6 Tips to Overcome Sugar Cravings

Sweet treats like candies and cookies may be tasty, but they can do a ton of damage to your pearly whites. Cutting back on your sugar intake can do a lot of good for your teeth, but it’s incredibly difficult to break the habit. Read on to learn six helpful tips that can help you overcome your sugar cravings for a healthier, happier smile.

Tip #1: Know Your Eating Habits

Try keeping track of your eating habits with a food journal for about a week so you can get a good idea of how much sugar you consume. Write down everything you eat during that week, then use online resources or the nutritional information on food packaging to determine how much sugar there is in each item.

Tip #2: Cut Back Gradually

If you cut all sugar out of your life cold turkey, you will likely experience strong symptoms of withdrawal. Though sugar withdrawal is typically not dangerous, it can make you irritable, anxious, depressed, cause changes in your sleep patterns, and give you cognitive issues. If you have a serious sugar addiction, gradually decreasing your consumption over a few weeks will make it easier for you to cut back without experiencing these symptoms.

Tip #3: Practice Restraint

While attempting to decrease your sugar intake, it’s key to remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Whether you want to lose weight, lower your blood sugar, or prevent cavities, keeping your eye on the prize can help you fight cravings and reach your goal. Learn to tell yourself “no,” and you’ll begin to develop the self-discipline you need to succeed.

Tip #4: Use Sugar Alternatives

Much like sugar, artificial sweeteners should be used in moderation. Even so, these are great options if you have a sweet tooth but don’t want to incorporate additional sugar into your diet. You can use sugar-free sweeteners in your coffee, eat sugarless gum and hard candies, and drink sugar-free sodas.

Tip #5: Use Less Sugar

If you regularly add sugar to your drinks or bake a lot of sweet items, you can cut back on how much you use while still enjoying your favorite treats. Practicing moderation is key when making changes to live a healthier life.

Tip #6: Treat Yourself on Occasion

If you’re successful at avoiding or cutting back on how much sugar you eat, make sure to treat yourself on occasion. Indulging in a slice of cake or a chocolate chip cookie every once in a while won’t destroy your teeth, so reward yourself for the progress you’ve made on occasion.

You don’t have to cut all the sugar in your diet to see benefits. Simply limiting your intake with the above tips will be helpful in maintaining better oral and overall health. Your smile (and the rest of your body) will surely thank you for it!

About the Practice

Are you trying to cut back on how much sugar you eat and struggling to make any progress? Infinite Smiles Dentistry is here to help. Their talented team can provide you with helpful tips and guidance that will help you eat less sugar and protect your oral health. To set up an appointment or get more information about how to cut back on your sugar intake, call Infinite Smiles Dentistry’s office at (918) 928-2383 or visit their website.