The holidays are the best time for reunions with your loved ones, especially those you rarely see because they live far away. Unfortunately, if you have a sugar addiction, it’s also the perfect time to make bad decisions just to satisfy your cravings. This is good news for your sweet tooth but very bad news for your health.

It can be difficult to say no to all those tempting, sugary cookies and pies, but they are some of the reasons why you gain weight during the holidays.

Sugar is very addictive, and intentionally so. Junk food makers rely on it to keep you coming back for more.

In addition to piling on the pounds, high-sugar diets are linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

But despite knowing that, it’s still hard to give up those sweet treats and then follow through with your diet plan, which — if successful — will give you better cconcentration, increased energy, good-quality sleep, clearer skin, balanced hormones and, of course, a healthy weight.

But now that Christmas is over and you’ve seen how much you weigh on the bathroom scale, it’s time to get back on track. If you’re struggling to curb your sugar intake, follow the five tips detailed below.

Figure out your sugar triggers

“Many of us reach for sugary foods out of habit or for emotional comfort when we are stressed,” explains Hannah Braye, a nutritionist. In order to break out of the habit, it’s vital for you to first identify what triggers your sweet tooth. For instance, do you begin your week sticking to your dietary plans but weaken your resolve as the days go by? Do you eat sweets at the office? Do you like to snack late in the evening? Once you figure out your triggers, you can address your weak moments.

Clean out your pantry

Braye notes that studies have indicated people are far less likely to crave certain foods when they’re not available. After all, most people wouldn’t want to get out in the cold weather or late in the evening to find some sweets when it’s much easier to grab something (far more healthier) from the cupboard.

Really, out of sight, out of mind works. Donate your sweet cakes to a local food bank or share them at the office, but get them out of your house.

If you’re really hankering for some treats, indulge in some dark chocolate. Unlike milk chocolate which contains many additives, dark chocolate offers many health benefits.

Eat fresh

One way to reduce your sugar cravings is to eat fresh whole foods, not pre-packaged processed foods filled with sugary toxins. Add plenty of vegetables — cooked or in salads — to you diet, as well as fresh fruits and nuts.

Remember to make your fare all-natural, organic and sugar- and GMO-free. Think slow-cooker when it comes to fixing and serving fresh meals.

Fiber fill

Fill up on fiber from veggies and whole grains to curb your appetite and sugar cravings. Doing so will also help you maintain regular bowel movements. Switch to whole grain foods which contain complex carbohydrates. Foods like white bread, white pasta, white rice and cous cous offer only simple carbs which are quickly turned into sugar inside the body.

Cut down on the alcohol

Holiday overeating often leads to holiday over-drinking, and alcohol is loaded with calories and sugar. When you mix alcohol with a sugary soda, you end up consuming double the calories, hence the inevitable weight gain. If you still want a little something to drink, Braye recommends drinking white spirits mixed with soda water and fresh lime as this type of drink can help you stay well-hydrated.

The holidays are over again and if you’re like most people, you’ve probably put on a few extra pounds. Start shedding them today with these helpful, post-holiday tips to  guarantee a successful weight loss.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

Blog.PaleoHacks.com