How to Kick Your Sugar Cravings to Lose Weight

Research shows we typically eat more than 500 sugar calories a day, which can lead to a slew of health woes. But making a few lifestyle changes can stop the the sugar monster in its tracks! Follow these steps to weight loss:

1-Try to eat less meat. Surprising but true: Too much protein overloads your liver and stimulates excess insulin production, which can cause a spike and crash in your blood sugar levels that makes you want more sweets! The simple solution is to cut back to no more than four ounces of meat daily.

2-Have THIS before dessert: FIBER! Completely depriving yourself of the sweets you love will only make you more likely to binge on them in the future. So, have that fudge cake for dessert - just make sure to eat a fiber rich meal beforehand; one that includes, say, a slice of whole grain bread and a cup or more of fruit and vegetables. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, so you can cheat a little on dessert without worrying that it will trigger spikes in blood sugar and cravings for more.

3-Indulge in a massage. There is a scientific reason why eating sweets helps fatigue disappear: It raises levels of the energy-boosting brain chemical dopamine. But there is a much healthier way to achieve the same results- get someone to give you a back rub. Studies show regular massages can increase dopamine levels by 31%! Giving yourself a hand or foot rub, or cuddling with a pet, works too.

4- Check food labels to be sure that barbeque sauce, salad dressing, hot dogs or other meats, cereal and juice drinks aren't loaded with sugar. Look for corn syrup and ingredients with "ose" at the end. Glucose, fructose, dextrose, lactose, and maltose all spell "sugar".

5- B12 gives you a great energy boost. While this may not take off the pounds in itself, it can get you up and moving. Many people don’t exercise because they’re just too tired at the end of a long day. With this extra energy, you can go to the gym or even just take a walk around the block. Plus, if you find your energy level dragging between shots, you can get more B12 in your diet to keep yourself going. - Stop Sugar Cravings