Although we should try to limit our sugar intake, to totally exist without treating yourself is unrealistic and frankly quite depressing. Here are a few tips to keep your sugar cravings to minimum while still indulging from time to time.

1. Schedule your dessert time. You have to think of sugar just like any other debilitating product like cigarettes, or alcohol. The likelihood of quitting cold turkey with success is rare and may result in bingeing episodes later. Take it slow and set realistic goals to lessen the chance for failure. (Try: Avoid desserts/sweets Mon-Fri and treat yourself on the weekends).
2. Refined Sugar. The most damaging sugar is refined. Many drinks (mostly organic) are made from cane juice and natural sugars. These products although they may contain sugar are far less damaging and have a slower metabolic rate.
3. Look for healthy recipes with your favorite ingredients. For example, if you are a strawberry junkie, instead of pigging out on a strawberry sundae,strawberry shortcake can be a low fat option and low sugar delicacy that suits your taste buds.
4. Artificial sweeteners. Personally, unless you have a restricted diet because of health conditions like diabetes, I would avoid artificial sweeteners. Anything artificial seems to have some sort of side affect which may be more damaging than the original. Remember Sweet & Low? People consumed these pink rectangles in mass until studies were shown that saccharin leads to cancer. I'm just saying, ten years from now Splenda and products like these may be a leading cause of unfavorable health conditions.
5. Try Stevia: Stevia is extracted from an herb in South America and is actually 100-400 times sweeter than sugar. You can find Stevia in your natural food store near the supplemental section. Best part of Stevia is its calorie-free, does not alter blood sugar and has actually been proven to help regulate blood-sugar levels. Stevia is a sweetener widely used in Japan.
6. Other natural sweeteners. Date sugar and agave nectar sugar are also natural sugar alternatives. Date sugar's consistency mimics that of brown sugar and has a slower metabolic rate and is nutrient rich. Agave nectar is about 40% sweeter than conventional sugar and can be substituted for recipes calling for honey. It also is metabolized more slowly in the blood.