Keep Your Toothbrush Handy:)

One of my (probably overly optimistic goals) is to eat only one piece of dark chocolate each day as my sugar/treat for the day.  I am usually surrounded by sweets and often find myself popping them into my mouth without even thinking as I walk by or whenever I go into the kitchen.  I find that having a nice piece of dark chocolate is a good way to satisfy my sweet tooth without overdoing anything. 

Since this is something I know with my head but not my mouth I've had to find little ways to remind myself that I shouldn't be putting more things into my mouth just yet.  My biggest problem is right after I finish a meal I feel like I "need" a dessert.  My trick... my toothbrush!  Right after I finish lunch and dinner I try to brush my teeth (a good healthy habit anyway).  It feels good and then I am not tempted in the slightest by anything sugary for at least an hour. My mouth feels so good and clean that sweets just sound gross.  I know some like gum or mints for the same reason, but for me I like brushing my teeth- or using some of that purple Listorine... awesome stuff!

So next time you feel like having a sugary snack try brushing your teeth and see if you still want that snack afterall!  (When I was teaching I tried to keep a toothbrush at my desk which improved my breath as well as stopped a lot of snacking- so bring one to work as well!)