Taming the cookie monster within

How to curb your sweet tooth without losing your mind 

You walk past the breakroom. There it is. A tray of brownies. You tell yourself, “No. Be strong.” Then 4 minutes later, you’re standing over the tray like a sugar-starved velociraptor. 

Sound familiar? Welcome to the club. The Sweet Tooth Society meets daily in homes, offices and gas station snack aisles. But fear not. Science says you can wrestle your cravings into submission, and you don’t even need to fake a kale addiction. 

According to an article on Nutrition Facts, reducing added sugars is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Numerous organizations will also tell you that added sugars cause the dreaded energy crash that makes you want to nap under your desk. And no, pretending maple syrup is a “natural” exception doesn’t count. 

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals the ultimate betrayal. Sugar doesn’t love you back. It’s linked to increased risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Apparently, the only thing sweet about sugar is its talent for quietly sabotaging your health goals. 

So, what can you do besides throwing away every sprinkle in your house? 

Start by retraining your taste buds. Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, a nutrition lecturer at California State University, explains that over time, cutting down sugar actually makes naturally sweet foods (like fruit or the occasional smugly healthy date bar) taste better. It’s like a flavor glow-up. 

Finally, embrace distractions. Take a walk, call your mom, or alphabetize your spice rack. Studies show cravings usually fade in about 20 minutes. So, if you can outlast your internal sugar goblin, you win. 

The good news? You don’t have to quit sweets forever. Just don’t let the brownies become your emotional support dessert. 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go yell “no” at a cupcake. Again.