If you are worried about food addiction, then you are probably concerned about your sugar intake. I do NOT mean that you should never have your favorite treats again. But sugar is definitely an addictive substance. The more you eat, the more you want. The less you eat, the less you want. To me, I don't want ANY substance running me! Period.

For some people, this may mean that you go into "abstinence," but most people do not have to be that extreme. There are ways to cut down, and make it easier. I am definitely in favor of making it "easy" on yourself. White knuckling it never works.

Sugar is both an addiction and a habit.

The best way to change a habit is to substitute a different habit, hopefully a healthier and more positive one. Try to find other foods that are equally satisfying and try them as a sugar substitute. Try to substitute foods and drinks that are less and less sweet until you get used to them over time. Also try to find foods that are less rich. For instance, substitute low-sugar jam for the full sugar variety. Your tastes WILL change and adjust . . . and soon, you will prefer the lighter varieties.

Here are 5 strategies to cut back:

1. Avoid sugar substitutes, like Aspartame. They have been shown to be toxic and actually make you crave sweets more. These substance have never been shown to aid weight loss. I've had far fewer cravings since I stopped drinking diet soda.

2. Use supplements if you find them useful. Experiment! Sometimes the differences are very subtle, so you need to pay attention. Supplements like Chromium, and/or the combination of Chromium and L-Glutamine can be quite helpful. Ask for recommendations at your health food store.

3. Use EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to reduce cravings for sweets, and identify the emotions, associations and stressful situations that trigger the cravings. EFT is a simple tapping technique used to stop food cravings and neutralize the emotions that trigger overeating.

4. Get more rest. Take 20 minutes to listen to relaxation CDs daily to rest and recharge your energy during the day. Fatigue is one of the biggest triggers to overeating and sugar cravings.

5. Learn how to pro-actively *treat* yourself without sugar. It's obvious from my last post on *treating* yourself without sugar, that we need a LOT more help with this issue. I think 1 answer is to build *treats* into our schedules on a regular basis. Schedule massages. Take time out to listen to a CD. Walk outside. Play with your kids or pets. Go to yoga class. It will reduce your overall stress level, so you don't need to *treat* yourself with food so often.