Sugar addiction: are you an addict?
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This isn't really a rant about sugar because let's face it you've heard it all before. Too much sugar makes you fat, gives you diabetes…you get the picture. There is one question which rarely gets much attention, perhaps because it hits a nerve. The question is nothing special, but it is important 'are you addicted to sugar?' Take a minute, think about it, can you control how much sugar you eat?
Firstly you aren't alone; sugar addiction is probably more common than alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling. Why? Simple, sugar is everywhere, not just in your cup of tea, cake, biscuit or can of coke. Sugar has sneaked its way into the most unlikely of foods such as soups, bread and even ketchup.
Secondly sugar acts in the same way as certain illegal drugs. At least if we are as closely related to our cousin the rat as scientists seem to believe. Researchers showed that a whopping 94% of rats preferred the taste of sugar and sweeteners to cocaine.
Thirdly sugar is toxic; by now you are probably beginning to see the bigger picture. Sugar is addictive and like any addictive substance it is toxic. The reaction mightn't be as obvious as what comes with a cocaine overdose, but don't be lulled into a false sense of "it's only sugar", overtime excess sugar consumption is deadly. Tooth decay, diabetes, bad skin, nutrient deficiencies, obesity all come hand in hand with sugar addiction.
If sugar is addictive who are the pushers? Stop reading now if you are worried about the answer.
It's you, it's your partner, it's the kids, it's the food industry - it's anyone who feeds your sugar habit!
Everyone who knows you, who knows that you are overweight or struggling with type 2 diabetes is responsible for helping you to keep away from sugar rather than feed your habit
A drug addict is locked in a room, an alcoholic goes to a clinic, yet a sugar addict cannot avoid their addictive substance. This lack of industry support, lack of societal support is not to be underestimated. It takes a very strong reserve to kick a sugar habit.
It’s not easy to overcome sugar addiction, but there are some sure-fire ways to battle your demon.
Take every hour one step at a time. Start by giving up sugar today - just today. Focus on tomorrow when it comes.
- Give up sugar. This sounds harsh but like any other drug, you can't just cut back if you are truly addicted, it's all or nothing. Getting the taste is just a tease and will bring back all those feelings that come with a sugar hit.
- Ditch white bread. It has a high Gi which means it's quickly broken down and digested. It won't be long before you start getting cravings. Instead go for wholegrains, they are much more satisfying.
- Beef up protein. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates so including a little protein in every meal will keep you feeling fuller and cravings at bay.
- Fulfil your life. It's difficult to give up something you love without replacing it with something else. Sugar is a crutch for many people, if you give it up, focus on something else that will cheer you up whether that is exercise or watching your favourite soap.
- Naturally sweeten up. Berries, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg will sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.
- Eat 3 meals per day. Eat little and often. For many people, if they don't eat regularly, their blood sugar levels drop, they feel hungry and are more likely to crave sweet sugary snacks.
- Get support. Tell your family and friends that you are off sugar, so when they call around they aren't weighed down with cakes and biscuits.
For more tips join my facebook page
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Kind regards,
Catherine Matthews
My Page
I gave up sugary drinks a long time ago and never have it in tea or coffee, nor on cereals. However, there are times when only cake will do.
Comment by SIDSMUM2 -
great article - i am finding it harder to give up the sugar in my tea (1 Spoon) than giving up smoking years ago. Giving up smoking was hard but i have now cut out the tea totally cause would rather not drink it at all as the taste is horrible without a spoon of sugar in it.
Comment by DESIDAWN3 -
I know I'm a sugar addict, but I've found that I'd only cut out the chocolate, biscuits and cakes for about 4 days before the cravings went. The first couple of days were hard, I had to really distract myself, but since then I've felt really in control and can genuinely say I don't find myself wanting the sugar - I can even bake without licking the bowl! I know it's easy to let it go again, but I did have some birthday cake the other day and didn't want any more afterwards. So far so good!
Comment by ANNAKEMPSTER -
You've made my mind up - will target suger consumption from today and aim to cut it out in tea within a month.
Comment by JAMESMILLER -
Hi Jadelite, I completely agree that you should be able to have a piece of choc or a treat in moderation, but like any addiction if one leads to the whole packet or plural packets and it's something you can't control then you need to look at whether it is worth including sugary treats at all! Apologies if the point I was trying to make wasn't clear.
Comment by CATHERINEMATTHEWS -
never used to be a sweet person but since I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes 6 years ago - I can't stop looking at delicious cakes - its because I know I cant have it (or shoulld not have it). I agree with the correlation between sugar and alcoholism - from a neuropathic standpoint - and from personal experience - one jaffa cake leads to the whole packet (know what I mean) - instant gratification but ..recovering alcoholics are asked to reach for a mars bar if a craving starts so....???
Comment by AONGHAS1953 -
Sorry but I have to disagree when you say we should give up sugar entirely. For many people that would simply cause cravings and binges when they eventually succumb to the feeling of deprivation. Sugar is like alcohol - a very pleasurable treat for many people and just as there is no need for most people to give up alcohol because they can keep it in moderation, the same should be true of sugar. Yes cut it down by all means but give up only if you cant manage to enjoy it in moderation.
Comment by JADELITE -
Very good article.
Comment by ADYMILES -
Thank you for this article. My danger time is 5-6 pm with a tiredness peak. Jill
Comment by JILLHUGHES8 -
like this article, good sound advice. I am a typical when bored person put kettle on have a cuppa and biscuit. I think it is the biscuit I crave rather than the cuppa. Will be looking into cutting out my sugar fix from now!!
Comment by WENDYANDREWS101011 -
excellent article-and when you are tired and less motivated it is so much easier to succumb to the sugar cravings!
Comment by OCEAN123 -