We all know that sugar is bad for us, but those cravings are sometimes hard to resist. Sugar can cause health problems, such as insulin resistance and diabetes. Cutting down on sugar will make you feel more energized and lowers your risk of developing many chronic lifestyle-related conditions. There are countless benefits to cutting out sugar - it can help clear up your skin, reduce fatigue, help with weight loss, and motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle in other aspects as well. Here are some effortless ways to cut down on sugar.

Drink more water and less soda and juice

Water doesn’t have to be boring— try spicing things up by adding berries, lemon, mint or basil, cucumber, and other fruit to your water that will add some flavor without adding any sugar. You can also make tea and coffee, but remember to stay hydrated. Add some fruity teabags to cold water for a refreshing and flavorful iced tea.

Sweeten food on your own instead of buying them with sugar

Pre-packaged cereals and oatmeal are classic examples of foods that contain lots of added sugars in the store. Instead, buy plain oats and make your oatmeal at home. Then, you are in control of how much sugar you add. You can drizzle some honey, maple syrup, or stevia— a natural sugar-free sweetener.

Check your ingredient labels

Most of the sugar we consume is hidden in foods you wouldn’t even expect, such as bread and condiments. Check the ingredients on any store-bought foods and try to find sugar-free alternatives. Stick to simple ingredients and make your sauces at home. They are much healthier, and they usually taste much better!

Don’t buy those sweets!

Possibly the easiest way to cut down on sugary food is to stop buying it. If you don’t have it in the house, you’re much less likely to think about it and crave it. Even if you do, it’s not easily attainable. Stock up your kitchen with other delicious snacks that are low in sugar so you can still grab something when you’re hungry. If you crave sweets and restrict yourself completely, you’ll end up giving in and most likely overindulging. Balance is key!

Swap out the candy for fruit

It is difficult to cut it out completely, so making healthier choices that still satisfy your cravings can help. Instead of eating candy or chocolate with added sugars, try eating some fresh fruit. Berries are especially low in sugar and are full of antioxidants and other vitamins. You can also make fun desserts with fruit— instead of a sugary artificial popsicle, blend some frozen fruit and water and pour it into popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat. Prepare some snacks that you can quickly grab when you’re feeling hungry or craving sweets so that you can honor those cravings in a healthier way.

Featured