Confessions of a sugar freak.
Sugar addiction is real. I’m an addict and I don’t say that lightly nor do I mean to minimize other addictions. Sugar addiction grows slowly into diseases of the body and mind. It won’t end tragically and suddenly like drugs can. It doesn’t have obvious impacts to daily life like alcohol can. But it is insidious and I believe systematically used by the food industry to keep us all eating more than we need. It is the root cause of obesity in our society.
As a child I subsisted on fluffernutter sandwiches and my mom’s chocolate chip cookies, ate most of my Easter baskets and Valentine’s Day chocolates in a day. As a parent, I raided my kids Halloween candy and started eating the chocolates in my boys advent calendars from 25- moving backward, running back to the See’s Candy store for a refill around December 14th. I love baking cakes, pies, puddings, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, quick breads, and cookies. When I’m at a party and there is a delicious sweet, I am aware of how much is there, how much I’ve eaten and am consciously calculating how much more I might eat without crossing the line into socially unacceptable. I have a sugar problem.
I’m not alone in this - I know.
When I owned the El Portal Market, I sold a sandwich called the Best Chicken Salad Sandwich. Basically, I shredded chicken and added a super sweet coleslaw dressing with over 2 cups of sugar per batch with apple cider vinegar, salt, and mayo. I sold it on extra thick, extra large slices of white bread- also made with sugar. I couldn’t keep the sandwich stocked. It sold as fast as the kitchen staff could make it. People would practically skip into the store on their lunch breaks to pick-up a chicken sandwich from the grab and go. If we had already sold out, they would wander past the “Staff Only” sign into the back kitchen with wide, sad eyes- “Can you make me a Best Chicken Salad?” Clear addictive behavior- I get it.
That’s my confessional- what about you?
Do you often crave sweets and find it hard to stop eating them? Do you feel worse after consuming too much sugar, but still can’t seem to quit? Do you experience mood swings, irritability, and fatigue when you try to cut back on sugar?
Sugar can hijack your brain and body, causing a variety of health issues, such as:
Weight gain and obesity, which can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which can impair your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and lead to diabetes and other complications.
Inflammation and high blood pressure, which can damage your blood vessels and heart and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cavities and gum disease, which can ruin your smile and affect your oral health.
Depression and anxiety, which can affect your mood and mental well-being.
With focus and a plan, you can become sugar-free and improve your health and happiness. Here are some steps you can take to overcome sugar addiction:
Choose a strategy that works for you. Some people prefer to gradually reduce their sugar intake, while others find it easier to quit cold turkey for a few days. Either way, make sure you have a clear plan and stick to it.
Stock up on healthy foods. Fill your pantry and fridge with whole foods, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils, oats, quinoa, and brown rice. These foods will provide you with the nutrients and energy you need, and help you stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Eat mindfully. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and eat only when you are truly hungry. Avoid distractions while eating, such as watching TV or scrolling through social media. Savor every bite and enjoy your food.
Seek support. You are not alone in your struggle with sugar addiction. Reach out to your friends, family, or a professional for help and encouragement. Join a support group or an online community of people who are going through the same thing. Learn from their experiences and share your own.
Educate yourself. Knowledge is power. Learn more about the effects of sugar on your body and brain, and the benefits of quitting sugar. Read books, articles, blogs, or watch videos on the topic. The more you know, the more motivated you will be to make positive changes.
Celebrate your progress. Quitting sugar is not easy, but it is worth it. Every small step you take towards a healthier lifestyle is a victory worth celebrating. Reward yourself with something that makes you happy, such as a massage, a new running shoes, or a night out. Be proud of yourself and your achievements. You are doing great!
Resources for Overcoming Sugar Addiction:
Online Communities:
[Reddit - r/sugarfree](https://www.reddit.com/r/sugarfree/): Join a supportive community of individuals on a sugar-free journey, sharing tips and success stories.
Educational Platform:
[SugarScience](https://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/): Explore resources from the University of California, San Francisco, providing evidence-based information on sugar's impact on health.
Book:
["The Case Against Sugar" by Gary Taubes](https://www.amazon.com/Case-Against-Sugar-Gary-Taubes/dp/0307946649): Delve into an investigative exploration of sugar's role in health issues.
Mobile App:
[I Quit Sugar](https://iquitsugar.com/): Access a step-by-step program to reduce sugar intake and adopt a sugar-free lifestyle.
