Hi I'm new to all of this!

Sugar, is really tough to kick so I can feel your pain. This is what has worked for me. Go completely natural to start, (later you may want to even pair down the sweeter natural things). Anyway, buy some mejool dates whole and put them in the freezer. They don't actually freeze but doing this makes them a bit less sweet which if you eat a date when warm you will understand why I suggested this( they have pits, so be careful not to break a tooth). Dates are sweet, and an excellent source of potassium and fiber. Just don't go crazy a couple at a time. Next fruit over chocolate. If you must eat chocolate, eat high cocoa content 80% or higher. The cocoa is a good anti-oxidant the rest is not good. When I need chocolate this is what I do. I get 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup complimentary fresh fruit like raspberries or cherries which go great with chocolate, three or 4 squares of 85% chocolate chopped, and 15 raw almonds chopped, mix it all together and eat it. The fruit sweetens the yogurt, the flavors combine really well and the nuts add a bit of extra texture and flavor too. These are some starters. I have many more including some good ideas on ways to cut the calories on those really decadent desserts, like flourless chocolate torte, pavlova, and Macaroons. I love to experiment with recipes. Good luck. And feel free to friend me. I can help on food.