Crushing Sugar Addiction

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Dette1
Dette1 Posts: 23 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Does anyone else out there want to destroy their addiction to sugar? I have started my journey and I am looking for tips and connections from those who have succeeded in ending their addiction and those who are working through it like myself. I find there is an emotional, psychological, physical need to have sugar and my path to end it has been rough though I am only into it a few days. I would like to say I am in this for weight loss but really it is all I can do to go day to day and eliminate sugar meal by meal.
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Replies

  • ultrahoon
    ultrahoon Posts: 467 Member
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    If you truly believe this is an addiction and not a poorly handled craving, then you need to speak with a professional and not the internet.
  • Dette1
    Dette1 Posts: 23 Member
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    To clarify for those who don't struggle with this, sugar like any food can be addicting. It is more difficult from some than others. For those like myself with a metabolic issue, sugar in any processed form is detrimental. I work with specialists who are medically supportive but I was hoping to find others who struggle and have gone before me for community. There are diabetic groups which is likely the closest I will get. Thanks anyway for the responses.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
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    Dette1 wrote: »
    To clarify for those who don't struggle with this, sugar like any food can be addicting. It is more difficult from some than others. For those like myself with a metabolic issue, sugar in any processed form is detrimental. I work with specialists who are medically supportive but I was hoping to find others who struggle and have gone before me for community. There are diabetic groups which is likely the closest I will get. Thanks anyway for the responses.

    If you have medical reasons to restrict sugars, that is different than labeling sugar as "addicting". Sugar is not addictive, just like no type of food is addictive. What many people find is that they have difficulty moderating their intake of certain foods, but when probing deeper, it turns out that it isn't the chemical substances of sugar that are the problem, it is highly palatable foods like baked goods or ice cream that people have difficulty controlling their intake around.

    There are certainly many people who find it necessary to restrict their sugar intake for medical reasons or because it is a way to help cut down on calorie dense foods and achieve weight loss goals. You'll find plenty of both types of people here in the community. However, there are also many who have found that by moderating their intake of added sugar foods, they are still able to enjoy them with no detriment to their health. That includes others with metabolic disorders and/or diabetes as well.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,298 Member
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    Some people who have yeast overgrowth have the "need" "drive" to eat foods which are high in sugar and or yeasts, simply in order to feed the yeasts. It can feel like an addiction. Some consider this condition can push people to over indulge in alcohol and foods to feed the yeasts. It is also considered to contribute to IBS, fibro, CF and the like, which, oh golly gosh, have similar, related symptoms to those mentioned above. Our bodies are very, very complicated things. Simply because "this" fortunately has not been your experience so far please don't knock it. Oh yes! I've seen someone struggle with opiate addiction, when the asthma medication it was a contributory part of was banned some 30 years ago.
  • Dette1
    Dette1 Posts: 23 Member
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    You should check out the research on sugar and food addictions, since 2012 it has been a topic of study and the studies are fascinating. I did my thesis on the topic, granted to no study had an answer but the science is quite interesting. I've been a member on this site for many years and I expect this is why I steered clear of the "community" postings. Not a whole lot of positive support out there is there?
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    edited December 2015
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    People will object to the use of the word addiction when associated with sugar because the medical community does not (currently) consider sugar as addictive. I think many who have had issues with sugar know what you mean when referring to a sugar addiction though.

    I had addiction like responses to sugars and carbs. Eating a bit led to eating more, and I failed at moderating my sugar intake for years and years.

    I discovered I was prediabetic, and had some other autoimmune issues so I decided to cut sugar from my life as much as possible. I had addiction like issues with sugar soi treated it like an addiction an stopped eating it. No more candy or pop. No foods with added sugars. No grains or baked goods. And very limited starchy root vegetables or fruit.

    It worked. My sugar cravings disappeared within days and my appetite was greatly reduced. I felt better, had more energy, looked better, lost weight (fewer calories), and my health improved along with lower blood glucose levels.

    Try the Low Carber Daily group for support. Most of us there live a largely sugar free life and feel better for it.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,981 Member
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    When I do the following, I don't have cravings:

    1. Get sufficient sleep
    2. Exercise regularly - when I get the happy hormones from exercise, I'm not prone to seeking them from food.
    3. Get sufficient protein in relationship to carbs. I'm not low carb, but reducing carbs and upping protein worked for cravings for me.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
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    Dette1 wrote: »
    You should check out the research on sugar and food addictions, since 2012 it has been a topic of study and the studies are fascinating. I did my thesis on the topic, granted to no study had an answer but the science is quite interesting. I've been a member on this site for many years and I expect this is why I steered clear of the "community" postings. Not a whole lot of positive support out there is there?

    It seems that you are looking for enabling, not positive support. Your view of sugar as addicting after claiming to have done a thesis on the topic which, if properly researched, would reveal that the substance is not in fact addicting really makes me question what type of "support" you are looking for.
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
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    Dette1 wrote: »
    You should check out the research on sugar and food addictions, since 2012 it has been a topic of study and the studies are fascinating. I did my thesis on the topic, granted to no study had an answer but the science is quite interesting. I've been a member on this site for many years and I expect this is why I steered clear of the "community" postings. Not a whole lot of positive support out there is there?

    No...not for things that are unproven by sciences there is not.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,981 Member
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    Dette1 wrote: »
    You should check out the research on sugar and food addictions, since 2012 it has been a topic of study and the studies are fascinating. I did my thesis on the topic, granted to no study had an answer but the science is quite interesting. I've been a member on this site for many years and I expect this is why I steered clear of the "community" postings. Not a whole lot of positive support out there is there?

    Try the low carb group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group :)
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
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    Dette1 wrote: »
    To clarify for those who don't struggle with this, sugar like any food can be addicting. It is more difficult from some than others. For those like myself with a metabolic issue, sugar in any processed form is detrimental. I work with specialists who are medically supportive but I was hoping to find others who struggle and have gone before me for community. There are diabetic groups which is likely the closest I will get. Thanks anyway for the responses.

    just because one has a medical condition does not mean that a food is addictive.

    If you have a medical reason to avoid sugar then you should; however, for the rest of us, there is no need to avoid it.
  • Dette1
    Dette1 Posts: 23 Member
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    kshama2001 wrote: »
    When I do the following, I don't have cravings:

    1. Get sufficient sleep
    2. Exercise regularly - when I get the happy hormones from exercise, I'm not prone to seeking them from food.
    3. Get sufficient protein in relationship to carbs. I'm not low carb, but reducing carbs and upping protein worked for cravings for me.

    Many thanks, I have been reading about the sleep factor and I am working on that as well as the exercising which was not my strong suit. Low glycemic fruit and protein seem to help the most and planning for the meltdown by having that on hand.
  • kmitchall
    kmitchall Posts: 77 Member
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    I too am working through overcoming sugar addiction. Like SERIOUS Sugar addiction plus im type 1 diabetic. Don't listen to the naysayers. I am proof that it can done. Yes there is withdrawls and whatnots and yes there are gonna be times when you fall off the wagon and have to get backup but it can be done and im doing it right there with ya!! My advice: don't try cold turkey. Instead, choose 1 thing per week to eliminate. For it was cereal. Every night before bed I would have a HUGE bowl of cereal with milk. I craved it. I cut it out. Then I went from sweet tea to unsweet the next week. baby steps. little hinges swing big door!add me
  • audreycrumb
    audreycrumb Posts: 1 Member
    edited December 2015
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    Hi! I'm sorry for what you are going through, but incredibly proud of you for taking this step in the right direction. I have dealt with sugar addiction myself and know how hard it can be to deal with the chemical changes happening within your system, and the behavioral responses. I went through years of binging and struggling, unable to eat sugar in moderation. I highly recommend looking into the keto/high fat low carb lifestyle. I've learned that the only way to control my sugar cravings were to stop them entirely. Once you focus on the things you CAN have, and how much better you feel - the progress is motivating. Sugar is a hell of a drug!
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
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    audreycrumb wrote: »
    Hi! I'm sorry for what you are going through, but incredibly proud of you for taking this step in the right direction. I have dealt with sugar addiction myself and know how the chemical changes happening within your system that trigger behavioral responses. I went through years of binging and struggling, unable to eat sugar in moderation. I highly recommend looking into the keto/high fat low carb lifestyle. I've learned that the only way to control my sugar cravings were to stop them entirely. Once you focus on the things you CAN have, and how much better you feel - the progress is motivating. Sugar is a hell of a drug!

    please explain the chemical changes that sugar triggers in your body that makes it an addictive substance...

    Sugar is not a drug.
  • avicroy
    avicroy Posts: 1 Member
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    Take a look at the documentaries Fed Up and Hungry for Change on Netflix. They're very eye opening. There's also the Fed Up challenge which is only for 10 days but it gives you tips and stuff. Mostly you have to cut out processed sugars and since there are over 52 names for sugar in processed foods its difficult to do. Natural sugars in fruit and stuff is alright. Just keep an eye out on the labels of foods you buy. Good luck!
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    edited December 2015
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    avicroy wrote: »
    Take a look at the documentaries Fed Up and Hungry for Change on Netflix. They're very eye opening. There's also the Fed Up challenge which is only for 10 days but it gives you tips and stuff. Mostly you have to cut out processed sugars and since there are over 52 names for sugar in processed foods its difficult to do. Natural sugars in fruit and stuff is alright. Just keep an eye out on the labels of foods you buy. Good luck!

    No...

    Looking to documentaries as any sort of reliable 'fact' source is not recommended.

    Read the actual science behind the documentaries instead would be my suggestion. You'll find the claims are often twisted, exaggerated or outright fabricated.
  • Dette1
    Dette1 Posts: 23 Member
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    audreycrumb wrote: »
    Hi! I'm sorry for what you are going through, but incredibly proud of you for taking this step in the right direction. I have dealt with sugar addiction myself and know how hard it can be to deal with the chemical changes happening within your system, and the behavioral responses. I went through years of binging and struggling, unable to eat sugar in moderation. I highly recommend looking into the keto/high fat low carb lifestyle. I've learned that the only way to control my sugar cravings were to stop them entirely. Once you focus on the things you CAN have, and how much better you feel - the progress is motivating. Sugar is a hell of a drug!

    Thanks! I have a friend who told me to read up on Ketos. I admit I don't know much about that. I have adopted the low glycemic choices for my first steps, it seemed like the easier transition. And clean eating essentially, everything that is real food and not created or manipulated. I will read up on ketos, I am very curious about that.
  • 3bambi3
    3bambi3 Posts: 1,650 Member
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    avicroy wrote: »
    Take a look at the documentaries Fed Up and Hungry for Change on Netflix. They're very eye opening. There's also the Fed Up challenge which is only for 10 days but it gives you tips and stuff. Mostly you have to cut out processed sugars and since there are over 52 names for sugar in processed foods its difficult to do. Natural sugars in fruit and stuff is alright. Just keep an eye out on the labels of foods you buy. Good luck!

    https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/does-the-movie-fed-up-make-sense/
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
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    3bambi3 wrote: »
    avicroy wrote: »
    Take a look at the documentaries Fed Up and Hungry for Change on Netflix. They're very eye opening. There's also the Fed Up challenge which is only for 10 days but it gives you tips and stuff. Mostly you have to cut out processed sugars and since there are over 52 names for sugar in processed foods its difficult to do. Natural sugars in fruit and stuff is alright. Just keep an eye out on the labels of foods you buy. Good luck!

    https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/does-the-movie-fed-up-make-sense/

    I've yet to find a person that lets facts interfere with their belief in those pseudo-documentaries.

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