Congratulations. You’ve made it through your sugar detox and are on your way to a lifetime of eating healthy, wholesome foods. A lot of your sugar cravings are gone, but it’s easy to fall back into old behavior patterns and get yourself in hot water when it comes to sugar.
Let’s talk about what you can do to deal with temptation in the weeks, months, and years to come. Yes, there will always be sugary treats around. They’ll be offered to you and you may even grab a bite or a sip unthinkingly. What you need are a few tools to help you get through those times without going on a sugar binge.
Expect the Temptation
The first key is to not let down your guard. Temptation is all around us from that box of donuts left in in the breakroom to the offered piece of homemade pie. While you can keep it out of your house, be mentally prepared for temptation at work, when you go out to eat, and particularly when you’re over at someone else’s house.
Don’t Head Out Hungry
It helps significantly to not leave the house hungry. Believe me; it’s much easier to turn down that donut at the office meeting if you’ve already had a couple of eggs for breakfast. When you’re already hungry, your willpower may slip.
Carry an Emergency Snack
For those cases when you do find yourself hungry and tempted, carry an emergency snack in your purse, car, or briefcase. Make some homemade trail mix, or just grab a piece of fruit to take with you. A bottle of water to go along with your snack is also a good idea. Think back on your scouting days and be prepared.
Forgive Yourself and Vow to Do Better
No matter how well you prepare yourself and how strong your willpower is, chances are you’ll slip up here and there. It happens. Maybe you’re grabbing a cookie without thinking and don’t realize that you’re eating sugar until it’s almost gone. Or maybe there simply isn’t a polite way to turn down your grandma’s homemade banana pudding that she made just for you because she knew you were visiting. There will be slip ups and there will be times when quite frankly it is worth the cheat. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Forgive yourself and move on.
A little sugar here and there won’t kill you. It’s the 160+ pounds per year that does. Don’t use that as an excuse to slip back into old habits. Use it as an excuse to forgive yourself, move on, and eat well the rest of the time. Your body will thank you for it.
