Do you have an uncontrollable sweet tooth? If you crave sugary snacks and drinks throughout the day it’s likely you find it difficult to resist temptation. But consuming food and drink that is high in sugar can leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish for the rest of the day, making it difficult to perform daily tasks efficiently.

If eating sugary snacks during the day has become part of your routine, it’s time to cut the habit and make a conscious effort to avoid sugary temptations. Of course, this is easier said than done, but if you make the change now then your body will thank you for it in the long-run.

Here are a few tips to keep your sweet tooth at bay:

Reach for fruit

Whenever you get that ‘3pm biscuit’ itch, pick up an apple or banana instead. While this might not sound as exciting, the natural sugars found inside fruit are unrefined – unlike the refined sugar found in snacks like biscuits – which means they retain more natural nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C.

To make your snack more exciting, create a mixed fruit salad by combining your favourite fruits, and finish by sprinkling some sunflower seeds on top.

Eat regularly

Eating three meals a day can leave you with sugar cravings, since it is likely that your meals are quite spread out throughout the day. This is because when you go for hours between each meal, your energy levels will be low. Your body will then crave sugar in a bid to boost your energy levels, but this will leave you likely to reach for something unhealthy like chocolate or biscuits.

Rather than eating three set meals a day, eat more regularly, just with smaller portions. Ensure you eat healthy foods that are part of a balanced diet, being sure to avoid foods that contain heavily saturated fats.

By doing so, you will find that your sugar cravings will diminish and you’ll be left with more energy and feeling fuller for longer.

Drink plenty of water

It is often the case that when you feel hungry, it is actually your body’s way of telling you that you are thirsty. So next time you crave something sweet, drink a glass of water and wait for ten minutes or so to see if your craving has vanished. If it hasn’t, satisfy the sweetness you desire with some fresh fruit or raisins.

Remember that you should be drinking at least eight glasses of water each day to keep hydrated.

Exercise

Regularly exercising means that your energy and glucose levels will drop, which is why you may find yourself craving sugary snacks after your workout. Don’t worry though, because you can easily keep on top of this by staying hydrated with water or a natural energy drink during exercise.

If you still find yourself craving sugar after you have exercised, reach for dried fruit such as dates. The natural sugar found in these will help to bring your blood sugar levels back to normal, leaving you feeling fitter and healthier.