Sugar is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, with some scientists likening the effects of sugar addiction to that of Class A drugs. We're hardly surprised that when it comes to cutting down on the amount in our diet, it can come with some nasty side effects. From headaches to irritability, saying goodbye to that sweet seductress isn't easy - not least of all because we really, really miss the taste. If you're a coffee addict and you're used to putting a spoon or two of granulated godliness in your cup of joe, then going cold turkey can take some getting used to. Your palatable morning pick-me-up is suddenly bitter as heck, but don't fear - we've got a solution...and it's calorie free.
PREVIOUSLY: HOW MUCH SUGAR SHOULD BE CONSUMED PER WEEK, ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS
Switching sugar for sweetener might seem like the most obvious solution, but there is still a lot of controversy on whether these sugar substitutes are safe. Plus, if you're on a detox then having something that tastes like the real thing can lead to some serious cravings that you might not be able to fend off. According to Popsugar, there's one solution that's all natural and will leave you feeling warmer than a penguin in July. Cinnamon.
Rather than dumping a spoon of sugar into your black coffee, try sprinkling in a generous amount of ground cinnamon. Stir well and you'll find that it takes the bitter edge off of a strong coffee, while also giving it a slightly warmer, well-rounded taste. You could also use the handy kitchen spice as a sugar-sub on other wintery snacks, like porridge or on peanut butter toast. Not only does cinnamon work to prime the taste buds, but it's been scientifically shown to help protect you from a variety of nasties. Healthline rounded up this handy list of 10 benefits proved by the men in white coats, including its anti-inflammatory properties, the lowering of heart disease and its ability to lower blood sugar.
In short, do you really need another reason to cut down on sugar and increase your cinnamon intake? After all, it's the perfect time of year for it.
NEXT: ALTERNATIVES TO SUGAR THAT ARE SERIOUSLY JUST AS SWEET
