Sugar is Like a Drug
If you’re struggling with your weight, put a magnifying glass up to the sugar you’re consuming. Studies show rats are more inclined to choose sugar than narcotic drugs when offered a smorgasboard of addicting substances! So don’t bash yourself for not having willpower–instead reconstruct the way you eat and you’ll be surprised at how much more control you have over what slides past your lips.
Sugar hides in places you wouldn’t imagine–spaghetti sauce, breads, crackers, cereals and other processed foods. I’ve read food labels and been stunned to see what lurks on the list. If sugar is near the top of the list of ingredients, there’s loads of it! Get food smart by reading labels and making and effort to reduce your daily dose of sugar, which can improve your health in more ways than one. You’ll miss the “high” you get from that insulin spike for awhile, but in the long run, you’ll have steadier energy and be less susceptible to binge eating and cravings for sugar-rich foods.
Try replacing cakes, pies, and candy bars with a piece of fruit. A slice of juicy mango or pineapple will put a burst of sweetness on your tongue and provide your body with nourishment. So instead of finishing one simple sugar sweet only to end up desperately banging on the outside of the candy machine an hour later, choose a snack item that will give you a steady stream of energy and allow your brain to focus on something other than getting your next “sugar fix.”
Are you still doubting you can do it? If you want to feel empowered, I urge you to challenge yourself to one week without candy, cakes, pies, cooking and puddings. Get them out of the house where they won’t tempt you to taste them and then embark on a low sugar diet. Remember, it doesn’t have to be tasteless–start trying new fruits and healthful recipes and before you know it you’ll find a whole new repertoire of healthy favorite foods. By the end of the week, you’re likely to find that you’re eating less and feeling better without sugar’s addictive disruption. Good luck! I’d love to hear your comments on how this goes 🙂