Sugar is one of the most addictive substances out there. From soda to candy to baked goods and beyond, it seems like sugar is in everything. Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can have a negative impact on your health.

Many people struggle to give up sugar because of its addictive properties, but it is possible to cut it out of your diet for good. Here are eight ways to make it stick.

1. Understand Why You Want to Cut Out Sugar

The first step to successfully cutting out sugar is to understand why you want to do it.

What are your goals? Do you want to lose weight? Improve your overall health? Once you’ve identified your motivation, it will be easier to stick to your plan.

2. Start Slowly

Going cold turkey on sugar can make it more difficult to stick to your plan in the long run. Instead, start by cutting back slowly over time. Swap out sugary snacks for healthier options like fruit or nuts.

Gradually reduce your intake of sugary beverages and replace them with water or unsweetened tea.

3. Read Labels Carefully

Sugar may not always be obvious on food labels. It can be disguised under many names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sucrose. Make sure to read labels carefully and identify any sneaky sources of sugar in your diet.

4. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is key to cutting out sugar. Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time that are free of sugar and easy to grab on-the-go. This will help you avoid temptation when you’re hungry and short on time.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Cutting out sugar can be tough, especially if those around you are still consuming it. Surround yourself with support from friends and family who understand your goals and will help you stay on track.

Consider joining a support group or finding a workout buddy to help keep you motivated.

6. Find Healthy Alternatives

One of the best ways to stick to a sugar-free diet is to find healthy alternatives that satisfy your sweet tooth. Try using natural sweeteners like honey or stevia in place of sugar.

Experiment with fruit-based desserts or homemade granola bars to find new, healthy favorites.

7. Avoid Triggers

Everyone has their own sugar triggers. For some, it might be a certain brand of candy or a favorite ice cream flavor. Identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible. This will make it easier to resist temptation and stay on track.

8. Celebrate Your Success

Cutting out sugar can be tough, but it’s also an accomplishment worth celebrating. When you hit a milestone or successfully resist temptation, take time to acknowledge your success and reward yourself in a healthy way.

This will help keep you motivated and on track for the long haul.