Hi. My name is Cortney and I am a sugar addict. It’s 3PM and I can feel the urge for a sugar fix and the rush of energy and endorphins it will bring. Of course I know it’s temporary and that I should stay away but I can’t help but imagine how delicious a sweet little treat would be. Even just one tiny bite….
Anyone else ever felt this way? I know you have because according the USDA the average American consumes about 156 pounds of sugar per year. That’s more than 30 teaspoons every day for every person in America! Therein lies the fundamental problem with sugar. It’s everywhere and in so many different forms: raw cane sugar, table sugar, honey, fructose, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, the list goes on and on.
Sugar Addict? Yes, it’s a real thing!
Before we get into the solution it’s important to understand a few facts about sugar addiction. First, did
you know that Sugar is 8x more addictive than cocaine?! 8 times! How can you not be a sugar addict!Sugar addiction is not an emotional eating disorder. It’s a biological disorder, driven by hormones and neurotransmitters that fuel sugar and carb cravings — leading to uncontrolled overeating. Which is why 70% of Americans and 40% of kids are overweight.
Natural Sugar is still Sugar.
Second fact. Sugar in all its forms (yes including natural sweeteners like honey and excessive fruit consumption) are the root cause of the obesity epidemic and most chronic diseases – heart disease, cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes, depression, acne, infertility and impotence to name a few. We are literally eating our way to preventable diseases.
French Fries = Sugar
Third fact. Even if you don’t have a “sweet tooth” and crave savory treats like bagels, chips, or french fries – you’re not exempt. These starchy foods are still carbs that the body breaks down into simple sugars. Eaten alone these starches can make blood sugar levels surge and crash exactly like a sugary dessert. Anything made with white rice, white flour or potatoes can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels and highly refined starches like white bread, pretzels, crackers, and pasta are even worse.
According to the USDA, Americans consume about 146 pounds of flour a year. That’s about one pound of sugar and flour combined every day for every man, woman and child in America. And we wonder why we’re in the middle of an obesity epidemic!
12 Step Guide to Sugar Rehab!
While it’s impossible to avoid sugar altogether we must become mindful of our sugar consumption and live within moderation.
Eat Clean – Train Dirty,
Cortney
