Anyone who likes sweets will understand that cravings for sugar are hard to beat. However, it's important we control our urge for sugar, especially people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Sugar has been medically proven to be the main cause of many medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Sugar also has addictive properties like alcohol, making it extremely difficult for sugar addicts to function without their daily dose of sweets. Consider the following 5 tips, as even if it is just one of them that helps you, it will be worth it. 

5. CUT DOWN ON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS 

Artificial sweeteners seem like a healthier option because they have zero calories, but they are a bad choice eventually. Sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose can increase your cravings for sugar, as they decrease the brain’s dopamine levels, leaving the body with intense and uncontrollable cravings for sugar. This creates a vicious cycle where you keep consuming sugar and sweeteners. Instead, eliminate artificial sweeteners from your diet completely and replace them with healthier, natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses or even maple syrup. 

4. SWEETEN WITH CINNAMON

Take things a step further and replace honey and sugar with cinnamon. This spice will impart a rich flavor to your desserts, with just a hint of sweetness. You can use powdered cinnamon with most desserts, coffee, and even smoothies. Besides adding flavor and helping you curb your cravings for sugar, having half a teaspoon of cinnamon every day also helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Bonus! 

3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP 

Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can create an imbalance in the hormones that control hunger. Also, a lack of sleep can obviously make you feel tired, cranky, and lethargic. This, in turn, can make you opt for sugar to feel alert and energetic. A lack of sleep can also You will also feel hungrier, and more likely to reach for sweets and packaged foods. 

2. EAT A HIGH PROTEIN BREAKFAST 

If you start the day without a full breakfast, you will be more likely to reach for doughnuts, chocolates, and sweets before noon. Having a protein-rich meal in the morning helps regulate your blood sugar for the rest of the day. Eggs, yoghurt, and bananas are all good options to keep your sugar levels steady and will keep you full until lunchtime. Other great options are porridge and whole grain cereals. 

1. HAVE HEALTHY SNACKS 

The best options for snacks between meals are Healthy fats. It keeps you full and healthy and also has the bonus of helping to reduce your blood cholesterol. Coconut Oil is one great example and just taking a spoon can help you feeling full and energetic. You can add it to bread and even use it to make your own granola bars at home. Other healthy snacks to eat between your main meals include wholegrain foods, raw carrots, celery, nuts, and fruit. Sometimes, just a large glass of water will do the trick and stave off your hunger.