I believe the first step in overcoming any addiction is admitting you have a problem. So, here goes…
“Hi, I’m Hillary and I’m addicted to sugar.”
You may think I’m exaggerating the truth. Well, I’m not. I do not document everything I eat on my blog, and because of this, y’all aren’t aware of the amount of sugar I eat every day or the number of chocolate chip bags I purchase monthly ;) I think if I did, you would get a second-hand sugar high.
It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth. I have for as long as I can remember, but it was never an issue growing up. My mom enjoyed baking us sweet treats rather regularly — though, we ate our share of nutritious eats [including sautéed chard with onions and raisins] — so I enjoyed eating her chocolate strawberry scone cake without second thought. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college when I found my portions of sugary foods skyrocketing – late-night cereal, frequent fro yo, and the increasing habit of afternoon lattes and a cookie. Not having dessert after dinner is now a rarity, and I can devour the richest of the rich in terms of decadent desserts. I’m not oblivious to the fact that the more sugar I consume, the higher my tolerance for sugar has become.
I study nutrition and the science of the human body day in and day out. I know that my cells have a limit for the amount of glucose [sugar] they can absorb. Ignoring and/or abusing this fact has an ugly consequence… it’s called type 2 diabetes. I am no doctor, but I know that a high intake of sugar has a long list of negative effects. After years of focusing on my figure, health, and general well-being, I can attest that sugar is doing me no good, no good at all.
- My skin hates me.
- My six-pack abs are hiding ;)
- My mood is up, down, and all around.
- My wallet is thinner from constantly stocking my sugar supply.
… just to list a few.
With the holiday season now behind us, and a new year decade right around the corner, I’m ready to squash my serious sugar struggle. I’m sick of the mood swings, the constant cravings, and the detrimental worrying about harming my health. I want to live off running highs and make foreign the feeling of a sugar high.
I’m not sure how I’m going to tackle my addiction exactly. I’ve attempted to in the past – and it was obviously easier said than done – so I know what incredibly difficult of a challenge I have set out in front of me. As like with any drug, I’m prepared to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms both mentally and physically… and I apologize in advance for those of you who have to deal with a cranky Nutrition Nut.
I know eliminating sugar via he “cold turkey” method will not work… and for your information, I’m not planning to eliminate sugar from my diet completely. Hello, baking is a huge hobby of mine. As hard as it will be, surrounded by inspiring recipes on every blog corner of the web, I have decided to sacrifice my #1 hobby temporarily in lieu of my health. Plus, my recipe page is in need of a few more savory recipes, don’t ya think?
Once I get my plan of attack organized, I’ll fill you in on my sugar-squashing strategy, the struggles I face, and hopefully the successes.
Goodbye, Sugar. Hello, Health.
* * *
Do you struggle with a sticky sweet tooth?
What’s one habit you’d like to kick-out this year?
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I’m certainly struggling with the sugar right now too. It seemed to get out. of. control. during the holidays. I’m ready to squash it too!
I’m pretty sure I have sugar problems too. That’s a tough one to quit, but I know you can do it!
Ahhhh…but it’s square doughnut day!!
I’ve found that if I just accept my love for sugary treats, and tell myself I can have them whenever I crave them, I actually end up wanting them less! After letting myself have treats all during December, I discovered I was somehow naturally able to stop myself when I was satisfied and now after a month of yummy treats, I’m craving crisp veggies and fruits again (although I still have my nightly dessert! :) ) Good luck!
I know how you feel…good luck! :-)
I’m right there with you about the sweet tooth; it’s not always documented on the blog, but I go through more chocolate chips than I’d like to admit. lol!
I’m going to try and kick the sugar habit too, one step at a time…and I’m not sure what’s first!
I’m definitely a sugar addict! I hope I can squash that this year, too!
I have a sugar problem too! It’s not helping that I have tons of Christmas candy leftover.
I feel your pain!!! Good luck!
Jen
I also have too big a sweet tooth!!! I’d love to try to tackle this problem together :) Excited to hear your game plan and try it out myself!
This is a great post – I like that you touched on the science of sugar and the negative effects that TOO much can have on your body. I definitely have a sweet tooth, but can usually satisfy it with fresh fruit, dried fruit or dark chocolate. I do love cookies, though, so when I bake, I rarely use added raw sugar and just sweeten with fruit and/or dark chocolate chips.
ahh those sugar cravings are killing me lately, too!
one thing that really helps me is eating whole grains + protein together! also, i end every meal with a little hershey kiss/square of DOVE chocolate to tame my raging sweet tooth.
p.s. love your blog :)
Hey Hillary,
I try not to stock my school apartment with any sugary things (other than the ones I bake) and that usually helps. However, because I’m home and it’s the holidays, there are all sorts of sweets just sitting on the counter and in the fridge. I can also tell a definite difference in my skin and mood I can also tell that I start craving sweets more even after just having a few Christmas cookies.
I always get over this by having a ton of healthy munchies in the fridge. Have apples already sliced, grapes off the vine, carrots, celery…anything that you can just reach into the fridge for when the cravings strike. Another fun thing I do is make (un-buttered) popcorn or roasted chickpeas (with agave) to munch on.
Hope that helps!
I most definitely have a sugar addiction too. It’s ridiculous how much sugar I eat. I’m with ya for the new year – hello health!!!
if I crave them, i still eat them because it’s all about balance for me :) and since i bake a lot of desserts, i am constantly eating them in large amounts!
I’m sugar obsessed too. I don’t think I could ever give it up all the way.
This message seems to be resounding through the blogworld as of late – myself included! Good luck in your sugar weanings!
and lol at second hand sugar high :)
I agree with everything in this post! I especially liked this line: “I want to live off running highs and make foreign the feeling of a sugar high.” Well said sister!
I have some serious sugar cravings too, and what works best for me is having a bite of something whenever I want it. Also, there are certain foods that I have a harder time saying “no” to than others…I try not to keep those in my house. That way, I have some sweets around to satisfy my sweet tooth, but the chances of me going crazy and eating the whole thing are lowered.
I totally feel ya! I feel like I have been consuming so much sugar! My body is not happy with me as well! I am so ready to get back on track. I say that and yet I baked something today. :)
4 words: RIGHT THERE WITH YOU.
I am hoping that once the constant flow of sweets stops, my sweet tooth will as well!!
I have the same problem!! That’s why I try to healthify every single sweet thing I can! I could eat sweet things non-stop, there is NO doubt! I’m with you girl!
I know exactly how you feel! I also study nutrition day in and day out and LOVE my sweets. I am interested to see how you plan to tackle this addiction… I’ve had a HUGE sweet tooth my entire life and would like to take a step back as well. Best of luck to you!
Hill, I just did a huge catch-up with your blog (hello, super busy!), but I’ve loved each and every one of them…especially this one!
You know I also have a major sweet tooth, and it’s anything BUT easy to try to lay off the goods. I’m trying too, so just remember you’re not alone! :)
I’m glad you ‘stopped by’! Thanks for the support, Court :)
I always laugh when I hear people say “Oh, that’s waaay too sweet for me”. It’s just like hehe, really?
But I really REALLY want to stop eating sugar, and I know this is a HUGE step, but I’m giving up sugar completely this week and so far it’s actually been a good experience and I’m not having withdrawals! I plan to slowly start letting sugar back into my diet after the week is over.
Obviously, I am right there with ya!!! Eating ‘real food’ and balanced meals has really helped me– much more than I thought it would! I still struggle with my cravings– I love dessert– but filling up on the good stuff first makes it much easier to turn down the goodies. Hang in there!
May I make a suggestion? I’m reading this book right now that you might really like. It’s called The End of Overeating.
I am studying Exercise Science in college but I want to go to graduate school for Nutrition and become a dietician. I love food. I love love love it. I also love running and exercising. My friend is very similar to me and read this book last summer. She never actually finished it but I’ve been devouring it. I have a ludicrous sweet tooth as well that can get a little out of control. Willpower is not my strong point. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested.
I hope I haven’t overstepped any boundaries, but in the end this is just a really fascinating book about the psychology of food.
Good luck!
Thank you for the suggestion :)
Hi Hillary, I came across your article today – we are very much alike regarding sugar! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I know it can be hard to deal with sugar cravings. I wrote up my thoughts on my own sugar struggles – I’d love for you to take a read and let me know what you think:
http://harmoniousbelly.com/2011/05/sugar-struggles/
Good luck with everything!
I know this post is a year old, but I too am addicted to sugar. I HAVE to have something sweet after lunch and dinner. Twice a day? That is just not necessary. I’m trying to figure out the reason, because the science nerd in me thinks there must be a reason… perhaps not enough carbs? But my breakfasts usually revolve around carbs… Maybe just habit? Stress? Merh!
I personally think it has a lot to do with habit. The more sugar I eat, too, the more I crave it. We all know that breaking habits is tough. Wish I could be of more help – good luck.
I completely agree with you… I’m so addicted to sugar. Although I eat healthy foods, I always leave a nice cushion for sweets throughout the day… especially frozen yogurt trips, chocolate, or gingersnap cookies. More recently I’ve been worried that, although I’m not experiencing completely harmful effects to my health just yet… I will soon bear the brunt of this problem in upcoming years. Do you have any suggestions on what worked for you to help you overcome sugary, sweet, delicious treats?
Katie
Hi Katie. In the past 6 months or so, I’ve been able to calm my sweet tooth by reducing my gluten intake and doing my best to eat less-refined sugars. It’s still a work in progress; I hope to share my new low-gluten lifestyle in a post soon…