Beating sugar addiction?

Sarah_L_S · March 2013

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to lose weight for the last year or so, after putting on 18kg in 2.5 years through bad eating habits and stress. I've lost 8kg of that so far through going to the gym 3 times a week, and choosing healthier breakfasts/lunches/cooking more for myself.

My problem is simple but difficult to overcome - sugar addiction. I don't have one biscuit, I have all the biscuits...

I know some people will think 'greedy cow, put the biscuits down/don't buy them, problem solved', but even if I resist the chocolate aisle when shopping, I have been known to go out again to the local shop at 10pm to fix that craving. I live alone, so have noone to feel ashamed in front of (and when I get lonely, I eat more!)

Have any of you overcome your own sugar addiction? I would really like to "go cold turkey" (I have tried and failed several times after a stressful day), and wonder if there's anyone who wants to join me?

Sarah

(ps - This is the first time I started a thread - please be gentle with me!)

Sarah_L_S · March 2013

Noone? :-(

lithezebra · March 2013

It was never sugar for me. It was bread. Then my doctor had me tested for celiac disease, and, alas, no more wheat for me. That pretty much solved the problem because other grains just don't have the same addictive effect on me.

jennylew30 · March 2013

I have a similar problem,although it comes in waves. Some weeks I'm good, others I want to eat all the ice cream. There is no steady solution. I've tried cutting it out completely, and while that did lesson the cravings it didn't make them go away completely. It is also nearly impossible to live your life without sugar of any kind ever. People always want to know why you're not eating the cake or the ice cream at a party.
Moderation is great, but it's hard. What I've found to be best for me is to remind myself daily that I have a problem and mot likely will forever. I'm not entirely unlike a drug addict in that way, but unlike a drug addict my drug of choice is convenient and easily obtained and legal. When I have a really bad craving I try to get outside and take a walk, even a short one sometimes helps. I remind myself of what the consequences will be if I go to the store or I eat that cookie. I remind myself of how terrible I will feel afterward. And if I just have to have it I try to eat slowly and savor every bite so it will last a long time and I will feel satisfied.

Juliste · March 2013

I had exactly the same problem. Sugar is a serious addiction and I treated it like one. I decided to eliminate all sugars (including chewing gum, artificial sweeners, starch) and anything else that spiked my insulin levels (peanut butter, fresh fruit,processed foods, so called natural sweetners... etc.) It took about a week to eliminate the cravings. It wasn't easy but I no longer crave sweets, my body doesn't need them. I slowly reintroduced fruit in my diet and still have to be very careful not to eat fruit without a fat and protein. Good luck

Cr01502 · March 2013

Have you considered joining a support group?

Maybe a half way house or something of that nature to help get your life back on track?

_SABOTEUR_ · March 2013

Beating sugar with egg whites is the best way. Then just fold in the dry ingredients, transfer to a greased and lined tin and bake for 25 mins in the oven.

etoiles_argentees · March 2013

addiction? noooooooooo........

Contrarian · March 2013

You aren't addicted to sugar. You are choosing to indulge. Make a different choice. It may not be easy, but you are in control of your own behaviour.

Tetonia · March 2013

eat an apple instead every time you decide to go out at 10 pm, or every time you have to have a cookie

fatty_to_fitty · March 2013

Just cut unnatural sugars all together if you can't control yourself.

It sounds a bit more like binging but your binge of choice is sugar related. In which case seek medical advice

theCarlton · March 2013

You aren't addicted to sugar. You are choosing to indulge. Make a different choice. It may not be easy, but you are in control of your own behaviour.

This. As an out-of-control sugar slayer, I know the difference.

I went cold-turkey at the beginning of my weight loss, except maybe 1 Starlight peppermint a day. I had headaches for about 4 days, took Ibuprofen, and moved on. Once I stayed off of it for a while, when I reintroduced it to my diet (4 months later), I was able to control it better.

Whether you reduce it or eliminate it for a while, it still will require a commitment from you - big time. Good luck.

taso42 · March 2013

if you beat sugar with an egg yolk you get a delicious fluffy treat. wait, what are we talking about here?

theCarlton · March 2013

if you beat sugar with an egg yolk you get a delicious fluffy treat. wait, what are we talking about here?

Ooh if you beat sugar into the first spoonful of stove-top espresso, you get this sweet layer on top of the coffee.

wnbrice · March 2013

Figure out what triggers your desire for sugar.

Is it low blood sugar? Is it staying up late? Are you mistaking hunger for thirst?

Is it because you are lonely and want some company?

Until you identify your triggers you are not going to get far in fighting your sugar addiction.

For those of you that are getting caught up in the terminology it doesn't matter unless it gets in the way of her openness to new ideas.

MsJulielicious · March 2013

Have you considered joining a support group?

Maybe a half way house or something of that nature to help get your life back on track?

Lolz! You win this thread

JJordon · March 2013

I actually gave up fructose/sucrose/HFCS, over the course of 42 days.

Painful.

Very much addicted.

No relapse, either.

Education and information was the key for me after that.

elisabeisme · March 2013

I struggle with sugar too. I get into a bad cycle of binge-crash-craving-binge. Once I'm in the cycle, the cravings are practically impossible to overcome. I, too, live alone and have made that aweful 10pm store trip for "something sweet and crunchy" because I was climbing the walls, couldn't sleep, couldn't think about anything else, etc. On the other hand, once I am out of the cycle, it becomes almost easy to resist. At that point, it does become about choices and being in charge of my behavior. The key is to get out of the cycle and stay out.

Here are some strategies I use:
- Minimize all starchy carbs because crackers, cereal and bread stufffs create a "gateway" carb hunger. I have my macro goals set to 30-30-40. I focus on trying to acheive protein, which is mentally better for me than trying to limit carbs.
- Push carbs as late in the day as possible - especially save some carbs for an after dinner treat. Otherwise, if I open up the "carb faucet" in the afternoon, it's hard to turn it off.
- If I am craving sugar early in the day, I try to eat fruit first - especially pears, apples and bananas that are very sweet. Fruit doesn't create the same crash-craving effect. I figure fruit is to a sugar addict the way methadone is to a heroin addict. It's a crutch to get over the rough spots.
- I do let myself have chocolate - but dark chocolate is better because it has less sugar and more flavor. Also, I find that salted dark chocolate is the best for avoiding binges because if I focus on the salt, it slows me down. (Luckily, I don't crave salt at all and find it super easy to maintain a low sodium diet). But, I still get some sort of sweet treat so that I don't obsess all night.

I've been in a bad cycle myself for a couple weeks and am working on getting myself back out now. I would love to hear other people's strategies.

Missjulesdid · March 2013

Oddly, I didn't have my biggest problem with sugar.. I can something starbursts or mike and ikes and it does not make me binge.. I can control myself around sugary sweets although I REALLY enjoy them and sometimes overindulge, but for me it's just me giving into a craving, or overindulging.. it's something I CAN control. The feeling is different for me with WHEAT products though.. especially pastries, but even bread tempts me to the point of tears. I completely understand your feelings of addiction and feeling like you HAVE TO HAVE IT! It's not the same as how I feel about a nice steak or some ice cream... It's an overwhelming feeling that you NEED to have it in your belly. It's like I don't even care how it tastes, I just NEED to have it in my belly.

For me I cut out all wheat, other cereal grains, and also sugar completely. I haven't had any wheat product since December. It was NOT easy but after the first week, things got better. I will eventually add sugar and some cereal grains back in to my diet and practice moderation with it. If I struggle, I'll cut it out again and try again to introduce. (I suck at moderation but I want to learn it,). I have no plans however to add back in any wheat products though. I learned through an elimination diet that I don't tolerate it well and was causing inflammation in my joints if it wasn't for the inflammation, I'd want to add back wheat products in moderation as well but I don't think it's a good idea for me.

Anyway. Try cutting it out completely for a few months.. Then try adding back in in. If you fail and feel out of control again, then cut out again and try later.

Dunkirk · March 2013

The book "I Quit Sugar" by Sarah Wilson will help. It's "Your complete 8-week detox program and cookbook". "Sarah's down-to--earth, practical approach makes the sugar-quitting process doable, while her recipes make it fun'. Also 'Sweet Poison' and 'Big Fat Lies' by David Gillespie

flying182 · March 2013

I gave up biscuits when I read the ingredients - there are just so many bad things in there and the sugar is usually not the cane variety but the horrible high fructose corn syrup, then there are the trans fats, the chemical additives - get the picture? My sugar comes from fruit and if I want a biscuit, I make them using good old butter, granulated sugar, flour and an egg - that's the rule (so there aren't many days when my family can indulge in a biscuit, lol!) Same with chocolate, only buy the good brands - read the labels, read the labels, read the labels and don't buy the rubbish, its poisoning us!

fkbourne · March 2013

You aren't addicted to sugar. You are choosing to indulge. Make a different choice. It may not be easy, but you are in control of your own behaviour.

How can you possibly say that she is not addicted to sugar.
Addiction to any and all food is a true addiction, just like drugs because food stimulates the dopamine receptors in your brain the same as drugs and I take offense to the fact that you cooly reply " make a different choice" pretty sure if it were that easy then there would be no need for web sites like this one.

Chrisgrz · March 2013

Don't really have a "sweet tooth," I'm very big on eating fatty cuts of meat though. So my advice to you would simply be moderation, at the end of the day it's all about calories and meeting your macros. I personally have found a ice cream shop near by called Dlites that makes ice cream with low amounts of sugar and skim milk. 50 calories for 1/2cup of ice cream =D.

So find a low calorie treat that can help curve your cravings every once in a while, so long as you're getting your macros, calorie goals in and aren't diabetic, no harm.

bluebirdlx · March 2013

You aren't addicted to sugar. You are choosing to indulge. Make a different choice. It may not be easy, but you are in control of your own behaviour.

How can you possibly say that she is not addicted to sugar.
Addiction to any and all food is a true addiction, just like drugs because food stimulates the dopamine receptors in your brain the same as drugs and I take offense to the fact that you cooly reply " make a different choice" pretty sure if it were that easy then there would be no need for web sites like this one.

My thoughts exactly.

iknowiknow · March 2013

I started freezing regular yogurt, usually Yoplait because they have so many varieties. Then when I get a hankering for something sweet, I eat that. Because it's frozen, it feels like I'm eating ice cream. Yoplait Boston creme pie yogurt is awesome frozen.

Sarah_L_S · March 2013

Thank you very much to those who replied with advice and that shared your own strategies for overcoming addictions to various foods. I read your replies carefully. I've decided to cut all processed sugar (biscuits, sweets, chocolate) completely from today. I know it won't be easy, but knowing I'm not the only one struggling with this does make it easier.

(For those of you who think posting mean replies is clever, I'll refer to something my mum taught me - "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". MFP is a support group, where we can all learn to make healthier choices together. Just because we're not on crystal meth mugging old ladies doesn't mean that we're not addicted to something or need a friendly ear now and then.)

punkypenny · March 2013

I am of the opinion that sugar is one of the most underrated drugs. I also have a sugar addiction. I can't just have one chocolate. I end up having 10. When I cut it out of my diet I get a headache for a few days, but I always feel better physically and emotionally when I give it up. I also lose weight a a lot faster too. The problem is, I always let it creep back in to my life. It's very difficult when you're at a social gathering and everyone else is eating the sweets and asking why you're not. They don't want to hear how bad sugar effects the body. I've read that it leaches essential nutrients from the body, depresses the immune system, and is now linked to Alzheimer's Disease. Then they might say "Everything in moderation." Sure, you could smoke cigarettes or do cocaine in moderation, but why would you want to? I've considered making up a story that I'm diabetic, but I'm not a very good liar. I dread having kids and having to deal with the struggle of keeping them sugar-free in a sugar-laden world.

cwhussey · March 2013

I want to cry reading your posts because people simply don't understand about sugar addiction. I have twin boys and I thank God every day for boys and not girls because I know if I'd had girls they'd be battling eating disorders like I have my whole life. I WANT to change my ways. I NEED to change my ways. I am trying so hard to eat healthy to instill healthy eating habits in my boys but we are surrounded 24/7 with food. We celebrate with food. We mourn with food. Our lifetyles have become a game of convenience and the food that is convenient is not healthy. It is a complex compilation of chemicals that tastes good and tricks our brains into wanting more. If you don't struggle with sugar addiction you simply don't get it. My own family doesn't get it. My mom is the worst - she buys my boys continual "treats"and gives it to me saying, "Don't eat it - it's for the boys." When I tell her how much I struggle, she says she is the grandmom and has the right to spoil her grandsons. I almost can't go over her house anymore because it is such a toxic environment for me.

This post wasn't supposed to be a rant, rather a CONGRATS to t hosewho are trying to make a change and break this lethal cycle so that future generations hopefully won't have to. Check out the documentary Hungry for Change - it is a very interesting flick about how sugar is like cocaine and the chemicals in food are proven to be addicting and how dieting can't and won't work. Stay strong folks!

jkt122 · March 2013

Thanks for posting this thread. I've been struggling with sugar addiction for as long as I can remember. I do best when I eliminate it especially processed foods with gluten and sugar. I find that after I am off of it for about 10 days the desire goes away. I feel so much better. Hope today has gone well for you and sending you encouragement to stay with it!

Timmi1978 · March 2013

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to lose weight for the last year or so, after putting on 18kg in 2.5 years through bad eating habits and stress. I've lost 8kg of that so far through going to the gym 3 times a week, and choosing healthier breakfasts/lunches/cooking more for myself.

My problem is simple but difficult to overcome - sugar addiction. I don't have one biscuit, I have all the biscuits...

I know some people will think 'greedy cow, put the biscuits down/don't buy them, problem solved', but even if I resist the chocolate aisle when shopping, I have been known to go out again to the local shop at 10pm to fix that craving. I live alone, so have noone to feel ashamed in front of (and when I get lonely, I eat more!)

Have any of you overcome your own sugar addiction? I would really like to "go cold turkey" (I have tried and failed several times after a stressful day), and wonder if there's anyone who wants to join me?

Sarah

(ps - This is the first time I started a thread - please be gentle with me!)

Hi Sarah,

You remind me of myself, because I also kept up the discipline...until I had a weak moment and ate ice cream like it would be the last day on earth

I did the 21 sugar challenge which gave me some great insights into sugar cravings and I think the one thing that helped me most and still does:

- Always have healthy emergency snacks ready! Carrots, almonds, avocado, boiled egg, ... No matter where you are or go, as soon you feel that urge for sweets, start snacking from your healthy snacks.

Also, drink plenty of water before you eat anything.

All the best for you.

(For your reference, the sugar detox challenge: http://timreviews.com/21daysugardetox)

Eperkins2882 · March 2013

Sugar is a huge problem for me too. Instead of eating three cookies, you want the entire box. I just recently found a way to keep myself from eating a bunch of sweet things that add on the pounds in a hurry. I am completely dedicated to MFP. I do not go over my calories and I plan at least a day ahead so I know exactly what I am going to eat. I eat a lot of fruit throughout the day to combat my sweet cravings. Every night I have a pack of Special K Pastry Crisps in chocolate. I look forward to my nightly snack because is sweet and satisfying. Find a 100 calorie snack that is something that will be able to curb your sweet tooth and look forward to that each day. Good luck!

Beating sugar addiction?

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