17 Simple Ways to Break a Sugar Addiction

Eat Protein In the Morning

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Fuel your body the right way. By eating protein in the morning, you'll curb cravings throughout the rest of the day.

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Keep a Food Log

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Be more mindful; see what you're eating and what time you mostly go for the sugar, so you can figure out the best way to break your habit. After you establish that, start to monitor how you feel after you eat certain things.

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Choose Smarter Sweets

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When you're starting to make better choices, opt for healthier desserts, and even fresh fruit to curb a sweets craving. Your palate will adjust and soon enough, some things will actually taste too sweet!

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Say Goodbye to Soda

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If soda is one of your staples, it's time to say goodbye. Start by swapping it for a fresh fruit juice or unsweetened iced tea, and transition to water.

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Learn About Hidden Yogurts

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Sugar goes by many sneaky aliases like sucrose, dextrose, rice syrup, corn syrup, etc. The more you know, the more you'll be able to identify it when it's sneaking into your food.

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Cut Back Slowly

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Going cold turkey is dangerous — and it may send your body into shock, making your cravings even worse. Start to slowly remove a little sugar at a time, and opt for natural sweeteners and healthier desserts while you transition out of sugar.

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Opt For Whole Grains

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Swap your refined carbs for whole grains; refined carbohydrates have the same physiological effect on your body as sugar, and often times there's hidden sugar in them, too! Try brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat.

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Start Reading Labels on ALL Your Food

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Even savory foods like marinara sauce can have added sugar — check EVERYTHING!

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Analyze Your Grocery List

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Look at the things you're buying every week, and determine what you can start losing and replacing. If you notice a lot of sugary items on your list, then it's time to make a change! Also make sure you stick to your grocery list when shopping; don't be tempted by candy and chocolate on the end caps and checkout lanes!

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Get It Out of Your House

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Feeling like you don't have self-control? Throw the stuff away that you can't keep yourself away from. Just get it out of your fridge, cabinets, and pantry. Donate it, have a family member eat it, but whatever you do, don't just hide it — you'll find it!

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Avoid Packaged Foods

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For the most part, packaged foods have lots and lots of added sugar. Make food at home so you're in control of exactly what's going in your body!

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Stick it Out For Three Weeks

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It takes 21 days to break a habit. Once added and processed sugar is out of your diet completely, stick it out — it'll be so worth it!

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Add More Movement to Your Week

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Movement will help eliminate sugar from your system — go for walks, do some at-home workouts, sign up for an extra studio class. Anything to add movement!

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Drink Lots of Water

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Drinking more water can add volume to your blood and dilute sugar, aiding in your detox process.

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Spice It Up

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Cinnamon and vanilla give the perception of sweetness without sugar; add them to your coffee, oats, and more!

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Don't Use Artificial Sweetener

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These can be just as bad as sugar (or worse) for your body, and induce cravings. While you're transitioning out of a sugar addiction, when you need a little sweetness, try honey or organic, natural maple syrup (sparingly!) to start breaking the habit.

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Never Go Hungry

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No matter how busy you are, don't go hungry. Plan snacks and meals in advance so you don't have a dip in blood sugar and reach for the sweets as a quick fix.

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