How to control those sugar cravings

(CBS) The average American consumes almost 160 pounds of refined sugar each year -- a 25 percent increase over the past three decades. This is happening in Australia too. I don't know the exact statistics.

Cutting back on sugar consumption can be hard. Here are some tips on how to fight sugar cravings.

Research on animals suggests that sugar may have some addictive properties. A recent study from Princeton University found rats given too much sugar actually suffered from withdrawal when the sugar was taken away. And they continued to crave sugar for weeks afterwards. The only studies done on sugar and fats are not clinical studies. But have a look at the movie 'Supersize Me'.

Sugary foods usually contain fats -- usually saturated fats or trans fats, which can increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Eating too much sugar can also cause weight gain. And sugar can cause tooth decay.

To beat sugar cravings I suggest the following:

Don't Skip Meals
When you skip a meal, your energy level drops. As a result, you body begins to crave high-sugar foods to give you a quick energy boost. If you eat a number of small meals in a day, you'll have fewer cravings.

Eat Natural Sugars
If you find that you're craving a bowl of ice cream or a piece of candy, grab a piece of fruit instead. Fruit will not only satisfy your sugar craving, but it also contains fiber. The fiber will slow down the absorption of sugar in your body and help keep your blood sugar from rising too quickly, which can actually lead to even more sugar cravings.

Seek Out Natural Substitutes.
Don't use the artifical kind. There have been suggestions that they can be carcogenic.

Don't Buy Sugary Foods
Many people crave sugary foods late at night when the body's ability to resist is lower. So avoid sugary foods such as ice cream, biscuits, cakes, lollies and chocolate in your house. If the food isn't there to begin with, you can't eat it. Just get a bin bag and fill it with those foods and throw it away right now. Come on, you can do it. Don't be suckered in by your kids to buy more of the same either.

Shop alone (without your family as they will pressure you) with a list and only buy whats on the list.

Take suppliments
Some suppliments put out by vitamin companies actually help reduce sugar cravings. Like Blackmores Sugar Balance.


Take A Walk
Many people eat dessert after a meal. But instead, try doing an activity, e.g. walking. Do something with your hands that requires concentration.

See you next time.