How to Stop Sugar Cravings Once and For All

Are you like the millions of people on this planet addicted to sugar? It’s time to learn how to stop sugar cravings once and for all.

No matter what advertisements say about their sugar-containing foods, the fact remains that sugary foods are poor sources of nutrients. For example, agave and maple syrup are loaded with sugar and manufacturers claim that they also contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

You know better than to think you will be able to obtain your daily recommended intake of zinc, iron and other nutrients by drinking or eating sugar-containing foods branded as healthy. If you are serious about your health, you will reduce your sugar consumption as much as possible.

Luckily for you, it really isn’t as difficult as you think. It’s all about a mindset change.

Your body does not need sugar; it will best obtain all its needed energy from a whole foods diet with a balance of protein, fats and complex carbohydrates. Sugar itself provides no nutrient value and usually delivers glucose and fructose in amounts that the body cannot immediately utilize, meaning it is usually converted to body fat.

If you need more reasons to reduce your sugar intake, here are just a handful.

Did you know that with a keto diet, you naturally eliminate sugar from your diet without even realizing?

Sugary Foods are Addictive

Sugar is identified as an addictive substance by many experts because it activates the food reward centers in a person’s brain which turns on the vicious cycle of cravings and dependence. Even if the addictive effects of sugar are milder than morphine or cocaine, high sugar consumption can turn into a real addiction. Persistent high intake will increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

Sugar Consumption Can Lead to Reduced Immunity

Studies have shown that sugar consumption can lower the body’s defenses. Once a person’s blood sugar level reaches 120 mg/dl, the ability of their white blood cells to destroy viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms can reduce by up to 75%.

A blood sugar of 120 mg/dl can easily be achieved just by eating some cookies or by drinking a glass of bottled fruit juice. Within ten minutes of ingesting sugar, your immune system is suppressed and the ability of your body to fight against bacteria and viruses can stay compromised for up to five hours from the time you consumed the sugar.

Worse, your lowered defenses can persist even longer if you indulge in sugary foods several times a day.

Blood Glucose Levels and Mood

Sugar or simple carbohydrates will rapidly affect your blood sugar and insulin levels. If you consume sugar on a regular basis you increase the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. That aside, the effects of sugar on the body can be felt within minutes of consumption and this is what is called a sugar spike and a sugar crash.

This is when your energy levels and your mood can go up and down much like being on a roller coaster. In turn, you will find yourself feeling irritable and craving for more sugary food. High sugar consumption can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Overcoming a Sugar Dependency

These symptoms and effects can be avoided and reversed by avoiding sugar and other foods that “act like sugar” in the body. If you are used to consuming large amounts of sugar, abstinence will almost certainly cause some withdrawal symptoms. You may experience headaches and irritability for a few days as your body detoxifies.

However, the upside is huge and once you are past that stage you will find that your mood and energy levels have become more steady and stable without the nasty sugar crash effect.

How to Stop Sugar Cravings

You may be addicted to sugar without realizing it. For many, sweet treats have become comfort food. Some people claim they have been genetically predisposed to crave sugar. The bottom line is that sugary foods are extremely detrimental to your health.

Giving up Sugar May be Difficult

There is absolutely no doubt that limiting or giving up sugar intake will benefit your health. Sugar provides no nutrients but causes problems to your health. The only perceived gains are taste and satisfying a compulsive urge.

However, if your body is conditioned to high sugar intake you can expect to go through a period of withdrawal and the symptoms can be painful and frustrating. This period can last from a couple of days to two weeks. You may experience headaches, agitation and mood swings.

The result will be worth it, for your health’s sake, but it will require effort, especially in the beginning. If you are serious about stopping your sugar addiction, the following advice will prove useful.

Related: How to Overcome Carb and Sugar Withdrawal

Look for a Substitute

You may want to try some natural, herbal teas to satisfy your cravings. Unsweetened beverages are a great option to fill you up and rehydrate. Some satisfying choices include green tea, blueberry tea or peppermint tea. Dried fruits, almonds, raisins or some trail mix can be another healthy snack option.

Go easy on the dried fruits, however, as they can be quite high in sugar content by weight and volume compared to the naturally hydrated version. It will take some active willpower; however, soon you will be able to make better choices when the sweet cravings take over.

Make Sweets Less Accessible

Don’t sabotage yourself. Stopping your sugar cravings will be difficult if your cupboards, fridge and counters are laden with high sugar snacks, candies or chocolates. If you are at work, ensure that sweet treats can no longer be found near your work station. Keep some sugar free protein bars and snacks at your desk and in your car for a quick fix. Get the sweet flavor without the sugar and the associated calories.

When you go shopping, avoid going down the junk food aisles. Read the labels on “health food bars”, these are often sugar bombs in disguise. Instead, keep your kitchen filled with fresh fruits and other healthy snacks which you can easily grab whenever you are craving something sweet.

Brush Your Teeth Right Away

Make a habit of brushing your teeth very soon after eating your meals. Some people often crave something sweet after they have finished their meals because they do not like the yucky aftertaste left in their mouths. If, however, you make an effort to brush your teeth right away after eating, the minty taste of toothpaste will help stomp out the urge to consume something sweet.

Wait for Ten Minutes

Nutrition experts advise that sugar cravings may only last up to ten minutes. So, the next time you feel the urge to look for something sweet, wait for ten minutes first and allow the craving to subside. This habit will make it easier for you to attain self-discipline and gain better control over your sweet cravings. Find something productive or creative to do while you wait, so you are not focused on your cravings.

If you need more reasons to help you overcome your addiction to sugar, here are some valid reasons why you should call it quits:

Sugar is not healthy in any way
Besides having zero nutritional value, it is something that will only deprive you of the nutrients needed by your mind and body in order to function well. What’s more, when sugar is processed inside your body, it will strip away Calcium and other mineral resources while depleting your healthy intestinal flora.

Sugar makes you anxious
Eating more foods that contain sugar can make you more vulnerable to the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consuming these sugary foods will increase your insulin production and the sugar/slump cycle can elevate adrenalin levels. This includes eating even healthy carbs. Check out what happens in your body here when you consume carbs.

Sugar destroys your pancreas
Studies reveal that sugar will compromise the ability of your pancreas to function well. When this occurs, you can find yourself becoming susceptible to kidney problems, diabetes and heart problems.

Sugar ruins your teeth
The more you eat foods that contain sugar, the more you increase bacteria build-up inside your mouth which will contribute to enamel erosion.

Although sweet foods are often used as rewards, bear in mind that this will never reward your health. If you want to live a longer and healthier life, banish sugar cravings. After all, suffering an amputation due to diabetic complications is not such a sweet thought, isn’t it?

If you’re ready to change your life around, control chronic diseases, lose weight and get your sugar craving under control, it’s time to go keto. Check out these keto results after 3 months long and download your free get started guide below.