Sugar doesn’t make you fat, nor does it (directly) give you diabetes.

In fact, it’s far less problematic than most people make it out to be.

That said, it’s easy to overeat, which makes it one of the most important areas to cut back when you need to restrict your calorie intake. 

When you’re sticking to a fat loss meal plan, sometimes there just isn’t much room for sugar. And yet, it can be hard to cut back. Here are some tips to help you do exactly that.

Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables

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These foods are all high in fiber, water, and nutrition, helping you stay satiated. Fruit can be especially helpful in the beginning, as it can help curb your sugar cravings without blowing your calorie budget.

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Scale Back Over Time

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Instead of vowing to remove all foods that contain sugar, plan some foods into your diet that have sugar if you want to. Or, allow a small amount for sweetening your coffee.

Small indulgences like that aren’t a big deal, although it’s still best to track them.

Make It a Habit

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Getting started is one thing, keeping up the momentum is another. Here are some simple steps to keep you on the right track.

1. Shop smarter at the grocery store.

Focus on buying mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Be mindful of what treats you purchase, and make sure they’re ones you can intelligently include in your diet.

2. Come up with 3 non-food related rewards.

These rewards can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath with a good book or going for a walk with your family to the movies. These types of rewards will make you feel better instead of indulging in food for a short-term fix.

I also like to indulge in teas that are just slightly above what you’d find at the grocery store. They won’t add calories, they’re packed with flavor, and they’re a bit of a special luxury that makes me feel like I’m treating myself.

The point is, find something that doesn’t involve food, yet still gives you the feeling of indulging. You could also opt for a massage or a mani-pedi to achieve the same result.

What’s your take on cutting back on sugar? Have anything else you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments below!