How to Stop Sweet Cravings.

Cravings are a sign from your body that it needs something - either because of a deficiency in your diet or an addiction. Women get sweet cravings the week before or week of their menstruation because their bodies need more carbohydrates at this time. If you get daily sweet cravings, it's most likely your body is addicted to the sugar boost. It takes time to eliminate an addictive craving, but following these steps will get you there.

1.Substitute fruits and juices for candy and sweets. The sugars in fruits are digested differently than the empty calories of white sugar that are in most candy and processed foods. The fiber in fruit also slows the absorption of the sugars so you don't get as high a sugar rush (and as low a crash).

2.Go for quality, not quantity. Eat a small piece of 70% dark chocolate instead of a candy bar. Have a small scoop of gourmet ice cream instead of a bowl of light ice cream. The treat will be more satisfying and you'll be consuming less sugar overall.

3.Avoid artificial sweeteners. Studies have shown that eating foods with artificial sweetener (i.e. diet sodas) can increase the frequency of sweet cravings.

4.Wait 10 minutes. Do something else. If, after 10 minutes, you still want sweets, have a small treat. Most of the time, you will discover the craving has vanished.

5.Don't go cold turkey. Reduce the size of your treats instead. If you're sugar cravings are frequent, eliminating sweets all together will set you up for failure. Slowly cutting back on the amount of sugar you eat will help reduce the frequency of cravings

6.Improve your diet overall. Whole grains, healthy fats and lean meats (animal that run most of their lives, not stand around all day eating) make you feel full and satisfied.

7.Small frequent meals help keep your blood sugar level and eliminate your body's need for a quick sugar fix.

Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I am a sweet-aholic! It is definitely an addiction for me, but these strategies are very helpful, and I am trying hard to follow them to cut back. I hope you find success with them too. What strategies do you use to ward off a sweet tooth? If it's something new and different share with us and earn a chance to win a free gift card to Smoothie Factory. Your name will go into a drawing for it. Post your comments by Monday evening, and I will draw names on Tuesday morning.