The sweet tooth

Ruthie’s step 71…. Ahh… the sweet tooth!
Like any other addiction, sugar intake can be a tough one to kick. It seems like the more sugar and desserts you have, the more you are want! Where does the battle end?
Here are a few tips that might help you pull your own sweet tooth.
Try to find a substitute. Generally, you tend to crave sweets after a meal or in the late afternoon. It might be helpful to have something else there and ready to fight off those cravings. Peppermint tea might work in the evening, a box of raisins in the afternoon, a piece of fruit, or anything else that you can think of that would be somewhat nutritious and easy to keep with you.
Wait out the craving. The cravings you experience will only last a couple of minutes and if you can wait it out, they will pass and you will be better for it. Try to occupy yourself for a good 10 minutes when you get a craving.
Set daily goals and reward yourself for meeting them.
Recruit someone to do it with you. Clean out the cupboards and refrigerator of all bad foods and make the effort a team effort. Hold each other accountable and support one another through the tough times.
Put yourself in good situations. If you are one who loves to use the vending machines at work or will drive through the local gas station to fill up on snacks, try to do things to prevent you from continuing on with these habits. Clean out all of the change and single dollar bills in your wallet. Make sure you fill up on gas when someone is with you. Go groceries shopping after a meal, so you don’t load up on bad food.
As hard as it might be to believe, you CAN quit this evil thing called sugar and you will be a better person for it. Not only will you probably lose some weight, but you will feel better and more energetic.
Keep on keeping on……making better choices for a healthier you!