Millions of people worldwide have diabetes, yet there still seems to be lack of knowledge when it comes to the disease, and how to prevent it. Sometimes diabetes is hereditary but in many people it can be prevented. It is important not only to recognize prevention methods, but how to read the symptoms.

No matter how disciplined, everyone gets food cravings once in a while. In one study conducted, 91% of women get a strong food craving that is hard to ignore-and these cravings are almost all the time for foods that are not good for you. These cravings are caused by dopamine, which is a chemical released by the brain that produces a “feel good” sensation.

You know the drill-you vow to follow your New Years resolutions all year, you even make a list and stick it on your fridge. But then February approaches and it seems that you have let things slip-you vow to try harder, and you end up making the same resolutions next year.

Stevia is a species of herbs that is native to Paraguay and commonly used as a sugar substitute. The extracts that come from this herb are up to 300 times sweeter than sugar and completely natural. This natural sweetener has been gaining popularity due to the increased use of alternate sweeteners, although this is not where this herb’s advantages end.

Refined sugar is not so sweet.

It has been known for some time that the average diet in North America is far too high in sugar. Refined sugar (or white sugar) enters the food chain at several different points, and foods that we often don’t associate with sugar can sometimes be loaded with it. Bread, spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereal – even peanut butter ­– are all notoriously high in sugar. It was as early as 1900 that the average yearly consumption of sugar per person in America was five pounds. These days the average is over one hundred and thirty five pounds per person each year! And the number is growing.

Being healthy is sometimes about finding ways to renegotiate your existing habits. Many people love coffee, but don’t enjoy it without a little dressing ­– some cream and sugar. Luckily things are changing and specialty items that used to be expensive substitutes for unhealthy white sugars are becoming more popular and less expensive, even cheaper in some cases.