Cara Kempf is a certified personal trainer with the Fitness Zone in Carmel and a group fitness instructor with NIFS in downtown Indianapolis. She can be contacted at fitnessblog@theindychannel.com.

I don't know if any of you read those junk magazines like In Touch or Life and Style -- they make the hours on the treadmill go much faster! -- but there was recently an article about the latest diet fad that I thought somewhat interesting. It's called Sugar-Busters, and it's the "newest," "hottest" diet trend in Hollywood that celebs like Jessica Simpson are into.

Basically, the name says it all: Cut out the sugar! No white bread or pasta, no refined sugars, no bananas (because supposedly they're high in sugar, but I think the benefits outweigh the risks) ... and of course no chocolate cake. So, this is the newest diet to which lots of stars are adhering for a great body. Well, duh, I think anyone could develop that diet idea, but honestly it's true.

Sugar will kill your diet and your efforts toward gaining a better, more healthy body. I know that the thought of cutting out all sugar seems impossible and not at all appealing, but I guarantee that if you make the decision to do it, you will reap benefits like you wouldn't believe.

I also know that it is difficult to cut back on sweets, but here are some things to try when you feel your cravings setting in:

If you need a sugar fix, try sugar-free, fat-free Jell-O and pudding. They make all kinds of this stuff now, and it's great!! I also buy fat-free whipped cream and have it on hand in the freezer. It's just like ice cream, and has only 15 calories per serving -- just don't eat the whole container!

Pop a piece of mint gum in your mouth after a meal. The hardest time for me to control sugar cravings is right after a meal, but the mint in the gum kills the craving almost every time!

Try a Caramel Apple Luna Bar or a Chocolate Balance Bar if you're craving sweets. Although these do have some sugar, they also have lots of protein and fiber, which are great for you, and a ton less calories than a Snickers bar!

There are ALWAYS alternatives to sugary foods, but you must find what works for you. Cut it out as much as possible and you will reap the benefits!