By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD 

If you find yourself craving sugary snacks from time to time, you’re not alone!  

Most people have a sweet tooth that leads them to reach for that mid-morning donut or afternoon candy bar. But even though having a sweet tooth is normal, excessive intake of desserts and other sugary foods can be dangerous to your health.  

To prevent overeating sugar, here are five actionable tips for when your sweet tooth’s calling! 

1 – Drink a glass of water.  

Reaching for a glass of water instead of having a sweet snack can help you satisfy your sugar cravings.  

If you wait 15 minutes to reassess if you still want a snack, you may find that you no longer crave a sweet treat. What’s more, drinking water can provide a burst of energy and eliminate the need for a quick jolt from sugary foods. 

If you don’t like plain water, try adding fresh fruit or drinking a naturally flavored seltzer water like La Croix. 

2 – Reach for fruit.  

Eating fruit is an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning to refined sweets such as candies or cookies. Fruit provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help fill you up and give you beneficial nutrients at the same time!  

For a complete snack that’s more filling, try pairing fruit with a handful of nuts, a hard-boiled egg, or a slice of cheese. 

3 – Go for a walk. 

There’s nothing quite like going for a short walk to boost your energy levels! Getting up from your desk and walking around the office when you find yourself craving sugar may help you curb your sweet tooth. 

If you can get outside for a short walk, even better! The fresh air will energize you and help keep you from reaching into the office candy drawer.  

4 – Eat a balanced meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours.  

One of the best ways to curb a sweet tooth is to look at your overall diet first. If you have several cravings for sweets throughout the day, you may want to focus on eating more balanced meals.  

To make a balanced plate, combine non-starchy vegetables, complex carbohydrates, a lean protein, and a healthy fat. Incorporating all of the macronutrients into your meals will help you feel satisfied. Plus, aim to eat every three to four hours to prevent yourself from getting too hungry and reaching for sweets.  

5 – Savor a small amount of the food you’re craving. 

If you’re following most of the above tips and still have a nagging sweet tooth, try satisfying your craving with a small amount of the food you want.  

For example, if you have a hankering for chocolate, have a small truffle or fun size chocolate bar. You can add some nuts or a piece of fruit to make a balanced snack.  

Next time your sweet tooth is pushing you towards desserts and candies, try these tips to make a healthier choice!  

Healthy For Life Meals: Our meals are designed to have the appropriate balance of nutrients and naturally help prevent sugar cravings. To help curb your sweet tooth, get started with one of our plans today!