Sugar Addiction Topic

Dietician 11/18/19 replied to MadisonMolly
Hey MadisonMolly- Thank you for sharing what has worked for you! Yes I hear you! Cravings for sugar can be really distracting and overwhelming at times. Strong work on your weight loss and weight maintenance. Any other general tips for keeping the weight off that you might offer? Thanks in advance, Joanna (MND RDN)

SAR1964 02/12/20
Sweets have been my biggest obstacle in losing weight for years. Over the last two years I have broken this sugar craving by not bringing treats into my house, because if I have them in the house I will eat them. This has really helped. Also, a helpful hack for me, especially in the evening,is to eat unflavored Greek yogurt with a spoonful of unsweetened apple sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Once when explaining to someone that I always lost control around 9 PM each evening and indulged in junk food, she very helpfully asked me why I don’t just go to bed when low on energy instead of eating to get myself to 11 PM? For me, going to bed earlier instead of snacking big on something unhealthy to spike my energy at the end of the night has been a lightbulb moment. Best wishes to all!

Dietician 02/12/20 replied to SAR1964
Hi SAR1964- Awesome tips! Thank you for sharing. Best to you! Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

U1188110349 06/08/20
I have a sugar addiction too! I still have my days where I overindulge on sweets. But, I try to only get sugar from my creamer and fruits and then use one day per week as a treat (ice cream or whatever) but trying to stay within my calories. I actually enjoy it more when it’s less often. I’ve also found not having them right at my finger tips helps a lot. Lately I’ve just been grabbing a small handful of Lily’s (no sugar added) chocolate chips that we have here when needed, and that has helped.

Dietician 06/18/20
Hi U1188110349,

Those sound like great ideas for satisfying your sweet tooth! Always good to keep sweets out of sight. In a previous work setting, I trained the nurses to keep the candy bowl hidden in the file cabinet. You wouldn't believe how many staffers thanked me for that because just too easy to grab a few and go, especially when you're busy and stressed. Outa sight, outa mind. Keep the lighter foods at eye level in fridge and pantry.

Also, love, love, love the idea of portion control! I have to say that is one of the keys to weight management success! A handful, not a canful. I love to find small dishes, bowls, snack-size baggies, and other mini-containers for foods and even beverages, unless calorie-free. I am a fan of the new mini 6 oz soda cans. Let's all downsize our food together! Cheers to smaller portions and savoring what we do eat! Brenda (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

CityGirl129 07/02/20
Sugar and salt are my addictions. My familIy always comment
on the amount of salt I pour on my food. And when I get
a craving for sweets its hard to resist. It's true I do tend to overindulge in both which I know aren't good for me. I

Dietician 07/02/20
Hello U1187420256,

Yes, we do tend to love how sugar and salt hit our taste buds. And it doesn't help that there is no shortage of sugary and salty foods to satisfy our needs. Did you know that salt is an acquired taste? Your taste buds get used to liking things very salty. Then, when you "wean" yourself, you start liking foods less salty. I experienced that as a young adult. My mother was a fabulous cook, but she liked her salt shaker, so I grew up liking salty foods. When I studied nutrition, I discovered the wisdom of not using as much salt. I chuckle now, recalling that when my mother came to visit, she would look for the salt shaker. When I visited my parents, their food tasted too salty:) Eventually, she discovered the wisdom of lowering salt intake when she developed high blood pressure.

One thing you can do with the MyNetDiary tracker is tune into your sodium intake. Perhaps set a goal of 2300 mg sodium per day and challenge yourself to get there eventually! One tsp table salt has about 2300 mg sodium.

With sugar, can you step back and ask yourself if you are genuinely craving sugar, or has it merely become a habit to grab for a sweet? It is also essential to keep the high sugar foods out of sight. Out of sight - out of mind! And when you do have a sweet, can you make it a mini? I love to use the smallest plates, bowls, and saucers, so it looks adequate.
I hope you find some of these ideas helpful! Please share how it is going. We are here to support you on your healthy lifestyle journey! Brenda (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

U4268245 12/07/20
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What’syourname? 03/11/22
I’d transition to fruits…find your favorite….also start making your own desserts with sugar substitutes - all trial and error

Sugar Addiction