Addicted to Sweets? How to Survive Without Chocolate Between Meals

"Sugar is found almost everywhere, and without realizing it, we consume much more than we need. Sugar is in carbonated drinks, ketchup, sauces, all processed foods, and even in tomato paste and bread," states Susan Bowerman, head of nutrition and fitness training at Herbalife International.

Bowerman explains the process that occurs in the body when we consume something sweet: "When we eat something sweet, whether it's a processed food or a treat like a cookie or a piece of chocolate, even if it's small, the sugar enters the body and quickly spikes in the bloodstream before dropping fast, leaving us feeling tired and weak. As a result, our body immediately demands more and more sweets to balance blood sugar levels. Thus, we find ourselves in a never-ending cycle, and these sugar fluctuations cause us to eat more, potentially leading to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity."

So, how do you handle the constant desire to eat sweets? Here are some tips collected from Herbalife's nutrition experts:

1. Don't Start Your Morning with Sweets – In the morning, drink warm water with lemon, followed by another glass of water. Eat your breakfast after fifteen minutes.

2. Add Cinnamon to Your Food – Besides slightly sweetening the food, studies show that cinnamon can reduce sweet cravings and help lower belly fat. Whenever you feel the urge for something sweet, add cinnamon sticks to tea, sprinkle it over apples, or mix it with yogurt.

3. Maintain Regular Meals – The main problem starts with irregular meals. Plan your meal schedule in advance to avoid snacking on sweets. Don't skip meals, and keep a balanced portion size in mind.

4. Drink Lots of Water – Throughout the day, ensure you drink plenty of water. You can prepare yourself a cup or bottle of unsweetened herbal tea with cinnamon, lemon, and ginger. Avoid adding sugar to hot drinks.

5. Add Dietary Fiber to Your Menu – Switch to whole products: whole wheat bread and pasta. Dietary fibers help with the feeling of fullness and reduce the need for sweets.

6. Read Nutritional Labels – Before purchasing, look at the listed values. If you find sugar or sugar substitutes, skip it because sugar substitutes can also cause sugar spikes and increase sweet cravings.

7. Separate Emotional Eating – Before putting something in your mouth, think if you're truly hungry. If you are, eat something healthy, and if not, don't eat.