Anyone else feel they are addicted to sugar?

icrushit

I genuinely believe I cannot control my eating as effectively as I can when I dial back the sugar. If sugar is the main stumbling block to maintain control over your intake, then dialling it back may be very effective for you. Myself, I did it in stages, and find it's worked quite well. In fairness I've also dialled back the simple carbs in my diet, and also eat a lot of filling protein and fat rich foods so I'm generally not overly hungry anyway, which helps a lot too.

Unknown

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DeguelloTex

I feel like a like sugar a lot. I feel like "addiction" gets tossed around way too freely.

joanna_82

I would definitely say I used to be reliant on sugar- I would start my day off with a pastry, eat sugary snacks all day and then eat biscuits and chocolate in the evenings. I think the more you eat, the more you want to eat.

I managed to really cut down on the sweet stuff, which was really hard to start with as I felt awful, but persevered and now have sweet treats occasionally and enjoy them much more.

I would also say though that I used to feel really sick and get a sore stomach after eating too much sugar, so I had a bit of an added incentive to stop having quite so much.

I think if there are specific things you want, like ice cream, then include them in your diet occasionally, enjoy them, but don't go overboard. Eat healthy the rest of the time.

mytime6630

I certainly did not mean to start a headed argument on whether sugar is addictive or not, and I am NO means meant to make this sound insulting to people with addictions, as one poster said.

But, I wrote this hoping to have encouragement, or just to hear how others with this have handled it.

And YES, there is such a thing as sugar addiction.

I have attached just a couple of the many articles on whether sugar can be an addictive substance, just as caffeine is. There was also a study at Princeton on this subject.

So I am very sorry if I offended anyone. I was just hoping to hear from others, to know that maybe I am not alone in my battle with sugar.



http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/08/260781785/is-sugar-addiction-why-so-many-january-diets-fail


http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prescriptions-life/201403/how-break-your-sugar-addiction

http://drhyman.com/blog/2013/06/27/5-clues-you-are-addicted-to-sugar/

ValGogo

ok, I'm over it....whew

QuietBloom

Instead of worrying about the sugar macro, I replaced it with fiber. My most important goal to hit is protein (at LEAST 1g/lb of lean body mass). Then everything else goes to either fat or carbohydrates, I don't pay much attention.

Your breakfast is lacking in protein and that is likely the reason you feel 'snackish' later. Try some greek yoghurt with fruit, or eggs. Will stick with you longer.

ValGogo

I feel like a like sugar a lot. I feel like "addiction" gets tossed around way too freely.

Seriously, Tex.

Mikkimeow

Everyone has foods they just can't stop eating. For me, it is my abuelita's tortillas. I could eat 20 fresh off the camal in one sitting.

ninerbuff

I'm betting more on people's eating habits rather than sugar "addiction". We are creatures of habit, so when anything tries to disrupt what we've habitually learned, there's usually going to be some sort of retaliation normally.
Where before one would eat as much as they wanted, now having to limit it has disrupted a usual habit.
New habits take time to form, but one has to be consistent for it to happen.

A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness and Personal Trainer
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ValGogo

Blah blablablah, blah blabla bla blah. Sugar blah, blah, blah, crack addiction , blah, blah, blah, same blablabla blablah.

That's all I see, is blah, blah, blah.

Stop it already.

QuietBloom

I certainly did not mean to start a headed argument on whether sugar is addictive or not, and I am NO means meant to make this sound insulting to people with addictions, as one poster said.

But, I wrote this hoping to have encouragement, or just to hear how others with this have handled it.

And YES, there is such a thing as sugar addiction.

I have attached just a couple of the many articles on whether sugar can be an addictive substance, just as caffeine is. There was also a study at Princeton on this subject.

So I am very sorry if I offended anyone. I was just hoping to hear from others, to know that maybe I am not alone in my battle with sugar.



http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/08/260781785/is-sugar-addiction-why-so-many-january-diets-fail


http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prescriptions-life/201403/how-break-your-sugar-addiction

http://drhyman.com/blog/2013/06/27/5-clues-you-are-addicted-to-sugar/

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

QuietBloom

Sugar is a drug. You build tolerance to it and have withdrawal from it. Wtf are you talking about not addicting.

Let me clarify why I responded to this and why it makes me mad. Your basically saying that because you don't have a crack problem crack is not addictive.

If sugar was a drug, people would be raiding beet and sugar cane fields in order to gnaw out some sugar to beat their withdrawals. Until someone holds up a grocery store and says "Give me all your sugar" I will go with evidence based conclusions.

strassenkoenigin

I personally think it is more the combination of sugar and flour. I have to stay away from all baked good. Like you I cannot control how much I eat once it is in my house. And I eat very healthy food as a rule. .
Everything you find on the supermarket shelves today is highly processed and made with genetically altered wheat, corn and soy. It is addictive.
read this article
http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/food-addiction-most-addictive-foods

we are basically all like drug addicts with the food which is sold to us by the big corporations. The only way out is not to buy it anymore and force new regulations.
I am old enough to know that this is true. When I grew up food was not genetically altered and everybody could eat bread, cookies etc. without getting addicted.

mytime6630

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

psibaby

I have a sugar addiction. The only way I curtail it is to not buy too many sugary sweets. When I go over my parents house I raid their candy dish and sweets cabinet which lets me know it is a good thing that I don't have them in the house.
I know what you mean about the grocery store. I have to do "self talk" the entire time I am in there. Bakery items, candy, ice cream, snack cakes, they all call my name. I just stay focused, I don't put any in my cart, instead I get fresh fruit, apple sauce, smart ones frozen desserts and fiber one bars.

Yes, those things have sugar. I am not depriving myself of sugar totally! I would go insane. Instead I am controlling the portions and not placing myself in a situation where I can eat an entire box of Lil Debbies. I have been able to lose 30 pounds and still eat sweets, I just have to keep it under control.

My advice to you is to watch what you bring into the house.

DeguelloTex

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

"The sugar addiction work was controversial among scientists, and thus unfundable in the peer review system."

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2009/november-09/addicted-to-food-an-interview-with-bart-hoebel.html

ExistingFish

I don't think it is such an addiction, as a viscous cycle of spiking and dropping blood sugar. That and it tastes great.

When you eat something sugary, your blood sugar spikes and your body rushes to lower it, which causes it to dip and you crave sugary things...

I can eat a 300 calorie breakfast that is high in protein and fat and almost forget to eat lunch.

I can eat a 300 calorie breakfast that has more sugar/carbs (like cereal or oatmeal, remember carbs are pretty much glucose..) and I HAVE to have my morning snack.

eric_sg61

The 'sugar' addiction thing seems setup as a built in excuse to overeat and then take the blame off the individual and place the blame on "evil food companies/big food conspiracy theories" and sugar. Is it sugar or "dang, this tasted really good and I just had to keep eating it"?

paulandrachelk

Read "The Sugar Diet" publish by Rodale. It is on the Prevention Magazine web site-prevention.com. Even if you don't do the whole diet it is tremendously informative and will help you control sugar.

QuietBloom

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

That is a news article written by a journalist who happens to be at Princeton. That is all.

QuietBloom

Blah blablablah, blah blabla bla blah. Sugar blah, blah, blah, crack addiction , blah, blah, blah, same blablabla blablah.

That's all I see, is blah, blah, blah.

Stop it already.

Calm down. Seriously, this is not helpful.

Fit_Chef_NE

You can become mentally and emotionally addicted to sugar. I'd wager that most people here either were or are addicted to sugar or other foods. Otherwise they wouldn't be here. Fit people "love" food because they see it for what it is: fuel. Fat people eat compulsively or to fill an emotional void in their lives. Much like alcoholics, drug addicts, smokers etc.

Just because you all want to think of yourselves as being "above" addictive behavior, doesn't mean you actually are.

Imadorkable

I have a huge sweet tooth and know where you are coming from. I would have enough points for supper and then go over because I had to have that ice cream because my husband wanted some. The only way for me to stop the cravings was to completly cut out the extra sugar. I still eat fruits and add a little sugar to coffee but I don't have any candy, desserts or soda. Last week I had a slice of pie on vacation (my favorite dessert) and it didn't taste as good. It was too sweet and wasn't as satifiying as before. I also stole a sour gummy worm from my husband and that didn't taste right either. This is what worked for me.

Meerataila

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

"The sugar addiction work was controversial among scientists, and thus unfundable in the peer review system."

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2009/november-09/addicted-to-food-an-interview-with-bart-hoebel.html

Controversial does not mean untrue or without any evidence to back the claim. In fact, sugar is known to be addictive in rats.

And the video link I posted in this thread proves researchers are looking into the genetics and brain chemistry of addiction in their studies of obesity linked behaviors and are finding parallels.

DeguelloTex

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

"The sugar addiction work was controversial among scientists, and thus unfundable in the peer review system."

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2009/november-09/addicted-to-food-an-interview-with-bart-hoebel.html

Controversial does not mean untrue or without any evidence to back the claim. In fact, sugar is known to be addictive in rats.

And the video link I posted in this thread proves researchers are looking into the genetics and brain chemistry of addiction in their studies of obesity linked behaviors and are finding parallels.

It doesn't mean true, either, does it?

Parallels, even if they exist, aren't equivalences, right?

ValGogo

The 'sugar' addiction thing seems setup as a built in excuse to overeat and then take the blame off the individual and place the blame on "evil food companies/big food conspiracy theories" and sugar. Is it sugar or "dang, this tasted really good and I just had to keep eating it"?

I choose the latter. I take responsibility for my irresponsibility.

ValGogo

Blah blablablah, blah blabla bla blah. Sugar blah, blah, blah, crack addiction , blah, blah, blah, same blablabla blablah.

That's all I see, is blah, blah, blah.

Stop it already.

Calm down. Seriously, this is not helpful.

It helps me. Because this "addiction," "sweet tooth" thing has gone beyond too far. It's just another way for people to make themselves unique in a boring un-unique world. Everyone likes sweet stuff. It's not anything new or powerful, it's not the discovery of penicillin, it's sugar. Stop OVEREATING it and the "cravings" will stop.

It's not heroin, it's not crack, it's .....




Blah

Bells294

I don't know if I'd call it an addiction, but since I've been dieting this past week I've been constantly craving sugar packed foods like fudge, candy floss and cake, even though I next to never eat those foods. I think the key to stopping the cravings is just to not eat them and battle through it, even though I did actually cave in today and have a chocolate bar...it's so hard! But I know it's worth it, and you just have to keep reminding yourself that.

Meerataila

With all due respect, those are blogs, not evidence. They are peoples' opinions. There is absolutely zero evidence that sugar is addictive any more than protein is. Food in general stimulates our pleasure center because we need it to survive. Our bodies reward us for eating.

THIS is not a blog. This is from Princeton University.

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories

"The sugar addiction work was controversial among scientists, and thus unfundable in the peer review system."

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2009/november-09/addicted-to-food-an-interview-with-bart-hoebel.html

Controversial does not mean untrue or without any evidence to back the claim. In fact, sugar is known to be addictive in rats.

And the video link I posted in this thread proves researchers are looking into the genetics and brain chemistry of addiction in their studies of obesity linked behaviors and are finding parallels.

It doesn't mean true, either, does it?

Parallels, even if they exist, aren't equivalences, right?

From what I've been reading, there is now more evidence for it than against it. However, it's not as cut and dried as addiction to something like nicotine because there is no known survival instinct leading one to seek out nicotine while researchers say there is survival value in seeking out calorie dense foods and sweet foods both.

In any case, if someone has any issue with any food making them hungrier instead of less hungry in a way that contributes to unhealthy weight gain or makes the person crave more of that food in a way that will exceed a healthy day's calories, it's best to avoid that food. Labeling it addictive isn't unreasonable, and if the label is one that helps the person avoid that particular food, I fail to see an issue with it.