I never smoked, but I was addicted to sugar. The way I see it, an addiction is an addiction.

The way I got over my addiction, was every day when I'd wake up, I'd remind myself that today's goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. There were days by noon time, I was craving a soda, candy bar, anything. I'd need to keep reminding myself that today's goal is to live a healthy lifestyle.

I kept my focus to one day at a time. Before I knew it, one day turned into a week, which then turned into several weeks, which then turned into a month. Even after a month, I was still craving sugar. I felt since I was a month in, I couldn't turn back now.

Before I knew it, I hit the 5 month mark...and I no longer craved sugar.

What I went through wasn't easy...I sympathize with people trying to quit smoking. I really believe if your focus is a healthy lifestyle, you'll be able to quit without using substitutions.

I avoid added sugars, pastas, bread, flour, and most grains at all costs.

If I make pasta, it's bean or edamame pasta. If I have pizza, it's with cauliflower crust. If I have chips, it's bean chips. If I need a snack, it's a quest bar.

The other night, I saw Spider-Man in the theaters. I had popcorn. In the past, I'd eat burger king in the food court, then get popcorn, with soda and candy. Now, I'll eat something healthy in the food court, and on rare occasions, I'll get popcorn.

Saturday night, I'm at a party. Everyone was having sausage and pepper on a roll. I just ate it straight. Everyone was attacking the cookies, cupcakes, chips, etc...I didn't touch any of it.

Since I gave up sugar (pretty much junk food in total) 2.5 years ago, I've lost 140 pounds, allergies went away, haven't been sick once, recover faster from my workouts, and look younger.

Do I cheat? Once a month I do. It isn't a cheat day. 1 Meal...that's it.

When I do the Disney races, I'll treat myself after the last race. I do carb up before the longer races. I never carb up during any of my training.