Confessions of a Sugar Addict

Iwishyouwell

If you can lose weight, feel healthy, amazing, and awesome consuming sugar and high-glycemic carbohydrates, all in moderation, my hat is off to you. Congratulations on finding what works for you.

But there are many of us who have to restrict, or downright eliminate, such foods in order to give us enough control to reach and maintain our goals health, weight, and fitness goals. In the case of the incredibly high amount of people now dealing with insulin resistance and blood sugar issues, this is literally life or death.

I'll use myself as an example here:

I have no issues with portion control.
I learned the definition of "true hunger" ages ago. I eat, and don't eat, pretty intuitively.
I am not a snacker.
Nothing inside of me has a drive to consume food all day.
I naturally gravitate toward a diet that's high in protein, fat, fruit, and lots of vegetables and fruit.
I am not an emotional eater.
95% of what I drink is water.
I eat very little processed food and "white" foods. This isn't a struggle, I simply don't crave them often anymore.

Eating this way allows me to lose, and maintain, weight without counting calories or weighing food. I feel amazing eating this way and it's not a struggle at all. My health is excellent and I haven't had so much as a cold in 10 years.This feels completely natural and right for me.

But I have a problem with sugar. My mother, a T2 diabetic whose health deteriorated for years due to her issues with the same struggle, before finally dying too young, had the same problem. As did my grandfather. I have a paternal aunt, a sugar addict, who was morbidly obese and dropped dead in the hospital emergency room from complications with blood sugar and obesity. I have to be very mindful of avoiding a similar fate.

My fatness started very early in childhood and was marked by a diet full of sugar, hi-GI carbohydrates, processed food, and a lack of adequate exercise. These issues I found a way to correct in my adult life and I maintained my weight for years eating this way.

But yet sugar, for me, is a problem. I have never been able to eat sugar in moderation. I eventually regained the weight I lost in my late teens by deciding to incorporate sugar back into my diet, you know, "in moderation" (though there were other issues as well).

It proved to be a disaster that led me right back to obesity for many years, as I spiraled out of control.

I can eat anything in moderation; give me a great pizza and I can go months or years without craving another slice. I am an amateur chef who can make some pretty killer pasta dishes, and yet be perfectly satisfied laying that down if I need to. Others have issues with these kinds of foods triggering them off, I personally do not. I have no desire to incorporate them in my everyday life, but I absolutely do not shun them if a craving comes knocking.

Sugar is my singular trigger. And it's bad. I almost always consume it in excess. There is no such thing as "two or three cookies" for me; ice cream is literally my favorite food in the world, and having just a half a cup of that isn't happening. I freaking love cake. Worse still, when I try and incorporate sugar into my diet, it kicks off cravings for other foods. So to make matters worse I'm not only spiraling out of control with the sugar, I'm now craving carb heavy stuff overall. Suddenly my "true hunger" is replaced by constant cravings, cravings that make moderation and all my strong will power almost moot.

I don't eliminate sugar from my diet anymore. I have no desire to do that at all. I am the strongest now I've ever been when it comes to food control. But even now "moderation" for me means allowing myself sugar and sweets just on occasion, and just eating as much as I want to when I do. So instead of trying to find a way to incorporate it daily, in moderation, I have to limit it to a few times a month and abstain the remainder of the time. That's what's worked for me and finally allowed me the freedom to eat in a manner that is highly effective for my goals and health, but also have no completely off limits foods.

I now love the way I eat and am grateful to have found a way that works so well for me. It took many years of trial and error to get to this point.

It's easy to stand back and laugh at, or judge, those of us with real, unfortunate control issues when it comes to sugar (or high carbohydrate foods). Just do it in "moderation" you say and everything will be OK.

It's not that simple for all of us. Trust me, I so wish it were.

Cranquistador

It really is simple.

whierd

Thank you for posting this. Usually the argument comes when other posters start talking about the "dangers" of sugar.

Iwishyouwell

It really is simple.

Yes, I have found a simple, right way for me. Thank God. I hope others with similar issues find what works for them.

Thank you for posting this. Usually the argument comes when other posters start talking about the "dangers" of sugar.

I appreciate that!

stealthq

Not to put too fine a point on it, but you ARE eating sugar in moderation. Your moderation has you eating sugar less frequently than mine. So what? Is someone really telling you that you have to eat it every day or it doesn't count?

I only have a problem with the 'OMG, sugar is evil, I can never eat it ever, ever again. Now give me a piece of fruit' crowd. I suspect I'm not alone in this.

EvgeniZyntx

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

Lupercalia

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

I'm curious about that as well.

In terms of my own experience, I have to watch sugars/carbs for medical reasons, and I find that certain types of foods really set me off and others not so much. For example, starchy veggies are ok with me, and so are most fruits. I can eat a small portion and have no problems later on in terms of carb/sugar cravings. Same with very dark (85% cocoa or more) chocolate. I can eat a square or two and be satisfied and done with it. But a spoonful of nutella, for instance, will make my life very difficult in terms of trying to maintain portion control and not go off the deep end and have ALL the sugary stuff.

lauren3101

I too, suffer the same problem. I sold my TV for a sugar cube once, at my lowest point resorted to prostitution for a malteaser and eventually lost my home. I sought help and now I am in a much better place.

katieme

Reading this has really helped me, I have been moderating my sugar intake succesfully for 3 months untill last month after a slice of birthday cake I've gradually fallen off the waggon and have been a sugar monster eating bags of sweets for no reason and obsessing about my next fix!

Today I'm going to stay on track!

SkimFlatWhite68

Thanks OP, I totally understand where you are coming from.

I eat in a similar fashion to the way that you described. But when I stray from that path - there is no moderation for me either. It's either not at all or a packet of chocolate biscuits/until there is no more in the house...

Well done on your weight loss, I wish you well.

fShaw86

I motivate myself to work out by promising myself a bag of sour belts. And my post and pre workout snacks are gummy bears.

:huh:

taunto

OP: I have a strong sweet addiction myself. I know it gets tiring hearing about "just do it in moderation. Simple!" and I agree, for some it isn't so simple, specially with trigger foods. But after some hard work and patience, it WILL be this easy.

about 1.5 years ago, I could eat 2 pints of ice cream in one sitting and not think twice about it. Actually, I can (and sometimes, do) still do it but I have much better self-control. This came with time. I started by going simple. I forced myself to just keep myself under the calories set by MFP. I failed, shrugged, tried again. Failed, shrugged, tried again. Did this over and over till I got the hang of it. I still lose control but not nearly as much as before.

Now, I eat about 200 calories worth of junk food daily and typically without much issues. Overtime, I know, you will be the same.

PS. I have learned that high intensity workouts usually take the sweet cravings from me. Somebody explained to me about chemicals being released from workouts that're similar to those that causes cravings or something and hence suppresses it (don't ask me for detail, I can't explain it properly).

Good luck.

wild_wild_life

Good post. You explained it very well. I agree with the person above who says you are eating it in moderation -- I'm not sure there's a consensus on what "moderation" means in terms of frequency and amount. I'm very glad you found what works for you!

RaineyLaney

Reading this has really helped me, I have been moderating my sugar intake succesfully for 3 months untill last month after a slice of birthday cake I've gradually fallen off the waggon and have been a sugar monster eating bags of sweets for no reason and obsessing about my next fix!

Today I'm going to stay on track!

I look at this as an addictive behavior (cravings for sweets/carbs etc). Just like an alcoholic that has gotten their act together. They say it only takes that one glass or sip to spiral an alcoholic back off the wagon. It is the same with a food addict (yes I feel this is me too). It will only take that one sweet/slice of cake etc and off the wagon you go and it is so hard to find your way back on track. for me, I eat what I know won't trigger me to fall off the wagon. As much as I want that goodie, I stay away from it, for I know now, what it will do to me.

Yes I have a sweet every so often, but I make sure it is a sweet, I can handle and not fall off the wagon so to speak. My down falls are coffee cakes (or cake) and chips. I love chips and if I have one chip, I eat the whole bag and off the wagon I go. So I don't touch these items at all. "zero" now adays.

ndj1979

Curious, how is it that you eat carbs (sugar) but the 'addiction' does not kick in ....?

ndj1979

i am just going to through this out there....once an alcoholic is an alcoholic they are one for life, meaning that if they have one drink they immediately go back to having 20 drinks...


My thought would be if one is truly addicted to sugar how could one ever eat it again with not immediately binging on it?

Topsking2010

Nice post

castadiva

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

Oh, for heavens' sake! It's quite clear from the OP's post that the issue they have is with refined sugars and foods made/enhanced with them, not the naturally-occurring sugars in various foods. The level of 'carb-sugar-smug' already in this thread is enough to make me see red.

jayrudq

i am just going to through this out there....once an alcoholic is an alcoholic they are one for life, meaning that if they have one drink they immediately go back to having 20 drinks...

My thought would be if one is truly addicted to sugar how could one ever eat it again with not immediately binging on it?

Actually, not so. That is a very American and 12 step view of alcoholism. It is treated as a dietary (gasp) issue in many other countries and there are moderation programs also. There are many people who also go on to be able to use alcohol reasonably after a period abstinence. Not so black and white.

So what that they choose to severely restrict sugar? What do ya all work for the sugar industry of something? If it makes life easier and "calories in" more manageable than why quibble? And they can eat pasta - bravo! Lucky you. I say congrats for finding what works for you. Good luck and keep up the good work - it is no small feat to lose 100 pounds.

nomeejerome

i am just going to through this out there....once an alcoholic is an alcoholic they are one for life, meaning that if they have one drink they immediately go back to having 20 drinks...


My thought would be if one is truly addicted to sugar how could one ever eat it again with not immediately binging on it?

Nope. Abstinence is one approach to treatment and another is harm reduction. Considering the intricate details of addiction (speaking in terms of alcohol and other drugs) that blanket statement is not applicable to all individuals.

Acg67

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

Oh, for heavens' sake! It's quite clear from the OP's post that the issue they have is with refined sugars and foods made/enhanced with them, not the naturally-occurring sugars in various foods. The level of 'carb-sugar-smug' already in this thread is enough to make me see red.

Many pizza/pasta sauces contain added sucrose. And where else do we see people "addicted" to something very specific, like alcoholics who only binge drink one variety of alcohol but can drink any other in moderation?

hookilau

As a T2D, I abstain completely. No sugar. No starch.
Was I addicted? Who cares?
Can't we just be happy for those that have found something that works for them?
Sheesh.

edited for typo

ndj1979

i am just going to through this out there....once an alcoholic is an alcoholic they are one for life, meaning that if they have one drink they immediately go back to having 20 drinks...


My thought would be if one is truly addicted to sugar how could one ever eat it again with not immediately binging on it?

Nope. Abstinence is one approach to treatment and another is harm reduction. Considering the intricate details of addiction (speaking in terms of alcohol and other drugs) that blanket statement is not applicable to all individuals.

well, as someone who has actually been to AA and NA meetings - evidence of a misspent youth lol - I can tell you that the prevailing sentiment in those meetings is that you can never touch the stuff again, and the ones that do are the ones that have severe relapses ....

ndj1979

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

Oh, for heavens' sake! It's quite clear from the OP's post that the issue they have is with refined sugars and foods made/enhanced with them, not the naturally-occurring sugars in various foods. The level of 'carb-sugar-smug' already in this thread is enough to make me see red.

I think people are challenging why certain sugars are "bad" and others are "good"....sugar is sugar...doesn't matter if it comes from magical unicorn dust, or candy....

nomeejerome

i am just going to through this out there....once an alcoholic is an alcoholic they are one for life, meaning that if they have one drink they immediately go back to having 20 drinks...


My thought would be if one is truly addicted to sugar how could one ever eat it again with not immediately binging on it?

Nope. Abstinence is one approach to treatment and another is harm reduction. Considering the intricate details of addiction (speaking in terms of alcohol and other drugs) that blanket statement is not applicable to all individuals.

well, as someone who has actually been to AA and NA meetings - evidence of a misspent youth lol - I can tell you that the prevailing sentiment in those meetings is that you can never touch the stuff again, and the ones that do are the ones that have severe relapses ....

Yep. AA and NA take the abstinence approach to treatment and that absolutely works for some people. However, there are different approaches to treatment that are effective for people. (harm reduction, one-on-one talk therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, community reinforcement approach etc.) Severe relapses happen, but that is not because of the approach to treatment. It is because the person is not applying the skills they have learned in treatment.

jen_zz

OP, I'm happy for you finding out what works for you.

Iwishyouwell

The funny thing is that if you eat fruits or pasta or a bunch of other things you are eating sugar. Most pasta is high GI. Yet you manage. Not challenging but interested, how do you think that works?

Oh, it was a challenge. It took me YEARS to get to the point of controlling myself. I certainly didn't want to give the impression that the control I outlined in the OP has always been and is totally natural to me. Oh no, no.

I rarely eat pasta, bread, any high GI anything. I only eat fruit in moderation (and I actually went years without consuming it), and even over consuming fruit makes me feel a bit off.

The majority of my diet is comprised of meats, seafood, fat, and non-starchy vegetables. That's about 80% of what I eat. The majority of my carbohydrates come from that found in the veggies. That's what I'm use to, and that's what makes my body feel and look the best.

The difference is that I just finally, after years of trial and error, learned tight control on the other hi-GI foods that I don't have with highly sweetened desserts. So I can eat them here and there and stop, where I've never been able to do so with sweets. But if I began to consume all those hi-GI foods on a daily basis, I'd soon be right back where I started. Been there, done that. This isn't a new road for me.

At this point, as others have mentioned, I've found my own form of "moderation". But it's simply not defined as most people around here do, who think that it's alright to eat everything as long as it fits into a calorie mold. If that works for you, congratulations I say, and enjoy. That however will never be me. Accepting that, embracing that, and building a nutritional life that fits my strengths, and weaknesses, has given me a freedom that I have never experienced before.

There just took some letting go, some huge failures, and being brutally honest with self to get here.

QuietBloom

OP, I am glad you have found what works for you. Behavioral studies in rats show that when they are conditioned to eat rat food + sugar, they display signs of depression when it is withdrawn. We are not rats, however it is suggestive.

WendyTerry420

It's nearly impossible to completely avoid sugar. Even vegetables have sugar in them. Even meat has trace amounts in it.

hookilau

It's nearly impossible to completely avoid sugar. Even vegetables have sugar in them. Even meat has trace amounts in it.

Yet I am able to do it to the tune of blood sugars in the normal range. Shrug. Go figure. No one is trying to eliminate it down to the very last molecule, just enough that it doesn't wreak havoc if you happen to have the physiology to respond poorly to it either clinically or subclinically.

ETA the last part.

Iwishyouwell

This is not a topic that was designed to villainize sugar.

I did not suggest that ALL sugar could be, or should be, eliminated.

As I have found a way to eat, and live, in a way that works beautifully for my life, I hope every single one of you find your own path. I love the way I eat, I love the way I live. It took me years to arrive to this place and I'm still grateful I'm here, still celebrating. God knows it takes some of us longer than others, but I'm hoping all of us get to that sweet spot that works for our goals and dreams.

I have the utmost respect, and admiration, for people who are intuned enough with self to know what works for them. That's all that matters at the end of the day, no matter what road they took to get there.