How to Kill Your Sugar Addiction

While excusing yourself from sugary celebrations is no fun, neither is dealing with a post-sugar-binge hangover. And on top of it, the more sugar you eat, the more you crave — it can take a few days to weeks to get over an addiction to refined sugar once you start. Not only that, but studies have shown that eating too much refined sugar can speed up your body’s aging process. If you know you can’t resist sweet temptations, read on to learn nutritionist-approved strategies that will keep you on the right track.

Stop Eating Sugar

Sugar is an incredibly addictive substance. Sugar is “as addictive as cocaine.” In order to say sayanara to your sugar cravings, you must stop eating sugar, plain and simple. The less you eat it, the less you crave it. Easier said than done, I know, but that’s the necessary first step. The good news is – once you do this, cravings diminish quickly and dramatically.

Eat Fat, Fiber and Protein

Now that you’ve cut out sugar, what can you eat? Focus on eating the most satiating foods: fat, fiber and protein. Fat, fiber and protein will keep you full and keep your blood sugar steady. Have avocado, nuts and coconut oil for healthy fats. Eat lots of veggies for fiber. And have lean meats, eggs, fish and beans for protein. 

So this means breakfast might be a protein shake, with some coconut oil added, plus some chia seeds or ground flaxseed for fiber. Lunch or dinner might be salmon (protein and fat) over salad and veggies (fiber) with avocado (fat).

Meditate

The mind is always racing outwards, chasing the next bit of stimulation – whether that’s checking your iPhone for new messages, or thinking about the next meal or sweet treat. Through meditation. Through my daily meditation practice, I’ve witnessed how restless the mind is, always chasing the next thrill. Slowly, gently, persistently I work to return to the present moment. This actually helps to unravel cravings so they don’t have such a strong pull.

Do a Cleanse

Every time I’ve done the Be Well Cleanse, it has helped to nip sugar cravings in the bud. The Cleanse shakes have lots of protein, which helps to keep blood sugar steady. They have fiber which makes me feel full and satisfied. The two week detox gives me plenty of time to re-discover healthy meals and snacks, and get serious about avoiding some foods that sneak into my diet like caffeine and too much dark chocolate. The best part is that on the Cleanse, sugar cravings disappear pretty immediately.

Kill Yeast

Often you crave sugar because your gut is hosting yeast and those little critters love to feed on sugar. The way to “starve” the yeast is by not feeding them sugar. 

Chew Your Food

Digestion starts in the mouth. Digestive enzymes start the process of breaking down starches into sugar. When you cut out processed foods from your diet and chew your food well, you’ll start to notice the natural sweetness of fruits, vegetables and even brown rice.