5 STEPS TO REDUCE SUGAR CRAVINGS

Now that the holidays have come and gone some of us are still fighting those sugar cravings. It starts off with about 85 days of eating Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas sweets. For example, the pies, cookies, cakes, candies, etc. can put on a few unwanted pounds and create bad habits.

While January is usually the month where we have to take control of our lives with New Years Resolutions.

Here are some examples my clients gave me to share with all of you.

• Reach for fruit. Keep fruit handy for when sugar cravings hit. You'll get fiber and nutrients along with some sweetness. And stock up on foods like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Keep them handy and nearby so you won't go looking something sweet.
• Get up and go. When a sugar craving hits, walk away. "Take a walk around the block or [do] something to change the scenery," to take your mind off the food you’re craving, (Snickers, and dark chocolates)
• Eat regularly. Waiting too long between meals may set you up to choose sugary, fatty foods that cut your hunger, Instead, eating every three to five hours can help keep blood sugar stable and help you "avoid irrational eating behavior," Dr. Tasha Rae says. Your best bets? "Choose protein, fiber-rich foods like whole grains and produce," Rae says.
• Reward yourself for successfully managing sugar cravings. Your reward could be large or small.  Remember why you’re working on it and then reward yourself for each successful step.
• Slow down. For one week, focus on your sugar cravings and think about what you’re eating, suggests Rich Harper. Diet mayhem often results from lack of planning. So slow down, plan, "and eat what you intend to eat, instead of eating when you’re desperate.
• Get support. Many people turn to sweet foods when they're stressed, depressed, or angry.  But food doesn't solve emotional issues. Consider whether emotions are involved in your sugar cravings and whether you need help to find other solutions to those emotional problems, says "Dr. Tasha Rae." Call a friend or someone in your family to support your needs. You can also go online and create a social support group on facebook. 

Lastly, if your sweet tooth craving is out of control you can always consult with you're physician and follow their advice for a healthier you.