I have a serious sugar addiction. I can't get enough of it. When I'm stressed out, or bored, or mad, sweets make me feel better. Baked items and candy are good, but milk chocolate is the worst of my addiction! I know how harmful sugar is to the body over time. Any suggestions on how to kick the habit? I've tried quitting cold turkey twice, but I relapsed. Any suggestions?
2007-02-20 07:08:11 · 8 answers · asked by p.y.t 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
This is a tough one -- believe me, I've been there! I hate to say it, but part of an addiction is staying away from the trigger, and since the trigger is food: stop buying sweets. Do not keep them in the house. If you live with others who like to eat them, request that they be kept separate from your food. You can't eat them if you don't have them.
Also, remember that sugar is a self-fueling addiction. You're not going to go into withdrawal if you don't have it; in fact, after an adjustment period, you're probably going to feel BETTER without it. The best foods to eat when you're stressed are complex carbs and small amounts of nuts, esp if you like crunchy things. Complex carbs are slow burning; they won't give you the roller-coaster blood sugar high and low that really sugary foods do (and are therefore not as addictive), and are quite healthy for you.
When you are dead-set on eating something sugary, make the healthiest choice. Choose something that is sweetened by fruit and contains protein and/or fiber. Protein and fiber will lower the glycemic index of the food and put you in a happier, healthier state of mind. If you're going to eat chocolate, switch to dark--it has way more antioxidants and less sugar, and a piece or two can usually satisfy.
In the long run, "quitting sugar" is unrealistic for most people. It is all around, and can be unavoidable (birthday cakes, going out for dessert). If you make wiser choices about when and where you eat it, though, you can break the habit. Go day by day; if you're committed it will work! Best of luck :)
2007-02-20 07:32:04 · answer #1 · answered by jazzy girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try drinking some hot chocolate (available in sugar free) or chocolate milk (skim) when you get the craving for a chocolate fix. Also maybe try just buying miniature candy bars or like Hershey's Kisses. Just have one or two instead of an entire full size candy bar or something like that. You could try sugar substitute too, like Equal, if you're in the habit of putting it on or in things as well. There's also lots of sugar free candies out there, some way better than others. You have to kind of shop around and see what you like and don't.
Don't try it cold turkey, just wean yourself down and try to make better choices. =)
2007-02-20 07:16:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
COld turkey is the best way to do it. You just have to exercise will power.
I quit sugar cold turkey a couple years ago and have never felt healthier. Remove all temptations from your house and instead have frozen grapes with sweet n low or sugar free milk chocolate pudding.
2007-02-20 07:23:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
1. Try thinking of sugar in a different way. Instead of processed sugars go with the natural stuff you get from fruits -- this is definitely easier in the summer.
2. Don't go cold turkey if that's too hard for you, instead limit yourself to 1 sweet on mondays, thursdays and fridays and then one good dessert (or is it one 's') on the weekend.
3. If you fall off the wagon, don't beat yourself up. just get back on.
And remember, you don't have to give them up altogether, just limit it a bit.
2007-02-20 07:15:58 · answer #4 · answered by Christy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is though - I got withdrawals - bit*chie, headache, sleep problems. But the health problems I was having were so much worse and that phase passed in about a week. There is a product on the market with hoodie in it, along with lots of anti oxidants (blueberries) that is meant to help the cravings and cortisol levels. Around $18 for a 32oz one month supply from Costco. It is worth it. Just wish I could think of the name. My homeopath gave me other stuff for the cravings, but this works better.
2016-05-23 23:18:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you tried substituting w/spelnda or sugar-free chocolates and such? that may be a good start since you cannot control your cravings...
2007-02-20 07:11:32 · answer #6 · answered by thenakats 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
quit eating it...real simple...or is your will power that weak??...throw all sugar items out of the house...and refuse to eat it...simple enough??
2007-02-20 07:11:38 · answer #7 · answered by Michael K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
live on a deserted island for a month
2007-02-20 07:11:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋