True Severe sugar addiction...need help!

I haven't read all of the responses, but I wanted to offer support. My mom suffers from a sugar addiction very much like what you describe. I know it has been a struggle for her for her entire adult life. She finally several years ago just made the decision to completely eliminate sugar from her life (as much as possible). My dad is very supportive and a bit of a health nut himself, so he was totally on board with eliminating sugar and white flour products from their home. She does occasionally use agave nectar or splenda to sweeten things like oatmeal or whatever, but absolutely no sugar or white flour.

For some people, they can have those things in moderation, but I think for people with true sugar addictions, you can't have it around. My mom had a friend who was constantly offering her sugary foods and saying stuff like "oh, one cupcake won't hurt" etc. My mom finally had to tell her that what she was doing was similar to telling an alcoholic that one drink won't hurt. She simply can't do sugar in moderation because once she starts, it becomes extremely difficult not to binge.

Personally, I think you and your husband need to have a serious talk about these issues and your need to eliminate your trigger foods from the house completely. I mean, think about it, if your spouse was a recovering alcoholic, would you have beer in the house? There are plenty of tasty foods that they can still have, and they can still have sugary foods when they're out of the house (like at a restaurant, friends house, or whatever).

I know for my mom, it has helped to see a therapist and truly treat this as any other addiction. In the afternoons when you know you're craving sugar, plan to do something like go for a run or run errands or fold laundry or something to keep you occupied. Keep foods you like that are good for you around the house. I do think it gets easier and as time goes by, you'll recognize how good you feel without it and that will motivate you to keep going.

Best of luck to you. I know what you are experiencing is real, but I know you can overcome it!

For me doing a strict 2 weeks of phase one of the South Beach plan worked to get rid of my sweet and carb cravings.

There are no ifs ands or buts on the subject of food addiction: it is as real as cocaine or alcohol addiction and, in fact, affects exactly the same pleasure/impulse control centers of the brain as recognized drugs. This is especially true of what David Kessler calls hyperpalatable foods -- foods dense in calories from sugar/fat/salt. Oxford University Press has just published the medical textbook on the subject: Food and Addiction: A Comprehensive Handbook, edited by Kelly D. Brownwell & Mark S. Gold. And I've just published the first holistic, layman's approach to food addiction, THE HUNGER FIX, which is based on that cutting edge science.

The good news -- and there IS good news -- is that a program of foods high in dopamine- and serotonin-boosting chemicals, along with numerous brain-amping activities (from simple exercise to listening to music) can regrow those receptors and bring the confidence of fulfillment and health.

You CAN overcome your depression/anxiety and learn to live with your eating disorder. There is lots of low-cost help available to you, from 12-step programs to the latest research in the science of food addiction to free meditation classes in your area. Just believe and continue to reach out.

Hi there,
I have battled sugar addiction for a long, long time. I even have a blog about it (http://naturallysweet-meena.blogspot.com) but I'd look at the earliest entries for help, or at least for a sympathetic journey.

Over the years I kicked sugar successfully for months, even years at a time, and then always fell off. I would say that now that I've learned a few things:
1) I'm never going to not eat sugar.
2) Some sweet things are better than others.
3) Making your own healthier options is far better, and tastier.
4) Use MFP to allow yourself a treat EVERY DAY (do it!!) and this will keep you in an honest portion control.

I eat chocolate every single day. I just don't go nuts like I used to. If the portion size says 6 squares, that's what I'll have, and savor it. I only buy good, organic, really yummy stuff- so that I'm more sparing with it.

Eating more natural sugars that are whole foods actually helps to stop the craving faster than junk with high fructose corn syrup. So in other words, go get a Green and Black's chocolate bar to savor rather than reach for snickers or m&ms.

I use whole dates to make things- my big savior is my ice cream machine I got from Bed and Bath. Seriously! I use a book called Vice Creams which teaches you to make ice cream from nuts, dates and maple syrup, along with other things. When you put your own energy into your sweets, it makes it more fun and you know what's in it. I swear by this.

I have lots of great recipes for delicious things that are made from whole foods. Once you get used to the taste, which is different from the sharp high of HFCS, you will be sold. It's more satisfying, your body treats it as a whole food and not a super high/ bad crash cycle. Another poster above said that sweets beget more sweets in terms of cravings, and that's right- when you eat white poison (flour as well as sugar).

Don't be afraid of what you have- a sugar addiction. Ok! So there it is! Yep, a sugar addiction. What next? There's no magic pill, just learn what will soothe your craving. Your kids will likely have this craving too, so make it fun; teach them (and you) how to reach for healthier alternatives. We are designed to crave sugar, because when we were cavemen sugar was a hot commodity; it fuels the brain and body well. That's why it's so tasty. What is happening now is that society is captured by the junk food industry, which sells us things based on sweet and salty. Fight back by cooking with whole foods.

Good luck!

I don't think that babies need carb and sugar those are less nutritious calories babies need protein and fruits and veg and low Glycemic index carbs e.g. wholemeal rice, bread, pasta. Keep your diet low on the glycemic index and eat as much as you want as long a you eat low carb. Don't go low fat when you are pregnant.:smile

I can TOTALLY relate! I just joined today because I have an addiction and need to stop! Maybe we can help motivate each other? Please feel free to add me as a friend and maybe we can get this solved together.

I just looked up severe sugar addiction on google and found this thread. I am in bed for hours unless I get sugar in my system. As many here know, I have a very bad sugar addiction. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT ANYMORE.