1- Make sure you are eating enough daily.  Having enough protein, carbs and fat daily will ensure your cravings for sugar are now founded in lack of basic nutrients.

 

2- Make room for a “TREAT” each day.  The less restricted you feel going into an event or more sweet heavy season the less likely you are to over indulge.

 

3- Buy the things to share that you DON’T love.  Having treats or snacks for others that are easy for you to say not to requires less will power and are much easier to simply say NO to.

 

4 – Store them in the Freezer (in the garage or basement ) if needed.  We need to create some friction to the instant gratification of giving in.  So putting them out of sight or where it will take a bit for them to thaw and consume is helpful!

 

5- Commit to enjoy the candy UNDISTRACTED! Try to only enjoy these things while savoring every bite. Take time to smell, take in the texture and the subtle nuances of everything that you love about the treat or candy.  This will help your senses to be fully engaged and you will find not only that you enjoy it more but that you feel full and satisfied faster.  The flip side might also happen.  When taking the time to take in all the aspects of that candy you may find that you don’t actually enjoy it at all and then its no longer a pull for you!

 

6- If there are large amounts of candy or treats. Portion them out into snack size servings and commit to only enjoying a serving once or twice a day.

 

7- Set a timer – If you are craving these things and you know its just that… a craving set a timer – 

Walk away for 5-10 minutes and do something to distract yourself. If you find you cant get it off your mind, go enjoy a serving.  If you are still desirous of more – set another timer and give it 5-10 before you go back for seconds.

 

8 – Get it out of the house – If you truly find that you can not control your consumption of the sweets, get them out.  I know it might be wasteful to throw them away but passing them on to someone else who might struggle with the same moderation can be a two edged sword.  Putting them in the garbage can is ok.  Why do we feel that putting them in our body is better than the garbage can because it’s ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! YOUR BODY IS NOT A GARBAGE CAN!

 

9 – Rally support from those around you – Ask coworkers to not set the candy dish out – put it in a drawer so its harder to grab and go. Ask your kiddos to keep their candy in their room or locker at school.  Ask a friend to be an accountability buddy. Set a goal for candy consumption for the day or week and check in with them to share how it went or if you’re struggling.

 

10- Ask yourself one question before digging in…..Why do I desire this thing so badly?  If it is triggered by stress – go take a “ZEN 10” 5 minute walk or stretch and 5 minutes of deep breathing. If it is triggered by lack of sleep, recognize the signs and consume more whole grain carbs like oatmeal or a piece of toast and honey. If it is mindless (you just grab it because you see it there) – walk away and move on. If it is just flavor and desiring that taste, take a serving, spend 10 minutes enjoying every single bite and do not return for seconds until 20 minutes have passed.

 

Bonus tip:  Put it on a plate. I know that sounds strange but it will truly help you moderate what and how much you consume!! DO NOT EAT OUT OF THE PAN, BAG OR DISH!!!!!