Give up the sugar!
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I struggle with moderating my "sweets" quite a bit. I don't cut anything out of my diet but sweets are definitely something I have to actively avoid from time to time to keep myself in check. They are my Kryptonite. I would love to have some friends on my list to help me fell held accountable. Please add me. Thanks.0
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Metabolically, sugar in the form of simple carbohydrates, is just another fuel for the body's myriad processes. For some of the body's functions (those of the red blood cells, or neurons for instance), sugar is in fact, the preferred choice of fuel.
Psychologically, sugar in the form of sugary treats (cookies, donuts, cakes, candy, etc.) is typically associated with most people's memories of pleasant times (birthday parties, Halloween trick-or-treating, getting a "treat" from your parents for good behaviour). I think it's this positive association that can lead people to think of sugar as having so-called addictive properties; in reality, it's the brain's pleasure-reward centre being activated.
Impulse-control issues, depression, psychological stress, anxiety, learned dysfunctional coping mechanisms and many other factors can all lead people to seek out the pleasure inherent in binging, maybe even binging excessively, on foods with high levels of added sugar. These become trigger foods. If you've identified something as a trigger for you, then for the purposes of losing weight, it's likely a good idea to have those foods only in moderation, so you're on the right track for you
I have struggled in the past few months with eliminating most refined sugars from my diet and I do feel much better now. Interestingly, when I crave sugary treats now, it's typically a healthier version that I crave, like dates or bananas. And I can't imagine drinking tea with sugar and milk the way I used to (I think I worked it out and a cup of tea used to be something like 80 Calories for me, which isn't that bad, except that I would regularly have 4 cups per day! lol).0 -
It took me a while. I remember with the first attempt I was digging in the fridge in the middle of the night on day 3, because I just NEED something sweet right there and then! That was several years ago, now I don't like sweet anymore. A milk chocolate bar makes me feels like my cheeks are pulled together and I get nauseous. I love it how food really tastes. So yeah, don't see it as a failure when you don't succeed the first time! Just keep on trying!
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FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »
According to my body. Diabetes runs in the family and last time I was at a nutritionist, I was quite close to the limit towards diabetes. I am overweight by 3 pounds for my height, which I am working on shedding. I've never been overweight for more than 8 pounds in my life, so I am trying my best to have a healthy weight. The problem is that if I eat a lot of sugar but don't gain weight, I will get other symptoms like sugar cravings, acne and other stuff. And, as I said, I just want to eat more naturally and less processed food. This is a personal decision. If you can eat lots of sugar, have enough will-power to stop after 2 cookies and don't get any health or weight problems, good for you! I'm incredibly jealous of you, but also happy for you that you're a very healthy person!
The thing is that we aren't all the same. Think about it - we're 7 billion+ people so it's kind of impossible to fit everyone in the same category.
It's important to find whatever works best for you. 0 -
I have a bit of info here...
To the person who has cut out sugar because it bothers arthritis... you are so right!!
It takes 9 months of NO sugar to clean the sugar from your body.. been there done that..
My Naturopath Dr. said I could have fruits that end in "berry" and apples - they are low in sugar. They do not bother my arthritis.
Same Naturopath Dr. also said - if you must bake use coconut sugar.
Good luck to all who wish to cut back or cut out sugar.... On December 27th I will be two years "clean"FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »
According to my body. Diabetes runs in the family and last time I was at a nutritionist, I was quite close to the limit towards diabetes. I am overweight by 3 pounds for my height, which I am working on shedding. I've never been overweight for more than 8 pounds in my life, so I am trying my best to have a healthy weight. The problem is that if I eat a lot of sugar but don't gain weight, I will get other symptoms like sugar cravings, acne and other stuff. And, as I said, I just want to eat more naturally and less processed food. This is a personal decision. If you can eat lots of sugar, have enough will-power to stop after 2 cookies and don't get any health or weight problems, good for you! I'm incredibly jealous of you, but also happy for you that you're a very healthy person!
The thing is that we aren't all the same. Think about it - we're 7 billion+ people so it's kind of impossible to fit everyone in the same category.
It's important to find whatever works best for you.
7 billion little snowflakes0 -
Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
I'm not cutting out sugar completely. Sugar is in everything! It's in fruit, veggies... I'm not sure about meat, though. Limiting the processed/added sugar is my goal.0 -
Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
I'm not cutting out sugar completely. Sugar is in everything! It's in fruit, veggies... I'm not sure about meat, though. Limiting the processed/added sugar is my goal.
Why are there so many people who just can't respect others for their choices? If she wants to ditch the sugar that is up to her to decide! Why the yeah but, no buts? And yes in most processed foods is sugar added, even in meat!
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Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
I'm not cutting out sugar completely. Sugar is in everything! It's in fruit, veggies... I'm not sure about meat, though. Limiting the processed/added sugar is my goal.
Why are there so many people who just can't respect others for their choices? If she wants to ditch the sugar that is up to her to decide! Why the yeah but, no buts? And yes in most processed foods is sugar added, even in meat!
I guess everyone has their wisdom and they want to make a point? The thing is that you can't just tell a person to do this and do that and then.. BOOM! You're all good and able to eat whatever you like.
I've been documenting myself a lot for the past 2 years from all points of view. They're all plausible and applicable. Whether it's emotional eating, industrial food, marketing or your body craving certain minerals it's up to you to come up with the best decision for yourself once you have done your research. In my case everything is applicable for my sugar problem from childhood trauma to the pretty package, the change of chemistry in my brain and flavorful food. Moderation is great, but I found out that for ME, MYSELF AND I the best way I can go with moderation is by limiting sugar, so not giving up on it.
For example:
One Friday a month, we have a bar at college where we are served wine, mokai, glogg, beer, tequila and other alcohol beverages. That's when I indulge in alcohol. Around 4 time a year I go home for a week or two to see my parents and family and naturally I will drink a glass of wine with my mother in the evening to celebrate my return, or drink a small glass of beer with my father and our family friends, or even go out with my friends to clubs! During that time, my grandparents will most likely make tasty sweet beverages like coffees or chocolate drinks, or make delicious pastries filled with lots of sugar.
There's also birthdays and other holidays and festive events that I attend. That's a lot of alcohol, sugar and carbs in a year! That's why I prefer to limit my sugar intake when they're not happening.0 -
Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
I'm not cutting out sugar completely. Sugar is in everything! It's in fruit, veggies... I'm not sure about meat, though. Limiting the processed/added sugar is my goal.
Why are there so many people who just can't respect others for their choices? If she wants to ditch the sugar that is up to her to decide! Why the yeah but, no buts? And yes in most processed foods is sugar added, even in meat!
The problem is when people try to pass off stupid, unproven claims about "sugar toxins" and all the other excuses about why they can't lose weight. This site is about calorie counting and fitness, not Pinterest lore.0 -
Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
I'm not cutting out sugar completely. Sugar is in everything! It's in fruit, veggies... I'm not sure about meat, though. Limiting the processed/added sugar is my goal.
Why are there so many people who just can't respect others for their choices? If she wants to ditch the sugar that is up to her to decide! Why the yeah but, no buts? And yes in most processed foods is sugar added, even in meat!
I guess everyone has their wisdom and they want to make a point? The thing is that you can't just tell a person to do this and do that and then.. BOOM! You're all good and able to eat whatever you like.
I've been documenting myself a lot for the past 2 years from all points of view. They're all plausible and applicable. Whether it's emotional eating, industrial food, marketing or your body craving certain minerals it's up to you to come up with the best decision for yourself once you have done your research. In my case everything is applicable for my sugar problem from childhood trauma to the pretty package, the change of chemistry in my brain and flavorful food. Moderation is great, but I found out that for ME, MYSELF AND I the best way I can go with moderation is by limiting sugar, so not giving up on it.
Probably, but just know there is no 'one solution fits all' diet. What works fantastic for someone else, may not work for you at all. If you have been documenting yourself for that long, then most likely you know very well what is best for you. Your body is the best adviser you got!
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Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
because people need a boogeyman to scare them into restricting enough foods to get into a calorie deficit..and (2) no one wants to believe it is that easy as eating all the foods that you want, just less of them ...
If it was that easy why are so many people over weight - simple question?
You maybe confusing the word Easy with Simple?
Of course sugar (or candy in general) is scary, it makes sense, why else would it be the one thing that's given out at Halloween? Coincidence? - I think not!
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tennisdude2004 wrote: »Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
because people need a boogeyman to scare them into restricting enough foods to get into a calorie deficit..and (2) no one wants to believe it is that easy as eating all the foods that you want, just less of them ...
If it was that easy why are so many people over weight - simple question?
You maybe confusing the word Easy with Simple?
It's easier to shift accountability for your actions to irrational things like sugar and boxed toxins rather than take responsibility for over eating.
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SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote: »tennisdude2004 wrote: »Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
because people need a boogeyman to scare them into restricting enough foods to get into a calorie deficit..and (2) no one wants to believe it is that easy as eating all the foods that you want, just less of them ...
If it was that easy why are so many people over weight - simple question?
You maybe confusing the word Easy with Simple?
It's easier to shift accountability for your actions to irrational things like sugar and boxed toxins rather than take responsibility for over eating.
Agreed that shifting accountability is easy! In fact the majority of the population are experts at it!
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tennisdude2004 wrote: »SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote: »tennisdude2004 wrote: »Why do people go to extremes and cut out sugar from their diets? Moderation is okay, people who restrict food groups tend to be the least successful in reaching their goals. Unless you have a medical issue and must cut sugar, you should not cut sugar.
because people need a boogeyman to scare them into restricting enough foods to get into a calorie deficit..and (2) no one wants to believe it is that easy as eating all the foods that you want, just less of them ...
If it was that easy why are so many people over weight - simple question?
You maybe confusing the word Easy with Simple?
It's easier to shift accountability for your actions to irrational things like sugar and boxed toxins rather than take responsibility for over eating.
Agreed that shifting accountability is easy! In fact the majority of the population are experts at it!
You should check out the Fed Up thread.0 -
I find that most of the time, when I crave sugar, I'm really just thirsty. If I drink a glass of water and I still want some sugar, I will eat something sweet. Maybe those who struggle with binging could try reaching for a glass of water instead of the cake first and see how that helps?0
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I find that most of the time, when I crave sugar, I'm really just thirsty. If I drink a glass of water and I still want some sugar, I will eat something sweet. Maybe those who struggle with binging could try reaching for a glass of water instead of the cake first and see how that helps?
Good advice.
Been there. Done that. Still doing that.
What works for you, may not work for someone else. It sometimes works for me, but not all the time.
If I need cake, I'll reach for carrots. They are great! Both sweet and crunchy.0 -
I find that most of the time, when I crave sugar, I'm really just thirsty. If I drink a glass of water and I still want some sugar, I will eat something sweet. Maybe those who struggle with binging could try reaching for a glass of water instead of the cake first and see how that helps?
Good advice.
Been there. Done that. Still doing that.
What works for you, may not work for someone else. It sometimes works for me, but not all the time.
If I need cake, I'll reach for carrots. They are great! Both sweet and crunchy.
The key is finding what works for you and not making excuses, which is what you're doing by reaching for the carrots and not the sweets.
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I can totally relate to this. I determined a few months ago that I am a "sugar addict". I did not eat any sugary food for a month then for some reason I ate a granola bar. Then it was another, a pop tart, chips, etc. I have had a few bad weeks but I get up determined everyday. Please don't tell me to not buy sugary stuff. My husband loves the sugar and his weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure are perfect! Oh, did I mention that I am a "new" type 1 diabetic (since March). I will join you on this mission. Hopefully you will be be a good support for me!0
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Hi, everyone!
I've been wanting for some time to limit my sugar intake in all of my food and I thought I'd write a topic for this and monitor my progress, and also to motivate me to go on forward. This is a diary kind of topic, but please feel free to post replies and also post your own tips, tricks, advice and progress.
Please note that this is a personal decision and I am not encouraging anyone to follow in my steps, unless you're aiming for the same goal. I am doing this for my own health and also to form a new habit.
Now, the reason why I want to limit my sugar intake in all foods is because I am quite sugar sensitive. If I have a small bite of something sugary (sweet or not), I will start an awful binge session!
No junk food, sweets or alcohol unless it is a festive day, or a party (and that's usually pretty seldom). They make me quite sick to my stomach, too, but if it's just once or twice a month, I will be fine. Sometimes, even I need to let go and be a little wild.
No candies and pastries, unless it is very dark chocolate. I'd much rather make my own sweet things since I know I make the best choices for my appetite.
Join me, if you want! Or give me advices. Please don't tell me that it's okay to eat sugar, because it is not for me. Sugar is dangerous, but I don't want to avoid it forever. I also hope I won't bore you with my daily stories and food diaries.
It's just something I need to stay on track.
Sugar is not dangerous, it just happens to be your kryptonite. Maybe you just need to increase your fibre in take. All the best.
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OP--your diary entry for coffee leaves me questioning your entries. No calories for carbs or protein but you have milk listed with coffee. You have 12 grams of sugar but nothing for carbohydrates. Maybe some time reviewing your diary entries and their accuracy can lend assistance to your goals. Best of luck.0
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I can totally relate to this. I determined a few months ago that I am a "sugar addict". I did not eat any sugary food for a month then for some reason I ate a granola bar. Then it was another, a pop tart, chips, etc. I have had a few bad weeks but I get up determined everyday. Please don't tell me to not buy sugary stuff. My husband loves the sugar and his weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure are perfect! Oh, did I mention that I am a "new" type 1 diabetic (since March). I will join you on this mission. Hopefully you will be be a good support for me!
Would you steal sugar?-1 -
I've been one guy who has noticed a difference when eating sugary foods: not just in my consumption overall, but also with my aches and pains. Doc told me I had arthritis in my shoulder, suggested taking out excess sugar. Fruit is fine, just not adding refined cane sugars and making sure to check processed and packaged foods. Very noticeable difference for me.0
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_Terrapin_ wrote: »OP--your diary entry for coffee leaves me questioning your entries. No calories for carbs or protein but you have milk listed with coffee. You have 12 grams of sugar but nothing for carbohydrates. Maybe some time reviewing your diary entries and their accuracy can lend assistance to your goals. Best of luck.
I'm l i m i t i n g sugar, not avoiding it or cutting it out completely. Why is it so hard to understand?
I drink coffee with or without stevia or agave syrup. I choose full fat rather than skim or low fat because it has less sugar, but I don't have a large pint of full fat milk or yogurt, just a small cup.
Last few days have been bad for me in terms of sugar intake because of Christmas parties and the likes. I can't change the past, but I will change the future.
(we have christmas parties before christmas here in denmark)0 -
She is trying to conquer her own food struggles people. We all have foods that we really like and that we need to monitor better. Sugar is hers. No big deal.0
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SugaR IS LIKE A DRUG!
it is adictive like same as cocaine
Agreed! They actually did a study on rats using cocain and sugar...in the end the rats went for the sugar.
Processed sugar actually lights up the same parts of the brain as Cocain does. It's really nasty to think about how much we consume!
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SugaR IS LIKE A DRUG!
it is adictive like same as cocaine
Agreed! They actually did a study on rats using cocain and sugar...in the end the rats went for the sugar.
Processed sugar actually lights up the same parts of the brain as Cocain does. It's really nasty to think about how much we consume!
Sources?0 -
OP, like a lot of others on the thread, I know that if I have a cookie, I just want another cookie (or 10), but if I eat an apple or orange, I'm quite satisfied. Similarly, I really like to have some wine, but it tends to have the same effect. I just crave more. So, regardless of the "sugar is sugar" arguments, I agree that if this is the effect certain things have on you, it's best to limit those triggers.
Good luck to you!0 -
hi,
I have been reducing my sugar for a month now, and I have to say it's a hard process to follow but entirely worth it, you just feel better. I started with two books that some might consider "not serious" reading "I Quit Sugar" and "Sugar Savvy Solutions". However they got me interested enough in researching into why sugar is such an epidemic in this country, as with anything I take some of the information out there and leave a lot of it out there. I think for me, it all comes down to balance and common sense. I would definitely like to hear how others are fairing on the "no sugar" journey.0 -
So she should say she's choosing to avoid added refined sugars. Or saying she's still eating unrefined fructose. I dunno. I get what your argument is.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
Enjoy the flu meds, as best one can to survive the flu.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
You replied to MY post.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »I can resist binging if eating fruit, but any processed, sugary goodies give me crazy cravings. I have given up refined sugars in the past and my cravings subsided. Each time, however, I thought I was cured, ate something refined and the cravings returned followed by binging. For me there is really no moderation -- I have to completely avoid refined sugar. Even if I stopped eating after one brownie, cookie, etc. I continued to think about it and obsess about it all day. I was preoccupied with getting my next fix. I am once again on the wagon (hopefully for good). It is not just about wanting to lose 10 pounds, it is about wanting to stop the obsessing. So, I guess you could say I am giving it up for two reasons: my vanity and my sanity!
DITTO!!! I could have written this. In order to stay sane, I have to give up sweets, simple carbs, limit how much fruit I eat, and eat sufficient protein. I've been back on the wagon this time since August 8th, almost 4 months. I rarely feel deprived, and when I do, I just remember how horrid my life was when my eating was out of control. For me, giving up sugar is the ticket to a better life. MUCH better!
you just said you eat fruit aka sugar….
What is it that about YOU that needs to tell everyone that their relationship with food (that differs from yours) is wrong? Perhaps, just perhaps? they aren't YOU? yowsa.
I never said it was wrong, I questioned the fallacy of saying one is addicted to sugar, but still eats sugar.
that is like saying I am a crack head, but I can still snort cocaine, because the cocaine is "natural"…
and why do YOU care? Are you following me?
no, I did not. I replied to Lefty's post….
and then you jumped in and decided to white knight...
Apologies. you replied to another person who thinks like me, not like you. My bad. I lost track.
back to reality: What is it that about YOU that needs to tell everyone that their relationship with food (that differs from yours) is wrong? Perhaps, just perhaps? they aren't YOU?
see my previous answer…
but here is the cliff notes..
I never said there was anything wrong with it.
I questioned the fallacy of saying that sugar is bad and then in the next sentence saying that one still eats sugar.
And I've repeatedly questioned why fruit and twinkles MUST be the same in ALL INDIVIDUALS.
I don't understand your point/question ..but I am on flu meds right and slightly delirious...
Feel better.
All I'm suggesting is: consider that not everyone responds to any given food/exercise just as you do today, as you are... heck even YOU won't... over time.
feel better.
thanks…
I never said that everyone responds the same way ..my original point was that it is kind of ludicrous to say that you are addicted to sugar and then turn around and say that you still eat sugar, but it is OK because it comes from fruit..
If an alcoholic told you that they drink beer everyday but it is only whiskey that they have a problem with, I think that you would find that statement a little crazy….
my argument has always been that sugar is sugar …
if someone has a medical condition then they do need to avoid/limit sugar consumption, I agree….
All I'm saying is that I *DON'T* believe the body necessarily reacts to fruit and the foods with added refined sugars the same. And I DON'T believe every one's body reacts the same to any given foods. Sans a "medical condition".
To me, it's perfectly logical for someone to limit refined sugars (that are added to foods) but not give up fruit.0 -
SugaR IS LIKE A DRUG!
it is adictive like same as cocaine
Agreed! They actually did a study on rats using cocain and sugar...in the end the rats went for the sugar.
Processed sugar actually lights up the same parts of the brain as Cocain does. It's really nasty to think about how much we consume!
Sources?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm2T2LXZLtU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zyqyXTQhiw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ygYEDRIaM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU3GvRsFHqY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d-TQ4cB94U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uaWekLrilY 0
This discussion has been closed.
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