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July 29, 2024/Daily Health Stories

How to Stop Sugar Cravings

Battling a sweet tooth can be tough, but a registered dietitian has some simple tips to keep in mind next time you're craving sugar.

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CLEVELAND - We all know dieting can be difficult, especially when you have a sweet tooth.

So, what can you do to help with those sugar cravings?

“I have so many patients that come to me and identify themselves as sugar addicts. So really, I always start with personality. Are you someone who the only solution here is going to be cold turkey and that's going to be the best option for you? Or are you someone who can have some sweetness without going overboard? What does that look like? So, number one think about what your personality is,” suggested Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.

Kirkpatrick said if you have a hard time going cold turkey, consider buying foods that have the sweetness factor and are also nutrient dense.

Some examples include fruits like pineapple, cherries, and strawberries, yogurt, natural peanut butter and dark chocolate.

With dark chocolate, Kirkpatrick said to be mindful of the ingredients. It should have at least 70% cacao.

As for artificial sweeteners, it can be tempting to buy foods with those in them instead, but research shows they can actually make you eat more.

Honey and maple syrup can be good alternatives. However, moderation is key.

“I think to get a little sweetness, it's a great alternative while still keeping things natural. But, we also have to keep thinking about amount. If we get to the point where now we're adding honey to our fruits or we're adding maple syrup always to our oatmeal, then maybe we're getting a little bit too dependent on that sweet taste and we have to take it down a notch,” said Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick said these changes may take some getting used to, but eventually your taste buds will start to adjust.

And in turn, it you won’t have as many sugar cravings.

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

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