Sugar consumption has been linked to many health problems, including obesity, tooth decay, heart disease and diabetes, and as more people become aware of the risks, many are trying to kick the sugar habit.

Michelle MacLean is a certified health and wellness coach, nutrition consultant, and the woman behind the Sugar Shift program.

“I really work with my clients to help them figure out what is that deep down motivation for wanting to change. It has to be a little bit deeper than just wanting to fit into a bikini or lose a couple of pounds,” says MacLean.

Once you've determined your motivation, MacLean says changing how you think about sugar is the next step.

“I think if we shift our mindset from thinking that ‘oh, sugar is just a nice tasty reward and comfort food to a toxic chemical,’ then maybe we wouldn't reach to sugar so often,” says MacLean.

Once you're mentally prepared, MacLean suggests cutting sugar out completely.

“So a whole food detox is what I do with participants in the Sugar Shift. We do that for 21 days, based on real whole foods, getting out the sugar, even things like fruit and alcohol.”

It's important to keep healthy fats in your diet, such as animal protein, eggs, avocado and healthy oils.

“The fat is really going to help keep you satisfied and keep you full. So if you try to get rid of sugar plus fat, you really wouldn't have much to eat, and you'd probably be hungry and cranky all the time,” says MacLean.

Tammy Turnbull decided to cut back her sugar intake last October.

“I know from my own personal experience that sugar is kind of one of my crutches, if you may, or addictions I guess and I knew it was something that I wanted to give up,” says Turnbull.

Turnbull suggests always having healthy, whole foods on hand, especially for when sugar cravings hit. She also stresses the importance of support.

“Either it's a group of women, or whatever, who you're doing this with or your husband or partner. You need to have that support and encouragement through it because it can be challenging at times,” says Turnbull.

Along with her husband, Turnbull enrolled in an eight week online program to help curb her cravings.

Since she gave up the sweet stuff, she's lost weight, seen improvements to her skin, digestion, and immune system.

“We noticed that our energy levels were more even keel instead of having the peaks and valleys throughout the day. You feel more alive and energetic without needing that caffeine fix or without needing your sugar or chocolate through the day,” says Turnbull.

Turnbull admits she still indulges in sugar every once in a while and MacLean says that's okay.

Her goal isn't for people to give up sugar completely, but to break the dependence and make smarter choices.

“I'm never really recommending processed refined sugars, but making your own homemade treats with things like maple syrup, honey, or some fresh dates, using those as sweeteners instead, so knowing that you can really control the sugar,” says MacLean.

And help control your sweet tooth for good.