Diabetes diet: 5 ways to stop sugar addiction for good

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Sugar addiction can cause adverse medical conditions such as diabetes and hyperglycemia, leading to weight gain, elevated blood pressure and the list goes on.

While most experts believe that the only way to truly stop your addiction to sweet is to stop altogether but if you feel that is too much to handle, here is a list of 5 ways to help you curb that habit-forming cravings for sweets.

REMOVE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

CNN writes that cutting out on aspartame, saccharine and sucralose even stevia will be better in totally ditching the habit. Carole Bartolotto, a registered dietitian and nutrition expert, shares that by eliminating the artificial sweeteners, you are not exposing yourself to using more of these sweeteners. Incidentally, one study has even discovered a link between artificial sweeteners and weight gain.

AVOID FAT-FREE PRODUCTS

The Huffington Post writes that while you may be saved from fat, the fact remains that food manufacturers labeled it fat-free as opposed to sugar-free. This means that those fat-free dressings and fat-free cookies are loaded with sugar, making you consume more sugar than before.

As a solution, try to choose more natural food selections so you'll be aware of the ingredients that you are consuming including the number of calories. Also, try to gradually stir yourself away from cookies, cakes and other sweets with refined carbohydrates as these will also help reduce your sugar addiction.

REWARD YOURSELF

Psychology Today writes that as most people consider sweets as a reward or comfort food, people find themselves feeling deprived of all the things they love thus they end up binging on sweets.

As a solution, try to look for something that you can consider as an alternative or better reward to avoid feeling depressed. It can be a spa treat, a shopping spree or as simple as buying a book. Whatever it is, find ways to make yourself feel special and rewarded, just as long as it also stirs you away from any other addiction.

MANAGE MAGNESIUM INTAKE

CNN adds that if you are craving for sweets, chocolates, in particular, then it's probably because you lack magnesium in your body. Have yourself checked and if it is indeed the case, start munching on dark, green leafy vegetables, nuts, tofu and legumes to fill in the gap.

KEEP SNACKS IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES

The Huffington Post adds that by keeping healthy alternatives such as almonds, grapes or homemade trail mix that includes Chia seeds, roasted nuts, and raisins, you can have something to eat to distract you from your sugar cravings.

While staying away from sugars is the best solution, giving in once in awhile may work as well but be sure to keep it in moderation.