Quitting sugar can be tough, really tough in fact. Preparation is key, but having a few handy tricks up your sleeve for when those cravings set in, can help keep you away from the white stuff.

To start, try including some sweet flavour into all of your meals. This way your body will be satisfied with its sweet hit and will kill off that instant craving for dessert right after you’ve eaten.

Not all sweet tasting foods are bad for you. There are plenty of healthy foods that have a satisfying sweet and delicious taste whilst still in their whole, natural state.

Here are 6 ways to quit sugar but keep yourself sweet:

(1) Fresh fruit – Go with what’s fresh and in season for your area. There are tons of options nowadays in modern supermarkets. You are spoilt for choice.

(2) Smoothies – Dust off the blender and keep this bad boy plugged into the corner of your kitchen. Frozen or fresh berries with a splash of almond milk and a spoon of natural nut butter is all it takes to make a delicious snack.

(3) Raw dark chocolate - Go for a really dark version (80% or more cacao). Many of the top rated brands use coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey to sweet their chocolates.

(4) Herbal tea - Dehydration can often trick the body into thinking its hungry. Before even reaching for the cookie jar, try having a drink. And if you get bored of plain water, try some nice flavoured herbal tea.

(5) Frozen Grapes - Pop a vine in the freezer for a few hours and the result is a slightly sweet treat packed with antioxidants and other nutrients.

(6) Trail Mix - A small serving of nuts (almonds & pistachios) with a dried fruit (cranberries & cherries) makes a great snack with good nutritional value too.