Hello, my name is Lora and I am a Sugar Addict. At one time I could not be trusted around a plate of cookies, and I always volunteered to cut the cake because it meant that when I was done I could take my finger and get every last bit of icing off the knife.
I know I’m not alone. Sweets trigger an increase in serotonin (a mood-elevating hormone) and also endorphins (our brain’s natural narcotic.) We get used to a higher level of serotonin which creates a sense of well-being, and the endorphins help us to feel relaxed when stressed. But sugar takes away more energy than it gives, and after a “crash” leaves your feeling anxious, moody, exhausted, and somehow wanting more sugar. Sound familiar?
Processed sugar can cause or contribute to tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, yeast infections, chronic fatigue, more severe PMS, anxiety, and even wrinkles! Eliminating sugar can help you lose weight, increase energy, increase concentration, improve your moods and keeps you further away from diabetes. Tough choice? I hope not.
Last year I finally woke up to how much processed sugar I was consuming, even in the foods I thought were “healthy,” and I set out to eliminate a huge amount of it from my diet. Now I am a “recovering” sugar addict passionate about helping others do the same.
Be aware of why/how you eat sugar. Does your mouth start to water when you hear the “Happy Birthday” song at work because you know there will be cake in the break room? Understanding what cues your cravings can help stomp them out.
Make the decision to detox. Because sugar is so addictive, you may need to stop feeding the fire completely and go “cold turkey” for several days to get it out of your system.
Begin eliminating sugar from your diet. Cut out foods with sugar, white flour, and high fructose corn syrup, including cakes, cookies, pastries, and most desserts. (Of course it’s okay to have a dessert or sugary snack on occasion.) Added sugar can also be found in your main and side dishes, and even sauces. Look closely at the labels. You can usually find nutritious alternatives with less sugar that taste just as good.
Have a healthy breakfast and eat throughout the day. When you sugar-load in the morning it sets you up for crashing and more cravings. Start each day with lean protein (like egg whites) and complex carbs (like oatmeal) that take longer to digest, and leave the cravings behind! Eat small meals spaced throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable and to avoid the overeating that results from being overly hungry.
Find alternatives for when you are having a craving. For my daily cravings for something sweet but healthy, chocolate Shakeology® (with just 9 g of sugar from whole fruits) saves the day.
Here’s to a sugar-free summer!
Lora L. Smith
Independent Team Beachbody® Coach
Certified TurboKick™ Instructor
