sugar sugar sugar

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1/13/12 1:44 P

We're all so different. That's why what works for some won't work for others. I'm one of those who really needs to avoid processed sugars as much as possible or else they will trigger cravings. For me, my best defence, especially if I've been consuming alot is to completely detox for at least 3 days. After 3 days, I can allow myself REAL maple syrup, honey or other naturally sweet things. Other people can eat small amounts and the moderation thing works for them. Unfortunately, I believe that I am a true sugar addict and as soon as I have a little, I want ALOT!! You may already know which camp you're in or you may need to experiment a little, but either way, the more non starchy veggies and fruits, lean proteins and whole grains you have, the better able you'll be to deal with cravings and hunger. Great advice on here. Take it one step at a time. You can do it.

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1/13/12 11:30 A

Increasing protein and reduing all kinds of wheat/gluten based carb sources has eliminated my sugar cravings a LOT.

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1/13/12 5:37 A

... fruit (3 times a day)

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1/13/12 12:13 A

peanut butter...
extra makes gum in some yummy desert flavors you might want to try those

Posts: 47
1/12/12 10:04 P

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-deta
il.asp?recipe=260244 we made this recipe and it has done wonders for me. We made muffins instead of a loaf of bread and it stretched to 18 muffins making them 99 calories a piece (.66 serving)

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1/12/12 9:09 P

The beginning was the hardest. I've been sparking for 3 weeks now and I have to say I crave sweets a lot less. I think eating sweets makes you crave more sweets. I had a honey mustard glazed chicken with rice today for dinner and that packed a sweet punch! I think once you eat less sweets, you actually enjoy the little bit of sweets a lot more.

Good Luck!!!

Posts: 412
1/12/12 8:41 P

you all are giving me great pointers i love fruit so that is a great idea for me to satisfy my sweet tooth. now about artificial sweeteners like splenda is that good or not

Posts: 819
1/12/12 5:01 A

For me, fruit is the absolute best way to crush a sweet-tooth. Lately I've been slicing up an apple, pouring a generous amount of cinnamon over it, and sticking it in the microwave for a minute. Delicious and healthy! Or drink some hot tea with a LITTLE bit of honey. Yeah, it's still sugar, but a little goes a long way, and drinking a hot beverage will make you feel more full and satisfied.

Also, I'd like to add to AVOID ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS. I know, they're so easy and convenient and a "great" substitute - but what we sometimes don't realize is that they totally set us up for failure. We taste the sweetness, but get none of the calories, and our body gets all confused cause it WANTS those calories, so then we end up craving MORE sweet foods. Artificial sweeteners are not the way to break a sugar addiction, sadly.

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1/12/12 3:36 A

I like eating some dried apple when I crave sweet things. It is full of sugar but it is natural sugar (as long as you get the kind with no added sugar) so don't go nuts but it is better than chocolate!

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1/12/12 1:35 A

Make sure that you're meeting your recommended intake of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes we crave sweets when we're low on these things (fruits have a lot of vitamins in them and they are sweet tasting, so our bodies crave the sweetness because our bodies know that's where vitamins are). Make sure you're getting rest and staying active... sometimes when our bodies want a little caffeine boost we crave sodas and chocolate.

Also, don't deprive yourself. It's good to be able to find a substitute that works. Some people swear by Skinny Cow to get their ice-cream fix, or sugar-free pudding cups instead of cake and cookies. But if there's something that you have a specific craving for sometimes substitutes don't work. A great example would be my love for chocolate. I crave the melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet taste of chocolate and so far no substitute has helped, so I let myself indulge a bit but I make sure I don't eat a whole bag of chocolate.

Posts: 412
1/12/12 1:29 A

i have a huge sweet tooth (the size of texas lol) what can i do to stop the cravings of sweet things and what types of foods i can eat that will curb my sweet addiction