How do I stop craving sugar and sweet things??

Question

Are there any natural ways of getting rid of cravings? Don't say willpower please I've tried it!

Answer 1

Here are some guidlines from researchers and nutritionists:

•Don't use sweet treats as a distraction. When you find yourself reaching for the jelly beans, ask yourself what's going on. If you're hungry, have the kind of snack that will last longer than a sugar rush -- a handful of almonds or an ounce of cheese, for instance. If you're stressed, take a walk. If you're sad, call a friend. If you're bored, get out of the house.

•Eat regular meals. Most nutritionists recommend eating small meals every three hours to keep blood glucose levels stable.

•Get rid of the candy dish on your desk and the stash of Ring-Dings in your kitchen. If junk food isn't around, you can't eat it. When you want a sugary snack, go out and buy ONE.

•People who rely on low- or no-cal sugar substitutes aren't necessarily taking in fewer calories. You can substantially reduce calories by using them. But don't lull yourself into thinking you can eat more of other foods because you've downed a diet soft drink or put artificial sweetener in your coffee.

•A piece of Godiva a day is better than a bag of Hershey's kisses every other day. If you can get into the habit of having a little of your favorite sweet thing every day, you may be less likely to "lose control" and work your way through the candy counter. And some dietitians suggest going for flavor density -- you may find you get more pleasure out of a piece of higher quality chocolate.

•Wait five minutes and see if the craving passes. If it doesn't, have a single serving of what you want, instead of a "healthy substitute." Kovach says, "Substitutions don't work. If you really want ice cream, you're better off having a little ice cream than three pounds of carrot sticks."

•Eat appropriate foods at appropriate times. Have your dessert for dessert, not for lunch or breakfast. You are less likely to go overboard when you have a full meal in your stomach. As Morgan says, "The best defense against overeating is eating."

•Demystify sugar. It isn't evil. It isn't your friend. "From a nutritional point of view, be aware that when you're eating sugar, you're getting calories and not much else," Kovach said. "There aren't many virtues associated with sugar. But you don't have to avoid it like the plague."

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Answer 2

I have heard our cravings for sugar comes from the suagr we get from mother's milk & is a very comforting food (something ike that!)
But what I found works is replacing the suagr foods with natural foods such as grapes. Also, other fruits like pineapples or bananas or any sweet fruit taht u like.


Bear in mind, sugar makes you irritable & I've tried this & it really does. I avoided sugar for a while & I felt so much better, then I had quite a bit of sugar over a period of few days & I noticed my moods got much worse. So that really persuaded me.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

There is no easy answer. You really do have to stop eating them first. The first 3 days up to a week can be awful! But just like any other addiction, it does get better after this. And yes, it is an addiction. Your pancreas is used to all the sugar, so it produces alot of insulin. It takes some time for it to readjust. Also alot of foods turn immediately into sugar after you eat them - so don't get tricked. Foods like potatoes, white bread, white rice, white crackers. Eating whole grain food will give you sugar (which your body does need for energy) but it will gradually be released into your system. This will not cause highs and lows in your blood sugar which causes cravings. And I do sympathize because I LOVE SUGAR TOO! It isn't easy but you will be glad after. Good luck.

Answer 4

Cravings are thought to be due to overstimulation of the endocannabinoid (yes it is related to that cannabinoid) system. Seven studies have been done on drugs which block these receptors and one is likely to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration next year. Unfortunately the results have not been impressive. Nonetheless there is great hope for this family of drugs in terms of their potential to treat obesity, smoking, cravings, and addiction. The craving for 'sweets' may also be related to a decrease in the level of serotonin in the central nervous system. If this is the case there are medications available which will correct this. You may wish to discuss this with your physician although they may not be aware of the relationship between serotonin levels in the central nervous system and craving glucose. This is not an easy one so good luck and as always I wish you the very best of health.

Answer 5

Fill yourself with better food--eat a banana or something. Also, if you want to give into a craving, you don't need to pig out. A scoop of ice cream or ten M & M's will hit he spot as much as a huge sundae or a bag of candy--if you are still hungry, it's not a craving--you need more food and should pick something good for you.

I find that eating more meat and bread makes me want less sugar, and fruit really does make a good snack if you pick fruits you actually like.

Answer 6

Buy some sugarless gum - even though they are sugarless, they are very sweet. Everytime you have a craving, just chew some gum to hit the sweet tooth. Just remember to every once in a while to treat yourself to a little something. Also, you could try cooking and baking your own things. (Cookies, ice cream makers, etc.) and use splenda as a suplement to sugar

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with eating sweet things. You just want to eat sweet things that are good for you...so try apples, pears, bananas, melons, berries, and such. Many times when you are craving something sweet it's because you need some vitamin or mineral that comes from fruit. Otherwise try to cut out sweets slowly so there will come a day when you don't want them anymore.

Answer 8

Yeah, die a natural death because that's the only way I'll ever be able to stop craving sweets and sugar!

Answer 9

I do hypnoterapy every sunday befor bed I bought the CD from a hypnoterapist I think they all do it this one I use you can find on www.hypnoterapistcyprus.com
I dont need sweet anymore still eat bit just a bit daily and I am really loosing weight

Answer 10

Buy a shocking jar and put all the sugar and sweety things in it then set a date that you are able to eat them, if you try to take one you get an elecrtic shock.(although this sound quite dangerous it will stop you craving for them)
Buy one in argos