Trying to break my sugar addiction.

eyeamAnne

Here is what has been working for me:

I have started doing a 5k most days on the treadmill. I can't run it --- I'm not fit enough for that. So I spend over an hour on the treadmill. I've never done that before. It has completely killed my sugar cravings. I literally do not crave sugar. It's insane. My husband can bring home treats for the kids and I'm not tempted to eat them. I missed the treadmill for a few days recently and Sunday I had a few cookies my husband made. The temptation was back. So I made sure to hop on the treadmill Monday morning. I'm back in business.

In the past I dealt with sugar cravings by blending a frozen banana, a little bit of milk, and quite a bit of cocoa powder (a tablespoon or two). Bananas are more satisfying than other sweet things, and dark/bitter chocolate satisfies my cravings better than milk chocolate. It was a great way to get my chocolate fix and satisfy my snacky tummy.

NightShadeMary

Sarah Morgan, it's been a few days, and I hope you're feeling better now! I too have addiction/binge problems with sugar/fat/carbs, and transitioning out of them can be a rough time. It's not just you!! I find that cold turkey (or nearly cold turkey) is the best way for me, because it's too easy for me to binge if I keep anything in the house - chips, cookies, etc. The one thing I'm okay with is small pieces of dark chocolate - like Dove, Ghirardelli, etc. I find I can eat one or two of those and that satisfies the craving. My suggestion would be this: find something to substitute when your body says it wants sugar. And I don't mean just sugar-free candy, but maybe have a cup of hot tea, or strawberries. Something else you enjoy that is healthier for you. I tend to eat too much chocolate when I'm at work because I'm bored (totally an emotional eater), so I found some chocolate teas to try. So yes, my recommendation is a substitute - gum, tea, fruit, whatever works for you! So when your body says "I want THIS!" you can say "Nope! We're not having THIS, because we want to be healthy and strong. You can have THAT instead!"

jzynanja

I can't do moderation either so I just stay away from it. My go to is blackberries or some other type of berry. I just had to make myself stop, it takes some time, but now the thought of eating something sugary and sweet just doesn't "feel" that great - now I honestly enjoy those little berries you'll get hold of it, just hang in there and be kind to yourself.

angela_mangold

I also went cold turkey Monday. I found out that I am an impulse eater, as well as emotional. I work at a daycare and this week found myself starting to grab a handful of whatever snack the kids were having. The first day, I ate it without even realizing it, until afterwards. Tuesday, I started to eat some, but caught myself before I did. The rest of the week just got easier, as I was more aware.

lpina2mi

Another MFPer recommended this video. Although the focus is on carbs v fat, midway through there is a brain scan that is quite enlightening. https://proteinpower.com/drmike/2017/03/11/dr-david-ludwig-high-carb-vs-low-carb-vs-slow-carb-diets/

J72FIT

How do you determine it's the sugar in the candy bar and or other highly processed foods that you are addicted to? What about the fat? What about the salt? Unless you are eating straight table sugar because you need it so bad, I have a hard time understanding the addiction. It may not seem like it, but these are honest questions...

ninerbuff

It's not an addiction. It's a HABITUAL BEHAVIOR that people have a hard time changing. Sugar is highly palatable, so since it tastes good, it's an easy go to. And we've naturally known this even as babies. Let a baby taste a lollipop or a brussel sprout and let them choose and they'll choose the lollipop because of taste.
So how do you reduce it? Start by eating smaller portions and continue to eat a little less each week or so.
Honestly, I eat ice cream every night. But I only eat the half cup serving on the label each time.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition