Cut Sugar-- 3 Powerful ways to get it out of your life forever!

#1 Remove it from your house!
Out of sight, out of mind-- simple enough and very effective though not always as easy as it seems. This doesn't mean that you can't have anything indulgent in your cupboard.
Be really honest with yourself about what will accelerate your desire to overeat or partake in unhealthy habits and what won't. If you do this, then you'll be golden. Key is actually being honest, conscious and intentional with all of your decisions. Only stock items that you can "use" (and by use, I mean eat), responsibly. And P.S, if you do screw up... love yourself through it. Remember-- discipline takes time to build up. It takes true desire, momentum and action (or in this case, non-action). But more than this... relapse is part of the recovery process so when you slip up you will learn more about yourself, your limitations and what you can do in the future to prevent it. First step is eliminating all the triggers from your reach though.

#2 Try a little CBT
If you want to change a habit, you have to stop it in it's tracks. You have to literally remold your brain circuitry. Luckily we humans are very adaptable and awareness and intention can go a long way.
Picture this, you're at the store, in the candy aisle or ice cream (whatever suits your fancy)-- you're right in front of the sweet goodie that promises you deliciousness and feelings of immediate escape from the grind of life or stress that you are presently avoiding. You had wanted to avoid this aisle all together but your body took you there now, and there is only one chance left to avert giving in and to be proactive in making yourself self proud before you reach for the goods and throw in the towel.
CBT (or Cognitive Behavior Therapy), rides off of the principle that our thoughts effect our behaviors and emotions. Often times when we indulge in sweet things even if it's a serving size, (though if you're reading this though, I'm guessing it's more), it causes some kind of negative feeling. Whether this is the inevitable crash from the sugar high, the stickiness between your teeth and gums, guilt or the bloat that you feel afterwards, no matter the amount usually each type of treat causes a unique reaction in our body or mind.  If you can simply remember and harness that particular negative effect and feeling from the specific treat and this is key, the specific item that you are eyeing, and think of that yuck feeling rather than the yummy savory part of it when you're head to head at the store and it's decision time... this will help detour you from purchasing and indulging. When we do this little trick we are practicing our brains executive functioning allowing us to obtain better self-control.  
I can't tell you how many times in the past I've been in the treat aisle and eyeing some candy only to realize, "wait, do I really want this, I feel like there is a ring of lard around my torso and my teeth are coated in a sugary glue after I eat these". I remember those specific traits that I typically would feel after the act of consuming them and "wah-la", I'd be saved in that moment from purchasing. Remembering the bad aspects of how something affects us is a truly powerful tool in maintaining our recovery from sugar.

#3 Remember and Be Empowered by the Science
If you're like me, you want to live the most healthful life possible and feel good about how you look and feel. Sugar is essentially an anti-nutrient! It has absolutely no benefit to your health. Unless you are out of food and need energy to run because you're being chased by a tiger it's not necessary and it is detrimental to your health and longevity.
Remembering the facts and data on sugar helps me to avoid it. I encourage you to make your own list of facts that speak to you the most, here are just a few that might inspire you too:  Sugar....

• Spikes glucose levels which can lead to acne or even type 2 diabetes.
• It accelerates aging, sagging skin and wrinkles. After sugar hits your bloodstream, it attaches to proteins. The mix of these proteins with sugar causes skin to loose it's elasticity and can lead to premature aging.
• Decreases good bacteria in the gut, potentially causing more yeast, more acne more inflammation.
• Sugar causes tooth decay which means spending extra $$$ on a dentist and it can cause gum disease which may lead to heart disease.
• Sugar increases stress... it raises blood sugar which in turn causes unexplained anxiousness, irritability, and even shakiness

These are just a few of the horrible things that sugar does to our body.
You CAN cut it out of your life.
If you want to decrease or cut this substance from your life all you have to do is maintain awareness of the desire and persevere in your pursuit. Be honest with yourself and be gentle with yourself if you fail in meeting your goals.
Relapse can be a learning tool rather than just a "fail".
We all fall down but if it's part of the learning process. 
I believe in you. Do it for your future self, do it for your health.
​One step at a time. ​
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