Stop Sugar Cravings in 4 Easy Steps

BY MEHMET C. OZ, MD, AND MICHAEL F. ROIZEN, MD

Has the tidal wave of holiday cookies, candy, and eggnog kicked your sweet tooth into over drive? Take it down a few gears with these 4 easy strategies:

1. Chew sugar-free gum. Studies show it can ward off hunger and keep you from grabbing sweet afternoon snacks.
2. Walk away from temptation. When a sugar craving hits, take a hike, even around the hallways. Walking and other forms of physical activity can tame cravings, prevent overeating, and burn calories, too. Sweet.
3. Take a 7-minute Zen break. Next time that pile of sugar-frosted holiday cookies starts singing its siren song, drown it out with a 7-minute meditation break.
4. Trade in your soft drinks. For a flavorful low-cal, low-sugar alternative, concoct your own soda by mixing seltzer with a jigger of fruit juice. Opt for low-sugar and low-fat versions of eggnog and those fancy holiday coffee drinks, too.