We all have a sweet tooth. It is natural. A baby’s taste buds are set for the slight sweetness of mother’s milk – it soothes and comforts. When one merely tastes sugar s impulses are sent through our nerves leading to the base of the brain and along the way the pleasure center is activated causing the release of natural opiates. It is all quite natural to have a sweet tooth and to feel pleasure from it.

However this natural sweet tooth is meant for fruits and mother’s milk not refined or processed sugars. Unfortunately though in the Western world we are surrounded by junk sugary foods that give us no nutrition but just empty calories to pile on the weight. You don’t have to be a slave to sugar though; you can overcome your sugar cravings you just need to follow a few key points to get there.

1. Don’t even allow yourself a treat of processed sugar. Sugar causes the release of opiates in the brain that not only make you feel good but also cause your appetite to he activated. So if you want to overcome sugar cravings, then you must choose not to even have a small bit of your favorite sugary junk foods, as this will more than likely lead to bingeing. It will be extremely hard to resist not eating more.

2. Eat plenty of fruit before meals. Fruit is a natural sugar that will give you the nutrition you need and also satisfy your sweet fruit. Eat as much as you desire before each meal. Try to stick to one fruit at a time, as this is best for digestion.

3. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Breakfast is a crucial part of your eating plan. I always find that if I don’t have a good breakfast to sustain me then I will have very intense cravings in the afternoon. If I have a good breakfast I can usually combat them completely.

4. Deal with any emotional issues surrounding your foods. Sometimes our cravings for sugary foods can be triggered by emotions – whether this is stress, boredom or depression. Observe your eating pattern throughout the day and see whether any emotions trigger you to crave sugar.  If you do have any emotional issues you then can begin to address them.

These four tips are great starting points for overcoming any sugar addiction.

Kelly Aziz is an expert in the field of nutrition and addiction psychology. She is the author of the acclaimed “Free to Eat” Combat Your Cravings Ebook that helps you eat well and combat cravings for good. For more information please visit: www.CombatYourCravings.com

Craving Sugary Foods