High consumption of sugar in a diet can cause obesity, but this is just one of the many reasons why you should cut out sugar. According to WebMD, Americans have an average of 20 teaspoons of added sugar (that does not occur naturally in foods) per day, while the recommended amount would be just six teaspoons for women, and nine for men. Added sugar can typically be found in sweetened products, baked goods, and fizzy drinks, and this high consumption can have an awful effect on your health. In addition to affecting your mood (giving you highs by raising your blood sugar quickly, and then falling into a slump after), sugar can also affect your skin, your teeth, your heart, and even your brain.

Knowing the ways that sugar can negatively affect your body, and how much better you will feel without it, makes you want to eliminate it altogether, but that’s often easier said than done. We are hardwired to crave sugar, and WebMD reports that dietitian and American Dietetic Association (ADA) spokeswoman, Christine Gerbstadt, has stated, "Sweet is the first taste humans prefer from birth.” When eliminating sugar from a diet you can suffer from withdrawals in the first 48 to 72 hours, but some people find it better to eliminate simple sugars from their diet immediately, rather than gradually, and learn to train their taste buds to be satisfied with alternative foods.

That said, it can take time to adjust and going cold turkey is not for everyone, which is why some recommend cutting back your intake of sugar gradually and giving your brain, and taste buds, time to adjust. The ultimate goal is to have very little added sugar in your diet, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Greatist notes you can end sugar cravings by eating snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which are digested much slower than refined carbs and sugars. This is important because it will keep you full for longer, and reduce the chances of snacking on something sugary for a quick energy boost.

Another tip for cutting out sugar would be to really think about your food choices, as there could be times when you’re eating sugar without even realizing. Stop buying processed foods, as these usually have added sugars, as well as sodas, ready-made sauces, and dressings. Also, if you don’t have treats in your house, you can’t eat them.

The good news is there are foods that help with sugar cravings, and according to Eat This, Not That!, these include berries, spirulina, dates, nuts, and vegetables, among others, all of which contain nutrients that will help keep the sugar out of your diet. In additions to these foods, you can give in to your sweet tooth every now and then by eating fresh fruits, or even dark chocolate.

And lastly, drink more water. Water will keep you hydrated, full, and will reduce the cravings because sometimes we mistake being thirsty for being hungry.

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