I was addicted to the white stuff… I couldn’t get enough… towards the end, just one hit and I was down for the count… I knew I had to quit but I didn’t know how…

Obesity, tooth decay, emotional instability were all the result of my addiction.

And then, by God’s amazing grace, and the help of many others, I gave it up and life has never been better.

What I’m talking about is the most socially acceptable drug we have around… SUGAR.

If you can take or leave it, then this post isn’t for you.

But if you know what I’m talking about, and want to give it up or cut back, here are the top 6 tips to help you kick a sugar addiction.

 

Decide on boundary to kick your sugar addiction

This takes honesty. If you can have a cookie or two and control yourself not to have more, then set a limit of 2 or 3 desserts a week.
For those who have a hard time stopping once they start, I recommend complete abstinence. I know this sounds harsh, but in my experience it has the best long-term results because you’re not ingesting what causes the crave.

Find some sweet replacements

Fresh fruit is the best way to satisfy a sweet tooth, so allow yourself 2-3 servings a day. Dried fruit is another option, particularly rolled dates, which are literally like fudge. Raw honey, real maple syrup, coconut nectar are also wonderful sugar substitutes.
You may need to moderate these foods at first, but as time goes by you can enjoy them more liberally.

Eliminate other white stuff

I find that white flour acts very similar to white sugar in the body, so it’s best to commit to eating whole grains whenever and wherever possible to kick a sugar addiction. This will keep your cravings down and help you stay true to your boundaries.

Get some support and accountability

Whether this is a food buddy or joining forces with your loved one, be sure you have support along the way. Of course, God can help us get through any kind of craving as Scripture says in First Corinthians 10:13. Love this verse and it’s so true!

Find other ways to treat and help yourself

A hot bath. Foot massage. Manicure. Journaling upsetting feelings. There are many ways to deal with life without excess food.

Keep the big picture in mind

Instead of thinking what you’ll give up, make a list of all the things you’ll gain: Peace of mind, improved health, better focus, and a flatter tummy. At the end of the day, food is fuel for the body.

I hope these tips help you on your journey to sugar addiction recovery. Remember, even if you fail or fall off the bandwagon, you can always start again. Right now. And don’t forget that there’s professional help out there… counselors or 12 step programs. Do what you need to do to take care of you.

How about YOU?

Do you need to kick a sugar addiction? What are some tips you’ve learned along the way?