Visions of sugarplums may dance in your head, but for some people, visions turn into an obsession, driving them to eat any cookie, gingerbread or even fruitcake they can find.

Sugar overload isn’t good for anyone, but people with arthritis should be particularly cautious. When blood sugar spikes, the body produces more inflammatory chemicals. Here are five tips for the nipping the sugar buzz in the bud.

Eat protein. Eating protein - along with sweets - moderates the “cyclone” effect of a blood sugar spike, in part because protein slows down how fast sugar is absorbed by the body.

Eat before you go out or to a party. You know your neighbors party will be brimming with cookies and cakes. Decide ahead time - if you will allow yourself to have dessert. If so, eat a healthy snack before hand, so you will not overindulge later.

Eat more fiber rich food. Dried and whole fruits may satisfy your sweet tooth, and they also contain fiber, which will help you feel full more quickly.

Write it down. Just as you keep a food journal, you may want to keep a sugar journal that tracks how you feel after eating certain foods. Seeing the roller coaster effect sugar can have on your moods, energy level and productivity may help you conquer cravings.

Be patient. Cutting down on sugar gets easier the more you try. Give it time, be persistent , and forgive your mistakes. Once you start doing it, if you go back to the desserts you used to eat, they will taste too sweet.