Need to crack this sugar addiction.....if I could just do that I know I would succeed !
Replies
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I did forget to say that I WILL eat your birthday cake if it is actually your birthday, or anniversary or whatever. But that comes up VERY seldom.2
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Oh I so feel your pain. I think when you have a sugar addiction, weakness, extreme cravings etc. WHATEVER you want to call it....it is so hard to have just a few chocolate chips or s bite of a brownie or limit yourself to one "healthy granola bar" a day. It can consume you and the more you have the more you want. It is like a bottomless pit, never enough. I eat healthy I eat lots of vegetables healthy greens etc. and what has helped me the most is increasing my protein the more protein I have the less I crave sweets. I get a lot of Greek yogurt plain but with some Stevia a little bit of sugarfree powdered pudding and just a little bit of frozen dethawed friut. Cheese sticks. Peanut butter or even the PB2 is a great snack for me. One fig or an apple eaten with protein also has satisfied my craving.
Also coffee makes me want sweets so I have switched to hot green tea and that helped.
Best of luck to you in finding what helps on your journey!5 -
for those who say its a craving,do you crave fruits,diary,etc? because all those things have sugar in them. wouldnt those things make you crave more and more of those things because of sugar? and table sugar,HFCS and so on all come from natural sources(mostly veggies and some fruits).13
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I eat sugar from all sources: natural (fruits/veg), refined, and artificial, every single day, I don't discriminate. I wouldn't say I'm addicted or even have cravings. It might also be that I don't restrict (not even the dreaded "c" word - carbs) and my body have plenty of glycogen to run on and doesn't see the need for simple easy energy sources. Do I need the candy bar that my brain knows has simple refined sugar (energy) in it? Nope, plenty in the storage tanks and I can move on. Maybe the "addiction" is a self made spiral of restriction in the first place.8
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CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »for those who say its a craving,do you crave fruits,diary,etc? because all those things have sugar in them. wouldnt those things make you crave more and more of those things because of sugar? and table sugar,HFCS and so on all come from natural sources(mostly veggies and some fruits).
I crave cheese or fruits when I am hungry.. or when I am about to drink wine. Or when I am eating cheese or fruits I crave wine...5 -
Yes, you can have a sugar addiction, and if you cut out all sources of sugar and other refined carbs, you can go through physical withdrawal symptoms. Many people starting on a low-carb diet feel flu-like symptoms, but often this can be alleviated through proper hydration and adequate electrolytes (salt, magnesium, potassium). Dr. Westerman likened artificial sweeteners to methadone, which is a milder opioid typically used to step people down from a severe heroin addiction. They can help you initially to get away from sugar, but they are a crutch and will keep feeding your mental cravings. To break your psychological addiction and cravings, you need to give up artificial sweeteners as well, at least for a few weeks.
A lot of diet programs recommend from 2 weeks to a month of cutting out all refined carbohydrates, including sugars, grains, and starchy vegetables. Atkins = 2 weeks < 20g carb per day. South Beach = 2 weeks limited carbs coming only from fibrous vegetables and legumes. Whole30 Program = 30 days Do not consume added sugar, real or artificial also no grains, legumes or dairy. Most diets relax the strictness after that initial period, once you have busted the intense cravings.33 -
catherineg3 wrote: »Yes, you can have a sugar addiction, and if you cut out all sources of sugar and other refined carbs, you can go through physical withdrawal symptoms. Many people starting on a low-carb diet feel flu-like symptoms, but often this can be alleviated through proper hydration and adequate electrolytes (salt, magnesium, potassium). Dr. Westerman likened artificial sweeteners to methadone, which is a milder opioid typically used to step people down from a severe heroin addiction. They can help you initially to get away from sugar, but they are a crutch and will keep feeding your mental cravings. To break your psychological addiction and cravings, you need to give up artificial sweeteners as well, at least for a few weeks.
A lot of diet programs recommend from 2 weeks to a month of cutting out all refined carbohydrates, including sugars, grains, and starchy vegetables. Atkins = 2 weeks < 20g carb per day. South Beach = 2 weeks limited carbs coming only from fibrous vegetables and legumes. Whole30 Program = 30 days Do not consume added sugar, real or artificial also no grains, legumes or dairy. Most diets relax the strictness after that initial period, once you have busted the intense cravings.
South Beach doesn't restrict dairy in Phase 1 and legumes are included in it, Whole30 doesn't restrict all starchy vegetables (things like potatoes and spaghetti squash are included in the plan).
The bottom line: a lot of diet programs recommend a lot of things (some reasonable for some people, others less reasonable), but that doesn't make sugar addition real.
I have no idea who Dr. Westerman is, but if he thinks that artificial sweeteners are like methadone, I've got to question his expertise and credentials. I have artificial sweeteners sometimes and I have a beloved family member who is on methadone. To compare her situation and needs to someone who is putting a packet of Equal in their coffee is ridiculous.23 -
I understand. Who doesn't love something that tastes yummy! I hope you won't be too hard on yourself and be careful about vilifying any food.
IDK the general consensus on this kind of sweetener (it seems to affect me in a strange way), but have you tried something like this? They have some good recipes on their site. (this isn't a plug for their products).
https://store.trimhealthymama.com/product/gentle-sweet-xylitol-erythritol-stevia-ground-blend-16oz-bag/
HTH!2 -
catherineg3 wrote: »Yes, you can have a sugar addiction, and if you cut out all sources of sugar and other refined carbs, you can go through physical withdrawal symptoms. Many people starting on a low-carb diet feel flu-like symptoms, but often this can be alleviated through proper hydration and adequate electrolytes (salt, magnesium, potassium). Dr. Westerman likened artificial sweeteners to methadone, which is a milder opioid typically used to step people down from a severe heroin addiction. They can help you initially to get away from sugar, but they are a crutch and will keep feeding your mental cravings. To break your psychological addiction and cravings, you need to give up artificial sweeteners as well, at least for a few weeks.
A lot of diet programs recommend from 2 weeks to a month of cutting out all refined carbohydrates, including sugars, grains, and starchy vegetables. Atkins = 2 weeks < 20g carb per day. South Beach = 2 weeks limited carbs coming only from fibrous vegetables and legumes. Whole30 Program = 30 days Do not consume added sugar, real or artificial also no grains, legumes or dairy. Most diets relax the strictness after that initial period, once you have busted the intense cravings.
keto flu is due to the depletion of glycogen and water which includes sodium and could lower electrolytes. it not a withdrawal symptom,its your body slowly transforming from using glucose and energy to making ketones for energy. and artificial sweeteners are not a crutch I can take them or leave them. I can stop cold turkey and not have an issue. The whole 30 was made to find food allergies or intolerances,not to lose weight. and legumes are low in sugar. artificial sweeteners dont make me crave sugar or anything else. if you cut out ALL sugars which include fruits,veggies and dairy you will probably end up with a vitamin deficiency which may seem like a withdrawal symptom.
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catherineg3 wrote: »if you cut out all sources of sugar and other refined carbs, you can go through physical withdrawal symptoms. Many people starting on a low-carb diet feel flu-like symptoms, but often this can be alleviated through proper hydration and adequate electrolytes (salt, magnesium, potassium).
Keto flu is not withdrawal.
Also, OP is talking only about added sugar, not carbs in general. I've cut out added sugar, you don't get physical symptoms, you are eating plenty of other sugar.
Might it be mentally difficult? Sure.
OP has said nothing to suggest she needs to low carb.9 -
Sugar IS addictive and an addiction. Cocaine is a harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Sugar? A harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Just because you don't act high or do goofy things, does not mean you don't have an addiction...
The first time I see somebody on their knees in a dark alley for a sugar hit, maybe I'll believe in "sugar addiction".25 -
Sugar IS addictive and an addiction. Cocaine is a harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Sugar? A harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Just because you don't act high or do goofy things, does not mean you don't have an addiction...
The first time I see somebody on their knees in a dark alley for a sugar hit, maybe I'll believe in "sugar addiction".
or some disheveled man creeping up to me asking me "hey you got a ho ho on ya"10 -
WinoGelato wrote: »OP as a couple of others have said - sugar isn’t physically addictive, and biochemically the refined sugar in your cereal bars or donuts is handled by your body the same as the sugar in foods like honey, agave, and even fruits and vegetables. For many people, understanding that it isn’t an addiction, that the substance doesn’t hold power over them the way that truly addictive substances do, is empowering.
Once you accept that, then you can move on to the “why” you tend to overeat certain foods and work to address those habits to achieve your long term goals. Some people find that they eat those foods when they are in certain emotional states - boredom, stress, sadness, anxiety, etc. they then work to find alternatives to cope with those emotions. Other people find that it’s truly just a habit, no specific triggers, and starting to build different habits - like logging accurately to know how the food impacts your total day, or going for a walk when a craving strikes - help them build overall strategies around how to deal with the foods they struggle with. Some people find that they need to stay away from their trigger foods completely, some find that they just need to remove them from home but can indulge in them in other situations, some buy only single servings of the foods - it’s not a one size fits all and you can try different strategies to see what works for you.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about health, nutrition and weight loss - you tube and blogs are not good sources of information. People who want to sell you something often try to convince others that certain foods are inherently bad and that they must be cut out in order to be successful. In actuality, if weight loss is your goal - that comes down to a calorie deficit and you can achieve that eating a lot of different foods. What I found is that if I build a generally healthy diet around lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats - and log everything accurately - I know exactly how much wiggle room I have for things like a couple of Girl Scout cookies after dinner, or pizza on the weekends with my family.
Good luck.
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Depriving yourself of things you like is the main reason why people can't stick to losing weight - the fastest way to crash and burn.
You want to eat things you like within your calorie limit for life. The sooner you do that, the better.7 -
White sugar is destilled from plants. So the sugar is the same. But so called junk food is very easy to eat (practically predigested, simple, strong flavors, it offers no resistance) and has little nutritional value besides the sugar/fat. So there is no "stop" to junk food. Fruit has flavors you have to learn to like, it isn't that intensely sweet, and you get enough. Fruit isn't vilified AND heavily marketed, either.CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »for those who say its a craving,do you crave fruits,diary,etc? because all those things have sugar in them. wouldnt those things make you crave more and more of those things because of sugar? and table sugar,HFCS and so on all come from natural sources(mostly veggies and some fruits).7 -
This such a a funny comparison because sugar is practically free, legal for everybody to buy and use without a licence, and available everywhere.CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Sugar IS addictive and an addiction. Cocaine is a harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Sugar? A harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Just because you don't act high or do goofy things, does not mean you don't have an addiction...
The first time I see somebody on their knees in a dark alley for a sugar hit, maybe I'll believe in "sugar addiction".
or some disheveled man creeping up to me asking me "hey you got a ho ho on ya"3 -
kommodevaran wrote: »
White sugar is destilled from plants. So the sugar is the same. But so called junk food is very easy to eat (practically predigested, simple, strong flavors, it offers no resistance) and has little nutritional value besides the sugar/fat. So there is no "stop" to junk food. Fruit has flavors you have to learn to like, it isn't that intensely sweet, and you get enough. Fruit isn't vilified AND heavily marketed, either.CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »for those who say its a craving,do you crave fruits,diary,etc? because all those things have sugar in them. wouldnt those things make you crave more and more of those things because of sugar? and table sugar,HFCS and so on all come from natural sources(mostly veggies and some fruits).
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GrammiJano wrote: »So I need to crack my sugar addiction. I just end up craving it on a night. I kid myself I buy "Healthy" cereal bars.,but I eat one and the taste of sugar just spiralls me into eating more sugary stuff. I chucked my whole cereal bar stash in the bin today. They liken sugar addiction to stopping smoking and I have seen how hard that can be for ppl. I am gonna try and go cold turkey with it and drink more water. I know if I can break my sugar addiction I will succeed in my weight loss journey.
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I would like to thank each and every one of you who spent the time in replying to my status, I am hoping this is reaching you all as I am not sure how this part of MFP works. I have noticed there are alot of educated and informative ppl on MFP and I thank you all your advice. 11
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kommodevaran wrote: »
This such a a funny comparison because sugar is practically free, legal for everybody to buy and use without a licence, and available everywhere.CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Sugar IS addictive and an addiction. Cocaine is a harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Sugar? A harmless plant processed into a white addictive powder. Just because you don't act high or do goofy things, does not mean you don't have an addiction...
The first time I see somebody on their knees in a dark alley for a sugar hit, maybe I'll believe in "sugar addiction".
or some disheveled man creeping up to me asking me "hey you got a ho ho on ya"
Except people don't shovel pure sugar into their mouths, they buy sweets which aren't practically free by a long shot.
Speaking of which, how many people DO shovel pure sugar into their mouths to "get a fix" when they can't get the sweets they would want? Cause that's a thing that happen with strong addictions, people will even go as far as take stuff that they know is acutely dangerous to their health just to scratch that itch.8
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