Stop Sugar Cravings in 4 Easy Steps

Has the tidal wave of holiday cookies, candy, and eggnog kicked your sweet tooth into over drive? Take it down a few gears with these 4 easy strategies:

1. Chew sugar-free gum. Studies show it can ward off hunger and keep you from grabbing sweet afternoon snacks.
2. Walk away from temptation. When a sugar craving hits, take a hike, even around the hallways. Walking and other forms of physical activity can tame cravings, prevent overeating, and burn calories, too. Sweet.
3. Take a 7-minute Zen break. Next time that pile of sugar-frosted holiday cookies starts singing its siren song, drown it out with a 7-minute meditation break.
4. Trade in your soft drinks. For a flavorful low-cal, low-sugar alternative, concoct your own soda by mixing seltzer with a jigger of fruit juice. Opt for low-sugar and low-fat versions of eggnog and those fancy holiday coffee drinks, too.

Medically reviewed in May 2018.