February is all about love. Love yourself by avoiding the harmful effects of sugar overload – symptoms may include inflammation, increased cholesterol, weight gain, brain fog, stomach distress, headache, suppressed immune system, mood swings, and more.

Try these sugar-busting tips:

1) Eat consistently each day – three meals and two snacks with a balance of protein, fiber and healthy fat.

2) Drink water. Sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration. Whenever you have a craving, sip a glass of water before you give in. You just might find you can say no to sweets!

3) Take my “good, better, best approach” to healthy eating by reading labels and choosing better ingredients like cacao.

4) Eliminate “fat-free” or “low-fat” foods that are highly processed, low in nutrients and typically contain large amounts of sugar.

5) Spice it up. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom to naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.