Is sugar addiction real?
Replies
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Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things.
I do not "whine" about it--I just don't eat it--and haven't for a number of years now. Your attitude is unhelpful.0 -
After 24 hours, any leftover addiction is all in your head.0
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Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things.
I do not "whine" about it--I just don't eat it--and haven't for a number of years now. Your attitude is unhelpful.
I'm not concerned with what you think about my attitude. I am simply concerned with reality. There were a couple of very well thought out, albeit short, posts against the idea that sugar addiction is real and I quoted one of them. I also responded to the assertion that addiction = lack of self control, which is clearly not correct as it is not the entire story.
Oh, and having read a huge number of your posts, I will respectfully disagree with your assertion regarding whining.0 -
I dunno. Is bacon addiction real? because I really like bacon.0
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Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things
Try getting a humour! Your the one being serious!
Hum. I shall have to go search for "a humour." I wonder if they sell those on ebay . . .0 -
If you do not eat sugar what do you eat? Artifical sweeteners?
I tend not to eat artificial sweeteners for the same reason that recovering alcoholics often don't drink cola or ginger ale. Because they were accustomed to spiking it with some type of liquor. The sweet taste COULD make you crave the real thing (not saying it does for everyone, but for some people it does). I use a drop or two of liquid stevia occasionally in something like cole slaw--where the sweet/sour taste is indispensable. I use stevia-sweetened whey in smoothies but I dilute the sweet taste with avocado and unsweetened fruit.0 -
Sugar addiction is completely real and I understand completely where you are coming from. My best advice is start tracking how you feel the next couple of days after a sugar binge like that. I found myself to be more crabby and irritable, not to mention an increased NEED to have more. These things are what I use to remind myself to remember the word MODERATION very well when I am headed in that area. I was shocked the other day, woman's favorite aunt came to town for her week long visit and it is a given I will crave chocolate. I went in and got a .25 cent bite size candy and was solid and pleased. You will turn it down if you really want, just like you will allow yourself the guilty pleasure on occasion too. You have the fault of being human. Stop that
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I'll stay out of the debate and answer the "what to do about it" part of the question: just cut it out, temporarily at least. For a few weeks, do your absolute best to avoid foods with added sugars, and stick to lower-sugar fruits. Let your taste buds and hormones adjust. You can add cookie, cake, candy, whatever back in eventually, but form strong habits with non-triggering, nutrient-packed foods first, and when you begin to eat sugary food again, make it a treat. Also, make sure it's something you really, really WANT - it's easy to finish something because it's there even though you don't really like it or were satisfied with half a cookie instead of a whole one.0
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Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things.
I do not "whine" about it--I just don't eat it--and haven't for a number of years now. Your attitude is unhelpful.
I'm not concerned with what you think about my attitude. I am simply concerned with reality.
Oh, and having read a huge number of your posts, I will respectfully disagree with your assertion regarding whining.
Um--you want to explain that personal attack, sir? I am quite content with my situation and your hostility notwithstanding, find that there are many people in similar circumstances to where I was a few years ago and I am attempting to help them. It is apparent that you have nothing positive to contribute to the discussion.0 -
Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things.
I do not "whine" about it--I just don't eat it--and haven't for a number of years now. Your attitude is unhelpful.
I'm not concerned with what you think about my attitude. I am simply concerned with reality.
Oh, and having read a huge number of your posts, I will respectfully disagree with your assertion regarding whining.
Um--you want to explain that personal attack, sir? I am quite content with my situation and your hostility notwithstanding, find that there are many people in similar circumstances here who I am attempting to help.
I find that trying to have an intelligent conversation with someone who constantly pushes pseudoscience to be a most unproductive use of my time. Best of luck with your continuing struggles. :flowerforyou:0 -
no answer yet ... but I'm hopeful. bacon addiction: real?0
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Yes ! As bad an addiction as crack cocaine! Speaking from experience :sad:
Please tell me more about the last time your children went hungry because you spent all your money on cupcake frosting.
^ This. It's about time people stop using terms like "addicted" because they have self control issues.
Addiction is defined by the lack of self control. There is a range of difficulty in overcoming addiction, some find it more difficult than others. Ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking or caffeine.
A lack of self control is one aspect of it. I'm pretty familiar with real addictions, and while I understand that caffeine technically fits, I'd also find it amusing if someone was seriously trying to equate it with drug or alcohol addiction. Go ahead, make excuses, whine about how you can't. I've seen people overcome far more difficult things.
I do not "whine" about it--I just don't eat it--and haven't for a number of years now. Your attitude is unhelpful.
I'm not concerned with what you think about my attitude. I am simply concerned with reality.
Oh, and having read a huge number of your posts, I will respectfully disagree with your assertion regarding whining.
Um--you want to explain that personal attack, sir? I am quite content with my situation and your hostility notwithstanding, find that there are many people in similar circumstances here who I am attempting to help.
I find that trying to have an intelligent conversation with someone who constantly pushes pseudoscience to be a most unproductive use of my time. Best of luck with your continuing struggles. :flowerforyou:
It is NOT "pseudoscience"--it is the subject of real research by qualified medical researchers. If you have nothing intelligent to use in conversation, perhaps you should just not converse. I do not HAVE continuing struggles, thank you very much. Oh, and :flowerforyou: too!0 -
If you do not eat sugar what do you eat? Artifical sweeteners?
Hell no!
Eat fruits!0 -
no answer yet ... but I'm hopeful. bacon addiction: real?
Apply for a grant and study the hell out of this.0 -
If you do not eat sugar what do you eat? Artifical sweeteners?
Hell no!
Eat fruits!
unpossible. they have sugar.0 -
OP - since this thread is about you and your needs, my suggestion is to stay away from this subject and certain groups and members that are associated with it, and to focus instead on people who have been successful in transforming their lives. There is quite a bit of real support on here and a number of people who will push you to be your best. Learning to moderate your food intake is not always easy but it can be done. Eliminating sugar from your diet would eliminate fruit among other foods. This is one of many reasons I believe that equating sugar cravings with the likes of alcoholism and drug addiction is unfair, and that the solution that would naturally be proposed (the complete elimination of sugar from your diet), is not reasonable or sustainable.0
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no answer yet ... but I'm hopeful. bacon addiction: real?
Apply for a grant and study the hell out of this.
I'd like to volunteer for this study.0 -
In for answers on the diagnostic criteria for "sugar addiction" and proof that doesn't involve rats
I don't understand what this comment means?
It means someone likes to argue......and YES, sugar addiction is real.......says about 98% of humans, not rats......seems you are once again outnumbered :laugh: :laugh:0 -
Saw a episode on Dr. Oz...he said it is true. He said that everyone has different taste buds, and some of us react different to sugar and salt. They did a test on the show with 6 people in a 3 week course. Four out of 6 craved more sugar when given to them. The other two craved salt. I believe it is true!!!!!!!!!!!0
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To the OP may be it could be finding another way to deal with stress/anxiety.
A lot of things we turn to in life are habit or routine and we have to stay out of our comfort zones, especially if they involve foods or things that we know are going to undo any good work we have done.
Change the habit/routine when you feel the urge for a biscuit/sugar etc (this is an extreme example) do 5 jumping jacks ( you can replace this with something different)
It may sound silly but it is a simple case of breaking a habit/routine
What is interesting is that jumping up and down is EXACTLY what researchers from Japan have discovered as causing a reduction in the "hunger hormone" ghrelin. The article detailing their research was published in the 2013 issue of the scientific journal, "Appetite". And here is another article that speaks to the issue of vigorous exercise reducing response to food. The research was conducted at Brigham Young University. http://www.livescience.com/23138-morning-workout-may-curb-appetite.html
And here is yet another article that reports on research being done on ghrelin and its affects on weight gain/loss. http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/1401-weight-loss-surgery-hormones-dieting-obesity.html0 -
I conducted an experiment with my SIL who likes sweets. Not natural sweets like bananas and apples etc, but processed sweets like sugared cola and donuts and that type of stuff. She now believes if she stays off of it for a week or so, she no longer craves it.
I personally don't typically like sweets but even when I get a donut or something - it seems to drive a desire for more donuts. doesn't even have to be that same day.
I wish I could direct you to the site that talks about the 'triggers' food mfg's put in their foods to try the addiction route. I just read it within the last month or so. They did several newscasts about that subject. Bottom line - the sweet food mfg's KNOW what they're doing.
Artificial sweeteners are horrible! horrible for you! wreak havoc with your system.
If you're a tea drinker - try adding lemon or natural agave syrup if you must have it sweetened. Agave syrup is great on pancakes and waffles and won't spike your blood sugar like syrup or honey.
My other SIL likes stevia. I bought (and grew) a stevia plant last year just for her. I chewed one of the leaves? WOW - that would sweeten anything! It's a plant. grow one and put the leaves in your tea or coffee. there are probably lots of ways to use it. Other than it was easy to grown and very sweet, I don't know if there is a downside. I live in zone 5. Here is a link to the ASK site that talks about Stevia plants.
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Stevia?o=3986&qsrc=9990 -
I don't care if there is scientific evidence that it is an actual physical addiction or not.. it was real enough to me... though I wasn't a fan of pure cane sugar.. I liked my breads and starches.. but I think it's pretty much the same in the body... and it made me feel happy and peaceful.
Also.. if you get the holy trinity of sugar, fat, flour together.. FORGET IT.. any kind of pastry or cake would be my go to stress food... I just needed a little bit to take the edge off... sounds like an addiction to me.. if it's ruining your life and you can't seem to quit then it's an addiction...0 -
I do believe you should try your hardest to eat it in moderation. Maybe cut out sweets for 21 days. Just use fruit for your sugar...then slowly add 2 pieces of dark chocolate to your day for a week. Then once you can handle that lititle bit...then let yourself have a brownie one day on a cheat day. See if you crave it anymore. See if you can handle that one brownie. Just a idea to get you to gain will power.0
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ad·dic·tion
noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
I know many people that love sugar and don't like the thought of cutting down on it but I don't know anyone that suffers severe trauma when they don't get enough sweets. I think people confuse "I want" with "I need".
Addiction: "An addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response."0 -
Saw a episode on Dr. Oz...he said it is true.
well, there ya go. we now have rock solid proof it does not exist.0 -
Absolutely, YES!
After years of binging on sugar, and yo-yo dieting, I gave it up completely in 1979, before most of you were born!
I can still gain a little weight, but it is really controllable, especially with the help of MFP. So yes, it can be done. Now I look at a cake as if it were a bouquet of flowers...beautiful, but I wouldn't want to eat it!
In the beginning, I was a bit compulsive. I looked at every label, and if there was even a minute amount of dextrose, sucrose, fructose, etc., I wouldn't eat it. Now I can eat a little ketchup or something similar without worrying.
I try not to eat a lot of artificially sweetened foods (except for my daily Diet Coke) as they can still be full of fat. My husband has a sweet tooth, and it doesn't bother me that he has goodies in the house. He plays tennis three times a week, and stays slim, and if I could have "just one" like he does, I could eat them, too, but I don't kid myself.
So it can be done. I am 72 years young, healthy, happy, and at my goal weight...also a newlywed after 10 years as a widow.0 -
OP - since this thread is about you and your needs, my suggestion is to stay away from this subject and certain groups and members that are associated with it, and to focus instead on people who have been successful in transforming their lives. There is quite a bit of real support on here and a number of people who will push you to be your best. Learning to moderate your food intake is not always easy but it can be done. Eliminating sugar from your diet would eliminate fruit among other foods. This is one of many reasons I believe that equating sugar cravings with the likes of alcoholism and drug addiction is unfair, and that the solution that would naturally be proposed (the complete elimination of sugar from your diet), is not reasonable or sustainable.
Wrong on several points. I have been quite successful so far and continue to have success. I would stop short of saying that anything physical would ever "transform" my life, but I am enjoying better health than I have for a long time. What you define as "real support" is sarcastic and attempts to shame in some misguided notion of "pushing" someone to "be your best". I am VERY moderate in my food intake--if you would see my food diary (which is only available for viewing by MFP friends, you would see that. I am very specific to say that I have eliminated "sugary foods"--that is food with added sugar and fruit is part of MY daily diet---unlike another "sugar lover" here who will remain nameless. He published a list of foods that HE ate and even though Pop-Tarts and ice cream were there, there was NO fruit--and I pointed that out to him.
To the contrary, my diet is quite sustainable and I have proved it by staying on it for over three years while my weight has slowly crept downward. You really don't have a leg to stand on here.0 -
Absolutely, YES!
After years of binging on sugar, and yo-yo dieting, I gave it up completely in 1979, before most of you were born!
I can still gain a little weight, but it is really controllable, especially with the help of MFP. So yes, it can be done. Now I look at a cake as if it were a bouquet of flowers...beautiful, but I wouldn't want to eat it!
In the beginning, I was a bit compulsive. I looked at every label, and if there was even a minute amount of dextrose, sucrose, fructose, etc., I wouldn't eat it. Now I can eat a little ketchup or something similar without worrying.
I try not to eat a lot of artificially sweetened foods (except for my daily Diet Coke) as they can still be full of fat. My husband has a sweet tooth, and it doesn't bother me that he has goodies in the house. He plays tennis three times a week, and stays slim, and if I could have "just one" like he does, I could eat them, too, but I don't kid myself.
So it can be done. I am 72 years young, healthy, happy, and at my goal weight...also a newlywed after 10 years as a widow.
^^^THIS^^^ Thanks for your contribution and congratulations on your marriage! :flowerforyou:
QED ("Thus, it is proved.")0 -
OP - since this thread is about you and your needs, my suggestion is to stay away from this subject and certain groups and members that are associated with it, and to focus instead on people who have been successful in transforming their lives. There is quite a bit of real support on here and a number of people who will push you to be your best. Learning to moderate your food intake is not always easy but it can be done. Eliminating sugar from your diet would eliminate fruit among other foods. This is one of many reasons I believe that equating sugar cravings with the likes of alcoholism and drug addiction is unfair, and that the solution that would naturally be proposed (the complete elimination of sugar from your diet), is not reasonable or sustainable.
Wrong on several points. I have been quite successful so far and continue to have success. I would stop short of saying that anything physical would ever "transform" my life, but I am enjoying better health than I have for a long time. What you define as "real support" is sarcastic and attempts to shame in some misguided notion of "pushing" someone to "be your best". I am VERY moderate in my food intake--if you would see my food diary (which is only available for viewing by MFP friends, you would see that. I am very specific to say that I have eliminated "sugary foods"--that is food with added sugar and fruit is part of MY daily diet---unlike another "sugar lover" here who will remain nameless. He published a list of foods that HE ate and even though Pop-Tarts and ice cream were there, there was NO fruit--and I pointed that out to him.
To the contrary, my diet is quite sustainable and I have proved it by staying on it for over three years while my weight has slowly crept downward. You really don't have a leg to stand on here.
This thread is not about you. It is about the OP.0 -
IDK, but theres' definitely something to it. When I used to do a low carb diet that required quitting sugar completely it wasn't easy. Then once "clean" off the sugar, it was like if I had too much in the form of a simple sugar like cookie, cake, whatnot, it started me craving sugary foods and carbs in general. So to my mind, it's some kind of a trigger for wanting more of itself, so unsure what to call it but an addiction sounds close. Although I know addiction is the topic of the day, and so I hesitate to say it since I know some people are up in arms about the misuse of the word.
For sure though too much sugar makes you want more. That I know.0
This discussion has been closed.
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