How to Master Candy Temptations

We’ve all been there…the bowl of candy at work, your kids’ candy tempting you from the kitchen, the rows of candy bars when you’re waiting in line to pay.

However, with the right strategies, you can set up your environment for success, so you’re less likely to eat the candy you’re trying to avoid. When you eat less of it, you’ll naturally crave it less.

In this post, I’m sharing how to master candy temptations, so you can kick your candy cravings to the curb, without relying on willpower or complete elimination.

Communicate Your Intentions

You might feel like you’re going into battle by yourself when you don’t tell anyone your intentions/goals. You can feel like it’s just you, with no one else to help you.

This simply isn’t true. If you communicate your intentions to your family, a friend, colleagues, it will feel like more of a shared effort. They may help you out by not leaving candy in plain sight or not offering it. Or, they may not…and that’s okay too. Sometimes they have the intention to help, but don’t know how to or just plain forget.

But just communicating your intentions regarding candy, helps you feel like you aren’t all alone. You’ll feel more like you have support if you need it.

• LISTEN OR READ: Your Sugar Mindset Makeover (Podcast Episode)

Clear the Candy Clutter

You’ll do yourself a massive favor by setting up your environment for success. This means means removing candy dishes, jars, or open candy containers from your workspace, kitchen, or any other area where you find yourself frequently tempted.

When candy is out of sight, it’s less likely to be on your mind. At first, it may seem like you’re still thinking about it, but this is normal, and will eventually decrease and stop.

When you clear the candy out of sight, it’s also more difficult to impulsively reach out and grab some. The more distance you put between you and the candy, the better. It gives you time to think about your actions first.

Plan Your Candy Ahead of Time

Planning your candy ahead of time (either that morning or the day before) can help you avoid reaching for candy impulsively or out of boredom.

When you get in the habit of planning it ahead of time, and then following through on that, you teach your brain that this is how it’s done. Rather than instinctually reaching for candy whenever.

When you plan ahead of time, you’re intentionally thinking about how much candy you’d like to consume that is still in alignment with your goals.

• LISTEN OR READ: Breaking Your Sugar Habit (Podcast Episode)

Stay Hydrated

Sometimes, your body can confuse thirst for hunger. Stay hydrated by drinking 64-80 ounces throughout the day.

When you feel the urge to reach for candy, have a half a glass or a full glass of water instead. Then do something else, while you wait several minutes to see if you’re still feeling hungry or an urge to eat candy.

This simple trick can help reduce your candy intake AND keep you hydrated, which is a health necessity anyway. As I write this, I’m noticing a desire for this chocolate granola we have, but I’m going to drink the water I have in front of me instead.

Create a Candy-Free Zone

Designate specific areas in your home or workplace as candy-free zones.

For example, if you work from home, make your office a candy-free space. This creates a physical boundary that reinforces your commitment to avoiding candy.

If you have candy in your kitchen that belongs to your kids or whoever else you might live with, and you have your own little stash, keep them separated. That way, they have their candy, and you have yours.

• LISTEN OR READ: Sugar Cravings and Your Brain (Podcast Episode)

Keep a Journal

Keep a paper or digital journal to write down the candy you eat. Also, record your feelings and triggers when you reach for candy. You’ll start noticing patterns this way.

You’ll learn how to master candy temptations once you better understand the reasons behind the temptation.

Also of great importance is to note your successes and celebrate. You want to reinforce to your brain that you’re doing a great job and this helps motivate you to keep going.

Keeping a journal increases self-awareness, not to make you feel badly, but to serve you going forward. You’ll learn helpful things about your feelings and behaviors, so you can then address them more easily.

Portion it Ahead of Time

Pre-portion your candy into small, single-serving containers, so you don’t mindlessly eat an entire bag. This way, you can still enjoy a treat without overindulging.

I recommend doing this immediately when you get home from the grocery store or if you snag the Reese’s peanut butter cups and Snickers from your kids’ Halloween candy.

If you want to limit it to two “fun-sized” candies or a few small chocolates, gummies, etc, then put the servings in baggies or small tupperwares.

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Final Notes:

By setting up your environment for success and implementing these strategies, you can gain the upper hand over your candy cravings and consumption.

Remember that it’s a journey, and small steps in the right direction will lead to significant changes in your habits and overall well-being. With determination and the right environment, you can enjoy a sweeter, healthier life without the guilt of candy consumption.

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