Our body does not need sugar. It’s just another processed white food. Our body may take some foods and convert it to sugar for the body to use, but technically, it does not need sugar. Our bodies need fruits, which coincidentally contain sugars. Sugar is sneaky. It not only tastes great, but it also triggers the release of serotonin a feel-good brain chemical.
Sugar. If this is your weak link, it’s hard to fight with sugar, it’s practically irresistible. Sugar gives us pleasure. The challenge is that the more sugar we consume, the less pleasure it gives us with each bite, which makes us want to consume more. Blame the nucleus accumbens part of your brain which is believed to release dopamine from which you receive a pleasure signal. If we try to break our sugar addiction, we have to replace it with other rewards and positive reinforcement until we break the cycle and that doesn’t mean replace one addiction with another.
So where is your sugar coming from? List your top three sweet cravings.
For many of us eating less sugar is hard, requires patience and takes time. Some sugar is obvious -like what you add to your coffee – but most is hidden. It’s in prepared foods, so you’ll need to ask questions, look online, read labels and look at the percentage and grams of sugars in those products. I once had a trainer suggest I consume only 20 grams of sugar a day for a week – now THAT was a long, tough week! Once you start paying attention, you’ll see that even healthy foods, such as protein bars, have sugar. Foods that taunt you with flashy packaging are the ones you MUST read, because they’re designed to lure you to buy. You will become an expert at reading labels and once you get in this habit, you’ll keep it. If you want to hold yourself accountable for the sugar you consume, go back to your My Fitness Pal ™ app, Weight Watchers app, or your notebook and record it all.
Secret – There have been strong studies showing the positive impact of meditation as a way to reduce or eliminate sugar. Slowing down and practicing some quiet mindfulness and meditation may be a route for you to consider.
Move sugar products away from your reach and sight. Recruit a partner or friend to support and encourage you. Add more fruits to your diet to provide sweetness. If you need to, include some honey and organic dates. Be prepared to feel better after a couple of weeks.