topic Re: Sugar = Addicted! in Wellness

Sugar = Addicted!

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:54:38 GMT

This is something I struggle with and maybe some of you do as well! This is somewhat a tongue in cheek post, if you will, but is also factual for me!

I kind of went off the deep end over the holidays --- feasting merrily on cake, cookies, pies, candies, donuts --- you name it --- I enjoyed it --- a lot!

Do I know it's not good for me to do this? Yes, of course I do! Do I know that it's just a lot of useless calories and fat? You bet I do! Have I gained extra baggage beause of it? Naturally!

I know that anything in moderation is not harmful. Just a bit of this or a touch of that is fine. However, sometimes with some of us (speaking of myself) once a bite of this touches the mouth, we (meaning me) find it practically impossible to control ourselves and end up having many, many bits and touches of said sugary product!

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have stopped cold turkey!!! I tried the "just a bit of this or touch of that" approach and I failed miserably! Like a person who is addicted to anything, I find it impossible to stop at a little! The first few days were horrible! Now, I'm doing well. Do I miss the sugary morsels? Well, yes and no. But my eyes no longer glaze over when I see a donut or a cookie, etc!

Many say denial is not a healthy approach! But to some of us, it's how we must conquer the beast! I think as times passes, perhaps a bit or touch might be possible --- occasionally!

Anyone have similar experiences with a sugar addiction?

As I have said --- please don't take all this too seriously as it is written tongue in cheek, but is also my factual experience with sugar!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

Group 5 minus 1 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:00:03 GMT

Years ago Phil Donahue asked the question,"what is the most addictive substance?".

Answer: sugar!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:02:36 GMT

@Group 5 minus 1

Oh, goodness --- really? I've always had a sweet tooth, as far back as I can remember. We never had candy and a lot of this stuff around as a child and maybe as I got older, I just made up for not having it or something!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

Group 5 minus 1 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:03:48 GMT

Could also be considered "the forbidden fruit".

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

Harpa — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:05:40 GMT

Good for you, @AngelPuppy1 ! Sugar is so hard to break!

I was amazed at my granddaughter yesterday. I had made carmel popcorn - brown sugar & butter, and it was not overly coated. But she said she didn't like the brown part. That was the sugar! She's done the same thing with chocolate. Even the dark, which is the only thing I offer.

I never did a total cut-out, but I've reduced sugar way, way down, especially white sugar. After a while, you really get to dislike when anything is sweet, or, overly sweet.

Are you also finding any other benefits?

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

violann — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:06:32 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:
This is something I struggle with and maybe some of you do as well! This is somewhat a tongue in cheek post, if you will, but is also factual for me!

I kind of went off the deep end over the holidays --- feasting merrily on cake, cookies, pies, candies, donuts --- you name it --- I enjoyed it --- a lot!

Do I know it's not good for me to do this? Yes, of course I do! Do I know that it's just a lot of useless calories and fat? You bet I do! Have I gained extra baggage beause of it? Naturally!

I know that anything in moderation is not harmful. Just a bit of this or a touch of that is fine. However, sometimes with some of us (speaking of myself) once a bite of this touches the mouth, we (meaning me) find it practically impossible to control ourselves and end up having many, many bits and touches of said sugary product!

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have stopped cold turkey!!! I tried the "just a bit of this or touch of that" approach and I failed miserably! Like a person who is addicted to anything, I find it impossible to stop at a little! The first few days were horrible! Now, I'm doing well. Do I miss the sugary morsels? Well, yes and no. But my eyes no longer glaze over when I see a donut or a cookie, etc!

Many say denial is not a healthy approach! But to some of us, it's how we must conquer the beast! I think as times passes, perhaps a bit or touch might be possible --- occasionally!

Anyone have similar experiences with a sugar addiction?

As I have said --- please don't take all this too seriously as it is written tongue in cheek, but is also my factual experience with sugar!

Me!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

godi — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:11:30 GMT

It's a real struggle for me also. The smallest thing can set me off. My mind screams EAT THE COOKIE! It never goes away either. It's an addiction just like drugs or alcohol. I fight it daily. I went crazy over the holidays now I got to retrain myself to not go there. ❤️

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

DecorDiva — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:28:27 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:
This is something I struggle with and maybe some of you do as well! This is somewhat a tongue in cheek post, if you will, but is also factual for me!

I kind of went off the deep end over the holidays --- feasting merrily on cake, cookies, pies, candies, donuts --- you name it --- I enjoyed it --- a lot!

Do I know it's not good for me to do this? Yes, of course I do! Do I know that it's just a lot of useless calories and fat? You bet I do! Have I gained extra baggage beause of it? Naturally!

I know that anything in moderation is not harmful. Just a bit of this or a touch of that is fine. However, sometimes with some of us (speaking of myself) once a bite of this touches the mouth, we (meaning me) find it practically impossible to control ourselves and end up having many, many bits and touches of said sugary product!

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have stopped cold turkey!!! I tried the "just a bit of this or touch of that" approach and I failed miserably! Like a person who is addicted to anything, I find it impossible to stop at a little! The first few days were horrible! Now, I'm doing well. Do I miss the sugary morsels? Well, yes and no. But my eyes no longer glaze over when I see a donut or a cookie, etc!

Many say denial is not a healthy approach! But to some of us, it's how we must conquer the beast! I think as times passes, perhaps a bit or touch might be possible --- occasionally!

Anyone have similar experiences with a sugar addiction?

As I have said --- please don't take all this too seriously as it is written tongue in cheek, but is also my factual experience with sugar!

@AngelPuppy1 - Gretchen Rubin is an author who writes a lot about habits. She said most people are either abstainers or moderators when it comes to forbidden foods. You usually know which one you are.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

happycat — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:36:56 GMT

Me too, in the last year, I have gained 20 lbs, it was surprisingly easy. Why is it so much easier to gain than to lose?

I'm thinking of doing noom.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

haddon9 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 13:53:49 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I did the same as you! I overindulged on holiday sweets for too long and NY weekend I cleaned out the fridge and threw out all of the junk food (what was left) away!

I've been buying a lot of produce and have been eating much better now. I've been juicing and trying to eat a lot of fresh salads, steamed & roasted veggies. I have no bread in the house and have reduced grains and pasta.

I'm trying to stick with a low carb way of eating and I feel a lot better....hope you do too!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

candys mine — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:05:38 GMT

Yeah, Sugar and I have a Long relationship. When I was younger lets just say I used to have a little tea in my cuppa sugar. Lunch was a ktit-kat and a pepsi. Halloween is still my downfall, but once I've binged I don't have any more for months. I've tried those single serving multipacks but I just end up eating them all. So better to not have it around.

Good for you for cutting back on the sugar and recognizing that Sugar is your downfall.

Now that you've cut it out you may find that even products that are not touted as Sweets will taste sweet to you. Keep on keepin' on.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

jubilant — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:16:47 GMT

I find I do a lot better if I don't totally "deny" myself sugar. Instead I try to limit it to one thing a week I really like. We go out and get it so I don't have leftovers at home to tempt me. I almost never bake. Also, I use Stevia now in my coffee and am looking for low sugar creamers. It's amazing how many calories can be in a cup of coffee and I can't stand it black. I'm trying to drink more tea as I don't seem to need sugar in my hot tea or even Stevia for that matter.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

itsmagic — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:20:15 GMT

I totally understand and have cut way way back on sugar. I grew up with a candy store nearby (which we frequently visited) and drinking lots of Koolaid! So I’ve had a sweet tooth my whole life. I’m finally seeing the light about how harmful sugar is so in my quest to cut it out, I keep that thought in my mind. If I ever do have something with sugar I find it overly too sweet now. I’m also trying to learn how to read labels and eat things that aren’t made with products that aren’t good for our bodies.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:36:22 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:
This is something I struggle with and maybe some of you do as well! This is somewhat a tongue in cheek post, if you will, but is also factual for me!

I kind of went off the deep end over the holidays --- feasting merrily on cake, cookies, pies, candies, donuts --- you name it --- I enjoyed it --- a lot!

Do I know it's not good for me to do this? Yes, of course I do! Do I know that it's just a lot of useless calories and fat? You bet I do! Have I gained extra baggage beause of it? Naturally!

I know that anything in moderation is not harmful. Just a bit of this or a touch of that is fine. However, sometimes with some of us (speaking of myself) once a bite of this touches the mouth, we (meaning me) find it practically impossible to control ourselves and end up having many, many bits and touches of said sugary product!

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have stopped cold turkey!!! I tried the "just a bit of this or touch of that" approach and I failed miserably! Like a person who is addicted to anything, I find it impossible to stop at a little! The first few days were horrible! Now, I'm doing well. Do I miss the sugary morsels? Well, yes and no. But my eyes no longer glaze over when I see a donut or a cookie, etc!

Many say denial is not a healthy approach! But to some of us, it's how we must conquer the beast! I think as times passes, perhaps a bit or touch might be possible --- occasionally!

Anyone have similar experiences with a sugar addiction?

As I have said --- please don't take all this too seriously as it is written tongue in cheek, but is also my factual experience with sugar!

@AngelPuppy1 Good for you! 🖐 👊

This is similar to our experience when DH and I decided to go keto. The first two weeks are hard as you detox from sugar. Your body still needs a fuel source so I’m hoping you’re adding more healthy fats in your diet. Your brain and gut will thank you. Once you have your healthy lifestyle established, you can add some sweet treats back in. Just make sure you use the right ingredients that won’t spike your blood sugar. There are many excellent sugar alternatives out there and chocolate chips that are sweetened with stevia. I also use almond flour and coconut flour, depending on the recipe. You wouldn’t believe the awesome stuff I make - cheesecake, chocolate chips cookies, waffles, coconut cream pie, chocolate pudding, cakes, etc.. I’ve dropped 123 lbs. in the last year and a half and feel better than I have in most of my adult life!

You’ve got this, girl!!! 😊

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

Effie54 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:49:08 GMT

I think many people fall under the "I'm not a sweet eater" (lucky dogs...lol), or they love it. My family are savory eaters and don't indulge in sweets like I do. I found that in the past watching shows like Dr. Oz helped. He gave some grreat tips and recipes to enjoy something healthy, but not sugar addicting. Like when I want a hot fudge sundae; I will split a banana in half, freeze it, melt some dark chocolate with a tiny bit of coconut oil, drizzle on top and top with chopped nuts - refreeze it and its amazing. Also, date/coconut bars are delicious. It is hard giving up sugar.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

Goldengate8361 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:52:46 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch congratulations on losing 123 lbs! Wow! Did I read that correctly? That's outstanding. I actually lost 90 lbs 8 years ago and have kept it off. I did it by eating low carb, too, of course. I don't eat ANY sugar at all and I don't miss it. My health has never been better. Congrats to you!

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

granddi — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 15:12:55 GMT

It's hard.

If you cannot just quit baked goods including processed sweets, then try FRUITS.

Keep strawberries, blueberries, apples always snack ready.

My treat is apples with peanut butter. Yes, the peanut butter has sugar but not like cookies, cakes, syrup, candies and others.

We all know those tried and true snacks: cerlery sticks, hummus, olives, pickles, nuts, raw veg with dip.

Check labels: whole wheat bread has less sugar than white. Limit barbeque sauce, sweet sour sauce, ketsup, other condiments.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

millieshops — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 16:27:50 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I believe that if I hadn’t eaten so much sugar up until a few years ago, I might well have been an alcoholic like my older brother. In my case, I cannot drink much at all and still function, so I avoided that pain.

I also slipped during the holidays, but I have forgiven myself. They are done and gone, I even moved myself during their season, and finally I have returned to journaling what I eat which helps me control my personal evils - bad fats, sodium, and sugar.

i know I did damage to my body while I ignored my good habits, but right now only I can see that. Once I do my annual visit with my G.P. in March, I assume I will know how serious my slip was.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

clarika — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 16:31:28 GMT

Yes, me too!

And for me moderation is not an option.

I also do not believe that Denying yourself something that leads to negative consequences is Restrictive - it's just common sense.

Just because it's FOOD - which is required for survival and also available 24/7 does not give it a pass (on common sense).

It can be tough to withdraw from, but keep in mind, sugar in any form it not neccessary for a healthy body.

Re: Sugar = Addicted!

BlueFinch — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 16:52:25 GMT

My carb addiction has always been white rice, bread, pasta and potatoes. I'd exchange any one of those, any day, over a piece of pie, or other dessert.

When my A1c was considered borderline diabetes, I had to give up my favorite foods, or go for healthier versions of same, allowing occasional brown rice, wheat pasta and full grain breads.

It was very hard, but by giving up those, high glycemic, 'white' foods, I lost 24lbs, getting down to my ideal weight & BMI. My A1c normalized, too, but I know after having it elevate like it did, I'll always have to be careful now. Once you start having insulin resistance, you can gain control, but it's not cured.

Moreover, I realized how much better I felt when focusing on a low carb, low fat, healthy proteins diet. I feel more energized, more mentally alert and I think I look better, too.

I cheated with desserts some during the holidays. After all, we only live once, but each time, I noted it made me feel brainfoggy and sluggish. I've learned my body speaks to me, if I'm willing to listen.

edited for paragraph spacing