Five easy ways to kick your sugar addiction

Looking for ways to beat your sugar addiction? This article will help. It is easy to become hooked to sugar, because it is addictive and stimulates the same pleasure centres in the brain that cocaine and heroin do. Like any addiction, it can be tough to wean yourself off, but if you want to feel healthier, it’s a good idea to kick the sugar habit.
Most guidelines suggest that we eat too much sugar and would be better off if we halved the amount of added sugar we consume on a daily basis. In the UK, the recommendation is that adults do not consume more than 30g of 'free' sugars a day, that’s roughly equivalent to seven sugar cubes. Children need less than this. One fizzy drink contains 6-8 teaspoons of sugar – that’s the whole of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
The first way to kick your sugar addiction - fruit
Fruit contains fructose, which is metabolized differently than a huge bag of Liquorice Allsorts. However, you can eat too much fruit and should be careful to restrict your intake to a few servings a day. Eating too much fruit has been linked to increased belly fat, which increases your chance of type 2 diabetes. Also, go easy on grapes or cherries, which have high sugar content.
The truth is that we don’t need as much sugar as we think. We need glucose to give us energy, but we can get that naturally through eating foods such as wholegrains, vegetables and fruit. We don’t need fructose as much, and this is found naturally in fruit and honey. Some experts believe that we don’t need as much fruit as is often suggested and although it is a good source of fibre and vitamins, too much can give you an insulin spike. As a general rule, the higher the water content of the fruit, the less sugar. Oranges and melons are better than bananas in this case.
The second way to kick your sugar addiction – nothing artificial
If you’ve decided to give up sugar you may be tempted to turn to artificial sweetener. This is a bad idea. The diet versions of food and drink (especially sweets) tend to contain aspartame, sucralose, saccharine — even stevia — and large amounts of these will make you desire even more sweet food. Your palate is changed. Find other ways to satisfy cravings.
The third way to kick your sugar addiction - empty the cupboards
When you decide to opt for a sugar-free existence you need to commit. Go through your cupboards, your fridge and your freezer and get rid of anything that contains sugar – or is sugar! This is your environment – you have the choice.
The fourth way to kick your sugar addiction - think about your cravings
If you have a real craving for something sweet, it may be that your body has a deficiency. For example, if you crave chocolate, this may be because you need an increase in your levels of magnesium. You can find magnesium in dark leafy greens, tofu, legumes and nuts.
On the other hand, it is worth considering that cravings tend to be driven by the brain’s need for “reward” – and not the body’s need for food. If you can have a nibble of whatever you are craving and stop there, all well and good, but if you’ll binge on your craving, then you mustn’t give in. If your craving means you’re hungry, eat a proper meal. If you think you need a reward or some emotional solace, then find a better way to deal with this that does not mean consuming sugar.
The fifth way to kick your sugar addiction – exercise
Taking exercise lifts your mood, stimulates your hormones and raises your metabolism. By exercising – especially if you do it outside – you are rewarding your body and producing a natural high that should prevent your craving. You may be thirsty but make sure you sate your thirst with water and don’t reach for an energy drink.

Bach flowers mix 51 helps to:
- Change your eating habits
- Have self-discipline during difficult times
- Find the courage not to give up when things are not going well
- Have enough patience when you don't see an immediate result
- To avoid feelings of guilt if you have sinned
Other articles

12 reasons to be proud of your body
Many people have hang ups about their bodies and this is such a shame. Read on to find 12 reasons why you should be proud of your body.

How to go into summer in good shape
Summer is upon us and the holidays are here. Many people want to go into summer in the best shape they have ever been. Read here how you can do it!

"Bach Flower Advice" becomes "Mariepure"
After 25 years in the Bach flower world, we asked ourselves, is now the right time for our own new name? Not only have we grown, but so have you, along with the confidence you have in us. That's why we want to connect ourselves to our own name. That name is Mariepure.

How to lose weight without dieting
It is unhealthy to obsess about the way we look, and counting calories is not for everyone, but if you’re interested in losing weight and you really love food, is there anything you can do to lose weight while still eating? We think there is. Here are our suggestions to help you lose weight without dieting.

Six things we think will make us happy, but don't!
When you think about things that will make you happy, what are the images that come to mind? Wealth, beauty, a dream house, long holidays, a top of the range car? Happiness is not a constant and how happy we feel depends on the way we choose to live our lives.

Stop worrying and live in the moment
People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.

5 tips to survive autumn healthily
We simply can’t avoid noticing the changes all around us. Autumn is here... Autumn is also called a transitional season. Slowly and steadily, it prepares us for the transition...
Read the complete article
Feeling blue?
Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself
It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.

What makes it so hard to go back to school?
Going back to school during a pandemic is a new experience for everyone, and it's understandable if children are feeling anxious about it. We take a look at some of the issues and how you can help your child to get ready for returning to the classroom.