P.W.
I often use less sugar than is called for in a recipe and it tastes just fine. so you can experiment there. I still use sugar though!
In coffee my husband and I use honey or agave. NO on artificial! Sometimes we have decaf or tea after dinner and so this serves as a kind of dessert for us with that bit of honey or agave. We get something a little sweet without going overboard.
I have learned the more sugar I eat the more I want. I still use sugary products, but have cut back A LOT. For example, when we eat breakfast out I don't need too much syrup and ask they put the powdered sugar on the side. 1/8tsp of the powdered sugar or none at all is great. I find the less I have the less I "need."
Need a real dessert? Okay, but cut the portion drastically. We split one slice of cake into 4 portions for example.
Everything in moderation I think.