“Sweet Liberation: Overcoming Sugar Addiction for a Healthier You”

Research has shown that consuming sugar can activate the same reward centers in the brain as drugs like cocaine and heroin, which may contribute to the addictive nature of sugar. Over time, frequent sugar consumption can lead to a decrease in dopamine receptors, which can make it harder to experience pleasure and satisfaction from other activities. This can result in a cycle of craving and consuming more sugar, which can make it difficult to quit and can lead to social anxiety and troubles.

So, how much should we be consuming? The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the daily intake of added sugars should not exceed:

• 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for women
• 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men
• 3-6 teaspoons (12-24 grams) for children, depending on their age and caloric needs

Added sugars refer to sugars that are added to foods during processing, cooking or at the table. This includes sugar-sweetened beverages, baked goods, candy, and many other processed foods. It does not include naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. It’s important to note that these are maximum recommended limits, and consuming less added sugar is even better for overall health. 

Regardless of these recommendations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American adult consumes approximately 17 teaspoons (68 grams) of added sugar per day, which is more than double the recommended daily intake from the American Heart Association. This may seem surprising but sugar is added to a number of items that you may not suspect. Check out this list and tell me you aren’t blown away! I know I was. 

1. Salad dressings: Some salad dressings can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 5 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
2. Granola and energy bars: Many granola and energy bars are marketed as healthy snacks, but they can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 20 grams of sugar per bar.
3. Yogurt: Some types of yogurt, particularly flavored yogurts, can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 20 grams of sugar per serving.
4. Tomato sauce: Many brands of tomato sauce contain added sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, with some containing up to 12 grams of sugar per serving.
5. Canned fruit: Canned fruit is often packed in syrup, which can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 20 grams of sugar per serving.
6. Ketchup: Ketchup is a condiment that can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 4 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
7. Baked beans: Baked beans are often sweetened with molasses or brown sugar, with some containing up to 15 grams of sugar per half-cup serving.
8. Instant oatmeal: Some types of instant oatmeal can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 12 grams of sugar per serving.
9. Smoothies: Smoothies can be a healthy snack or meal, but some store-bought smoothies can be high in added sugar, with some containing up to 80 grams of sugar per serving. It’s important to read nutrition labels carefully and choose options with minimal added sugar whenever possible.

So, how can we tell if we are addicted to sugar or not? Here are a few signs that you may be addicted to sugar:

1. Cravings: If you find yourself constantly craving sugary foods and beverages, even when you’re not hungry, it could be a sign that you’re addicted to sugar.
2. Difficulty cutting back: If you’ve tried to cut back on sugar in the past but find it difficult to do so, or if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to reduce your sugar intake, it could be a sign of addiction.
3. Eating more than you intend to: If you find yourself eating larger portions of sugary foods than you intended, or if you have trouble stopping once you’ve started, it could be a sign of addiction.
4. Mood swings: If you experience mood swings or irritability when you haven’t had sugar in a while, it could be a sign of addiction.
5. Neglecting other activities: If you find yourself neglecting other activities or responsibilities in order to consume sugary foods or beverages, it could be a sign of addiction.
6. Consuming sugar despite negative consequences: If you continue to consume sugar despite negative consequences like weight gain, dental problems, or other health issues, it could be a sign of addiction.
7. Using sugar to cope with emotions: If you turn to sugary foods or beverages as a way to cope with negative emotions like stress, anxiety, or sadness, it could be a sign of addiction.
8. Feeling guilty or ashamed: If you feel guilty or ashamed after consuming sugary foods or beverages, it could be a sign that you’re aware of the negative impact that sugar is having on your health and wellbeing.
9. Obsessing over sugary foods: If you find yourself constantly thinking about sugary foods, planning your day around when you can consume them, or feeling preoccupied with them, it could be a sign of addiction.
10. Continuing to consume sugar even when you’re full: If you find yourself continuing to consume sugary foods or beverages even when you’re physically full, it could be a sign of addiction.
11. Increased tolerance: If you find that you need to consume more and more sugar in order to achieve the same level of pleasure or satisfaction, it could be a sign of addiction.
12. Social withdrawal: If you find yourself withdrawing from social activities or events because you’re worried about being around sugary foods or beverages, it could be a sign of addiction.

If you think you might be addicted to sugar after reading the above list then educate yourself on the effects and let’s set a plan in motion. Consuming too much sugar can have a number of negative effects on the body, including:

1. Weight gain: Consuming excess sugar can lead to weight gain, as sugar is high in calories and can contribute to an increase in body fat.
2. Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: Consuming excess sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Dental problems: Consuming excess sugar can lead to dental problems like cavities and tooth decay.
4. Increased risk of heart disease: Consuming excess sugar can lead to an increase in triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
5. Inflammation: Consuming excess sugar can lead to inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.
6. Increased risk of fatty liver disease: Consuming excess sugar can lead to an increase in fat accumulation in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease.
7. Increased risk of depression: Consuming excess sugar has been linked to an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems.

There are several holistic ways to combat sugar addiction, including:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce cravings for sugary beverages and snacks. Dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the likelihood of reaching for sugary foods.
2. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help regulate hormones that regulate appetite and cravings. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support your body in reducing cravings.
3. Experiment with natural sweeteners: If you find it difficult to give up sweetness altogether, consider experimenting with natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or honey. These sweeteners contain fewer calories than sugar and can help satisfy your sweet tooth without the negative health effects.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve mood, and regulate blood sugar levels, all of which can help reduce cravings for sugar. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
5. Keep healthy snacks on hand: Keeping healthy snacks on hand, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or vegetables with hummus, can help you resist the temptation to reach for sugary snacks when hunger strikes.
6. Seek support: It can be helpful to seek professional support if you’re struggling with sugar addiction. Support can help you stay accountable and motivated, and can provide a safe space to talk about your challenges and successes. So, often sugar addiction is an emotional issue that cannot simply be tackled through “will power” alone.