes may have serious repercussions.

Even though many artificial sweeteners have been approved by the US FDA and ESFA, there are studies indicating that they may have some undesired effects. Too many sugar substitutes can cause a spike in hunger. In the end, you might consume more food while trying to cut down your sugar levels. Sugar substitutes are also reported to affect the composition of bacteria in your gut.

By consuming artificial sweeteners, your efforts to be healthier can backfire, leading to unwanted pounds and all the problems that come with them.

Choose Healthy Alternatives for Sugar

Reducing sugar levels in your diet doesn’t mean you have to give up the pleasure of sweet foods. Try using some natural alternatives to sugar. Honey, maple syrup, extract from monk fruit, molasses, and apple sauce are only a few options that can feed your sweet tooth while keeping you healthier.

Start with foods and beverages that don’t have any sugar added, such as iced tea, oatmeal, or yogurt. Experiment with different sweeteners that come from a natural source. Begin with small amounts before you add larger servings to your food. As you use natural substitutes, you could curb sugar’s appeal.

Just note that any alternative will work great only if consumed in moderation (since it will still contain natural sugar).

Make Sleep a Priority

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night isn’t a luxury. It’s your body’s way to recharge while repairing wear and tear that happens on a daily basis. It can help your metabolism to work efficiently, helping you to burn calories while you’re dreaming. Your heart can be healthier while your blood pressure stays within healthy limits. At the same time, you’ll be able to curb your longing for the sweet stuff.

If you don’t sleep enough, you’re much more likely to add high levels of sugar to your diet. If you want to avoid an attraction to sugar that could be as severe as Nic Sheff’s addiction to drugs in the true story Beautiful Boy on Prime Video, commit to a good night’s rest. If you follow through consistently, the positive effects will be undeniable.

Enjoy the Wonder of Whole Foods

Processed foods, baked goods, and many packaged alternatives are loaded with hidden sugar. Whole foods offer you something you can sink your teeth into without getting a cavity. Load your refrigerator with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Enjoy fresh meat, cheese, and dairy products. Add flavor to your meals with spices. Make your taste buds pop with new sensations. You might like them more than sugar.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

Breakfast truly is one of the most important meals of the day. When you eat something that is good for you to kick off your day, you won’t grab something sweet when cravings hit later in the day. Choose foods that will fill you up and build you up. Foods rich in protein and healthy carbohydrates are the best options.

Try alternatives like steel-cut oatmeal, Greek yogurt, shredded wheat, and hard-boiled eggs. You’ll feel satisfied, you won’t rely on sugar, and your body will get the fuel it needs.

Learn the Art of Portion Control

You don’t have to eliminate sugar completely from your life. Your goal should be to bring your intake under control. Stay within the guidelines for the recommended amount in a day.

Try skipping sugar some days. When you do allow yourself to indulge, try smaller portions. Have small servings of your favorite dessert. Eat the bite-size alternatives for candy bars. Try only one spoonful of sugar in your coffee or tea instead of two.

As you cut down on your portions that include sugar, it can spill over to the amounts you eat of any kind of food throughout the day.

Don’t Let Your Cravings Control You

All too often, people eat simply to give in to a craving. Be more mindful. Think about how often you are eating and why you are eating. Don’t try to fill a hole left by emotions, such as sadness or anxiety.

Your goal should be to eat when you are hungry. If you have several small meals and healthy snacks at regular intervals, hunger won’t be a problem. Cravings won’t be a battle either.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water has been advised by health experts for decades. It regulates all the symptoms in your body, flushes out toxins, and helps you to feel full. Have a glass of water before you eat. Not only will you indulge in less during your meal, but it will also improve your metabolism. Trick your body into feeling full and you won’t grab that sugary sweet.

Don’t take the attraction to sugar in your life lightly. It can start out as treating yourself to a special dessert once in a while. Over time, sugary foods and beverages can take over your life. Put yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to your health. When you think about what you eat every day and what impact it will have on your life in the long run, the desire for sweets may go away.