Time and time again, people ask me, "Connie, what should I do first to help me kick my sugar habit for good?" I believe that the best way to begin to overcome your destructive dessert patterns is to start learning your "sugar truth." This tactic may be a little challenging or embarrassing, but most of all, you'll find it enlightening and eye-opening. You see, it's vital for you to figure out why you want that doughnut or Danish now!

Look, let's face it: In those gotta-have-goodies moments, it usually doesn't help to know that eating a bunch of sugary foods and processed carbohydrates just isn't good for you. That's why, now, when you’re not rattled by cravings, is a good time to embark upon sugary soul-searching.

Thousands of sugar kickers worldwide have discovered that this is a simple, effective technique, in which you tune into what's going on in your heart and soul that drives you to rely on those inferior, nutrient-lacking foods. Once you know what's making you turn to sweets or those culprit carbs, you stand a better chance of being able to easily steer clear of them.

In other words, especially if you're an "emotional eater" (that's most of us), it's helpful to decode or deconstruct the source of your often-mysterious cravings. So let's delve now into why that chocolate ice cream, strawberry cheesecake and white pasta are so darn appealing.

Why would you be willing to ditch your diet, damage your body, and ignore your best intentions just to have some fiber-lacking, nutrient-deprived sugary substance?

Try to complete this exercise quickly. Your rapid responses will be telling. Be truthful. Remember, you don't have to show anyone your answers! When sugary foods and much-like-sugar carbs beckon, do you feel:

* Angry Yes _____ No _____
* Anxious Yes _____ No _____
* Apathetic Yes _____ No _____
* Ashamed Yes _____ No _____
* Betrayed Yes _____ No _____
* Bewildered Yes _____ No _____
* Bored Yes _____ No _____
* Challenged Yes _____ No _____
* Cheated Yes _____ No _____
* Competitive Yes _____ No _____
* Confused Yes _____ No _____
* Contrite Yes _____ No _____
* Defeated Yes _____ No _____
* Depressed Yes _____ No _____
* Discouraged Yes _____ No _____
* Embarrassed Yes _____ No _____
* Envious Yes _____ No _____
* Exasperated Yes _____ No _____
* Frantic Yes _____ No _____
* Frightened Yes _____ No _____
* Frustrated Yes _____ No _____
* Grumpy Yes _____ No _____
* Guilty Yes _____ No _____
* Helpless Yes _____ No _____
* Hurt Yes _____ No _____
* Ignored Yes _____ No _____
* Jealous Yes _____ No _____
* Left out Yes _____ No _____
* Lonely Yes _____ No _____
* Melancholy Yes _____ No _____
* Rejected Yes _____ No _____
* Sad Yes _____ No _____
* Sleepy Yes _____ No _____
* Tired Yes _____ No _____
* Worried Yes _____ No _____