Kathryn I don't know how much this will help you but if you realize that you love sweets, you are miles ahead of conquering your addiction. It is an addiction, just as artificial sweeteners are (except for Stevia, which I also grow in my home!!). The artificial sweeteners still tell your brain your are consuming sugar, so you secrete insulin. Not good!
Merely tell yourself you will not eat anything that is white (unless its cauliflower!). ;-)) Then think about this...what happens when an alcoholic or substance abuser (drugs) leaves rehab, and then takes a drink or "just one 'hit'?" They cannot do it, or they're off the wagon again. So imagine those of us with food addictions, or anything that causes us to hold our weight, not lose weight, such as drugs, diseases, et al, and we MUST eat something every day. For any other addiction that would mean we were doomed. But, we have the option of "tasting" and spitting it out. I don't mean bulemia or anorexia, I merely mean if you must taste something sweet, and an orange won't do, and you're feel you must eat something sweet--first try a sugar cube dipped in iced or hot tea, and have a glass of water ready, and taste it, then spit it out. VOILA. You'r passed that tempation for a while, yet not "off the wagon."
Water tastes much better with a slice of cucumber in it, or a few strawberries. And once you are on a healthy diet, eating whole veggies and fruits instead of cut up canned things, you'll find it easier to look forward to a treating yourself to a nice meal. In other words, its like saving money. The more you have in the saving account, the less you want to spend! It becomes a nasty habit. ;-))
I hope that helps you a little bit. And, while you're at it, have the Diabetes Association tell you when their next screening is, and make yourself go. You will be able to meet with nutritionists, and hear real stories about people with diabetes and what happens to them. Its not a nice experience, but the screening is invaluable in taking care of yourself. In fact, every time you want to spend money on something sweet, or laden with partially-hyrdogenated fats, or corn syrup solids, remember 1) there is no such thing as "corn oil," and 2) both will clog your heart, yes, but also your brain, and 3)spend the money on fresh flowers for yourself, at least one pretty one, or buy a little bag of fresh cherries, or chew a few walnuts or pecans. Either way, your next best step must be that which brings you the greatest potential for health and recovery. Go Woman!
