Written By: Hailey Nelson 

Do you tend to start craving sweet, salty or sugary foods when stress creeps up or when you just want a quick pick-me-up? All of the sugar, carbs and caffeine that we consume on the go only give us a temporary boost of energy. It may take practice to form new cravings that are more beneficial for your body, but it’s worth it in the long run. Here are a few tips to help get rid of those sugary cravings.

Drink Water: My mom always told me that drinking water tends to fill you up more than reaching for a bag of chips. It turns out that drinking water actually does fill you up without adding the extra calories and stops you from overeating. Even though you might get a short sugar high from a candy bar, drinking water will keep you hydrated and alert for the rest of the day. Try drinking a cold glass of water each morning to speed up your metabolism or switch it with a hot cup of water with lemon that also has detoxifying benefits.

Choose dark chocolate: If chocolate is your go-to sweet snack, dark chocolate is your best bet. Try buying anything 70 percent cocoa or higher. Even dipping fruit (which contains natural sugars) in dark chocolate is better than a bag of chips.

Get distracted: One of the best ways to get rid of a sugar craving is to get your mind and body moving. Usually after a workout your body is less likely to be craving sweets and will want something hydrating instead. Go for a walk, workout, do yoga or even call up friends to play a game of basketball. Putting your attention towards doing something active will help you to clear your mind and forget about those unnecessary cravings.

Indulge but have limits: It’s alright to have ice cream or a doughnut every once in a while, but you have to know when enough is enough. Focus on the quality of what you’re eating and maintain the quantity. When we get a sugar craving, we tend to overestimate what we are able to consume. If you go for ice cream, buy a small cone not a pint. You won’t feel guilty afterwards and will have the confidence next time to follow through with a better choice.