It’s too hard to stop eating carbs! Without help, cutting back your carbs is no easy task, especially if they’re a large part of your diet. But it doesn’t have to be that challenging! With the following tips and tricks, you’ll put your mind and stomach at ease. You’ll coast past this roadblock and come out feeling better than ever.

Fight fire with fire: Data shows that sugar cravings work like drug cravings, acting on the same neurochemical pathways. This helps to explain the withdrawal effect seen on stopping carbohydrates. Understand that the discomfort you face is your body withdrawing from an addictive substance, and use this as fuel to push yourself forward. Don’t allow food to control you like a drug, and realise how much better you’ll feel when you purge this addictive substance from your body.

Attack your cravings head–on: While many of us would like to get healthy overnight, it’s important to look at cutting carbs as a significant lifestyle change. Realise that this way of eating will take a little while to adapt to, and be ready to tackle the cravings when they come. Diffuse your carbohydrate cravings by having a supply of high quality snacks like nuts, cheese, meat and veggies on hand for the first few days of your transition

Don’t sabotage yourself: The beginning of the carb-conscious journey is the hardest part. Don’t make it tougher by hanging around Italian restaurants and dessert bars. Of course, life will go on around you, but there’s no need to start your diet the night before your son’s birthday.

Make a commitment: The biggest problem with diets is that we don’t stay on them. Cutting back on carbs may be the best thing you do for your health, but if you backslide to your original way of eating after two months, your body will also revert to its prior state.

Believe in your decision: Some people will be appalled that you choose not to have a sandwich or will find something egregiously wrong with refusing a slice of pie. Mostly, they won’t understand why you eat so differently. Your goal is to be the healthiest you can be. Let others judge, and when they ask about your food, explain to them why you’re eating the way you are. Stay strong and others will follow.