Natural ways to fight sugar addiction.
It's a mystery why some people have a sweet tooth and others don't. For many of us, the problem starts during childhood, when we're given sweets for good behavior, setting up a lifetime association between sugary treats and reward. For others, cravings may be triggered by stress because of the release of hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol, which, among other things, provide quick energy in the form of blood sugar. The result: Your body may respond to stressful events with a hankering for sugar. Research confirms this link. A couple of years ago, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, discovered that chronic stress prompted lab rats to engage in pleasure-seeking activities, including eating sugary and high-fat foods.

There's nothing wrong with indulging in something sweet once in a while. But when you succumb to sugar cravings several times a day, you not only consume too many calories but also create spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can wreak havoc with your mood and are a possible link to type 2 diabetes. Here are some strategies to help you tame your taste for sweets.
  
Bitter beats sweets.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, craving sugar is a sign of imbalance. The Chinese strategy of eating more bitter foods may help correct it. Regulate your desire by adding a daily serving or two of arugula, radicchio, endive, or chicory.

Stock the fruit bowl carefully.

You can overcome a sugar craving with fruit, but choose kinds that fall low on the glycemic index, a rating of how much a food raises your blood sugar. Berries, apples, and pears help keep blood sugar levels steady; they also contain more fiber. Limit pineapple and watermelon, as they're higher on the index.

Take a distracting walk.

When your next craving strikes, give yourself permission to indulge--after you take a 10-minute walk. You're likely to find that after a stroll, you're better equipped to resist temptation, or that the craving has passed.

Staunch stress.

Simply being aware that chronic stress can harm your health is not enough--you need to choose an effective stress-relieving activity and perform it regularly. Learn to meditate, practice breathing exercises, or try progressive relaxation techniques. Consider joining an easy yoga or tai chi class. Or give this mind-clearing exercise a try: Sit comfortably and focus on a word that calms and relaxes you, such as heavenly or peaceful. Repeat it silently over and over. Listen to the rhythm. Try to keep it up for at least 10 minutes.

Eat often.

If you eat something (whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, veggies, or a handful of nuts such as walnuts or almonds) every 3 to 4 hours, you can prevent dips in blood sugar, which can set off cravings.

Befriend exercise.

Often, sugar cravings stem from a desire for more energy; regular exercise will provide that in spades. Try to commit to just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Any exercise works, but walking and swimming are especially good for relieving stress. Walking helps divert your mind; water helps calm it.

Written By Andrew Weil , Dr. Weil is clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona and director of its Program in Integrative Medicine.