Beating Sugar Addiction For Dummies® Shares 10 Ways to Outwit Your Cravings

Dan DeFigio is the author of Beating Sugar Addiction For Dummies®. He is one of the most respected names in the fitness and nutrition industry. His articles have appeared in numerous professional journals, and his workshops have been presented in many cities across the United States. He has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and was featured in SELF Magazine, MD News, Personal Fitness Professional, and a host of other publications.

Millions of Americans crave and consume all sorts of sweets—in large quantities—every day. That’s not surprising; processed foods, sweetened beverages, engineered sweeteners, and refined grains are pervasive in the Western food supply. In fact, the average American consumes over 130—that’s right, 130—pounds of sugar each year!

And to make matters worse, says DeFigio, sugar acts on your brain’s pleasure center just like alcohol and is as addictive as cocaine. The more sugar you eat, the more you want.

          “Sugar is everywhere, and resisting the urge to overindulge isn’t always easy,” he acknowledges. “Stress, poor nutrition, dehydration, and lack of sleep can all drive you to grab whatever sugar-laden junk food is handy. That’s why building good habits—specifically, good lifelong habits—is an essential task for staying off sugar.”