Hi, My name is Melissa and I am addicted to sugar.

jagwab · June 2012

I truly think there can be an addiction to sugar.
It always hits me towards the end of the day, mostly when I am at work.
I get antsy and fidgety, maybe a little moody.
And then I cave in a buy me go to bag of peanut M&M's. Not the small bag.
But the bag that is meant for sharing. But of course I don't share.
As soon as I put the first M&M in my mouth I can actually feel a sense of relief come over me.
Just like when I used to smoke.

If I can quit smoking surely I can quit sugar.

I need ideas of what I can put in my pocket when I am work. I was thinking about a couple of jolly ranchers.
Sweet and they last long. Or would that not be helpful at all.

michellekicks · June 2012

Definitely sugar is addictive.

To curb the cravings, I find the best way is to detox off for a week. Seriously... if I restrict to no sugar other than from fruit for one week, my cravings subside, my moods stabilize and I'm able to make much better choices.

Failing a complete detox, just make sure you eat a good protein source every time you eat... so don't eat anything unless you're getting something high in protein with it (like at least 10+g). If you aim for protein, fat and carbs (high fiber when possible) at every meal and snack, your body may not crave as much.

Sugar spikes cause sugar crashes cause sugar cravings cause sugar spikes cause sugar crashes... etc.

Cait_Sidhe · June 2012

I quit smoking cigarettes July 2011 after smoking for 26 years and literally watching my mother die of cancer. That was an addiction.
I've had friends die from heroin overdoses and friends destroy their lives over meth. That's an addiction.
Sugar is yummy. That's not the same thing.

rahrahrita · June 2012

I almost always go over my sugar goal.. but i don't want to stop eating sugar! I like sugar :P

blackschecter · June 2012

Book called Fat Flush Plan helped me cleanse without starving or having cravings too bad. I have also heard that eating a tbs of peanut butter helps when cravings hit..

But I agree that detox is best. Get it out of your system for awhile

michellekicks · June 2012

Actually, research is finding it is addictive in the same way that drugs and alcohol are addictive... and completely toxic in the same way. And I do understand the severity of drug addiction.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-skinny-on-obesity-with-robert-lustig-concludes-all-episodes-now-available-on-uctv-primes-youtube-channel-2012-05-31

newlife888 · June 2012

Hi Melissa,

I also think sugar is very addictive. For me the best strategy seems to be cutting back by eliminating one sugary thing at a time and substituting it with a healthier option. Do you drink soda? I gave that up first and it seemed to help a lot. Also try bringing fruit snacks to have throughout the day, or even begin by cutting back the amount you give yourself. Like instead of buying a large sharing size bag of peanut m&ms, have you considered buying one of those large bags with little pre-portioned snack sized baggies of the same candy in there? Then bring 2 or 3 of them to work... and cut down the portion as you go. I'm sure it would save you calories and money too! Once you're down to one a day, the sugar cravings will be way more manageable - to the point that you could switch the candy out for fruit.

Also, have you tried trail mix? Having protein helps stave off my sugar cravings. Trail mix has nuts, which are filling, and dried fruit, which can be quite sweet. Perhaps you could pre-portion trail mix as an alternative?

I hope this helps. You are not alone in dealing with sugar addiction... it can be quite powerful.

juliekin · June 2012

I love fruit and substitute it for sugar. I sometimes have 1 level tsp. of sugar in the morning with my steel cut oatmeal. No soda, no refined stuff (usually). I went to a party last night and I didn't like the cake- it was amazing. But I went mostly cold turkey. I have a frozen yogurt on occasion, but I get the bigger high from fruit now, or even exercising.

annabellj · June 2012

try chewing gum. i find if i dont have it at all, i dont crave it, just be strong and dont buy it, dont bring money to work if need be. you can do it! mints help also. have an apple to fend off the sugar cravings in the afternoon if gum doesnt cut it.

aguenther1990 · June 2012

Sugar is every bit as terrible for you as smoking or any other drug. It's quite addictive and because of this causes obesity. I've gotten headaches, shakiness, cold sweats, etc from quitting sugar. And it's oh so easy to start eating it again. I found that drinking diet soda make me want sugar more so I want to quit that too. What really helps though is fruit. Every time I feel like I really want to eat chocolate or ice cream I just eat an orange. I know that it has quite a bit of sugar in it but it's not refined sugar and it keeps me from bingeing on ice cream.

nursenelson · June 2012

Ummmm actually it is an addiction....... it may not be alcohol or drugs but it is deadly too to people that have eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa (aka Binge Eating or Food Addiction)
Google Eating Disorders and Food Addiction.
People are actually addicted to sugar, wheat and flour. I know cuz I'm one of them.....

Cait_Sidhe · June 2012

Seriously? You're using a Lustig reference as evidence? :laugh:

michellekicks · June 2012

He has certainly gained the attention of some mainstream media outlets... I originally heard of that video on 60 minutes, which is fairly reputable as far as I can trust any media anyway.

But a number of additional studies are mentioned here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_addiction

I can show you people I know who use cocaine recreationally and are not addicted in the slightest and go on to say, "See? It's not addictive at all! It's just fun." But tell that to the person who has lost their family and their home because of their addiction. Same with gambling. Same with alcohol. Same with any other addictive substance or behavior.

Anayalata · June 2012

Oh my... You have much to learn my young apprentice.

TyFit08 · June 2012

I agree with the detox idea. Give your body a break from the refined sugars for a week or so and you won't crave it as much. I did it last week. For 7 days I had no fruit, no grains, no bread, no sugar period. My carbs came from my veggies. This week I tried to eat 2 whole wheat waffles and the syrup made my stomach hurt. It was so sweet, I just didn't want it.

leashy513 · June 2012

Sugar free gum really helps me get the sweet taste without the calories.

Packets of emergen-c give me a good boost instead of going to caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda.

Blackberries are in season and 1 serving of blackberries is pretty much a cup, they are very low fat and relatively low in carbs and sugar. Plus since it is a simple sugar so your body breaks it down pretty easy. Other berries could work too, blueberries, strawberries.

Finally, the things that have become my "go to" snack items are GoGo Squeez (http://www.gogosqueez.com/) pouches for the sweet taste and carrot sticks for the crunch. You can get go go squeez packets at walmart and qvc.

There is also always fat free or sugar free chocolate pudding if you just want the chocolate! Or no pudge microwavable brownies with fat free yogurt, they are delicious!

Hope these help!

craigking · June 2012

Hi Mellisa, how about this for a motivational thought when reaching for that carb loaded snack....

Large Spikes in Insulin Can Cause Muscle Loss!

So insulin turns OFF the fat burning switch and turns ON the fat storage switch. This is bad enough, but it can also cause you to lose lean muscle. Here is how…when insulin brings down the blood sugar levels often times it "over-corrects" by causing low blood sugar. The body normally combats low blood sugar by releasing energy from stored fat, but the high level of insulin will not allow this to happen. The only source of energy in this circumstance is protein. Your body will break down muscle protein when faced with this dilemma. It is a bad situation…gaining fat while at the same time losing lean muscle. Not a good deal at all!

Muscle tissue burns 7 times more calories than fat tissue and pound for pound is about half the physical size. This bit of info really focused me and stopped me reaching for the biscuits!!!

Whitezombiegirl · June 2012

I use to be a massive sugar-addict. It is possible to get thorugh it.

I think the best way to get over it is to go cold-turkey. i did the Clean & Lean diet for a month and had no sugar- even no ketchup or fruit, no sugar in drinks, no diet soda, no honey etc. or anything sweet. It was hard at first but them it became easy. I find i crave a sweet taste after a meal so I usually use something bitter to take the craving away- a strong cup of decaff coffee, suck a walnut, brush my teeth or use mouth wash- it really helps (I keep these things in work as well as at home). I also carry snacks around with me- I like whole almonds (1 portion = 5 almonds, for me) 1/2 cooked cubed chicken breast, ham slices (1 thickish slice cut up), crudite (no dressing , no dips) or cooked cubed pork loin with black pepper and herbs)

I find it hard to eat sweet things now as they give me headaches and I find they taste too sweet. I have incorporated the odd bit of fruit into my diet and the occasional few raisins to add to my nuts (I've never had sugar in my drinks or drank soda so i don't miss that) I find that i crave protien now when I'm a bit munchy- but if i let myself get ravenous I do start eyeing up all sorts of carbs- chocolate, pastries, porrige etc. (and occsionally I give in and eat more than i actually needed to kill the hunger

. I always end up regretting it and feeling bloated and sick- but it will happen again so i don't beat myself up over it)

Darkwolf864 · June 2012

Food is one of the worst addictions, it can be one of the hardest things to overcome; you can quit smoking - you don't need it to live, and the same goes for other serious drugs. But you can't quit food you will never be able to avoid it that's why it is so difficult.

So of course you can be addicted to sugar i don't understand why there needs to be any negativity about this issue - everyone is different and therefore have different vulnerabilities. Something that has really helped me is to look into deficiency's such as vitamins they have an incredible impact and role in your diet and desire for different types of food. Also keeps your sugar levels, level throughout the day helps immensely, when you eat something high in sugar you levels rapidly rise and then isulin is released to combat it and they crash causing you to need more sugar. If you eat food tht releases sugar slowly iit should substantially reduce cravings.

Eating disorders, particularly anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental health illnesses - I just wanted to highlight the seriousness of food as an addiction because many people don't relalise.

For everyone fighting addicitons I truly believe in you to overcome them, imagine yourself without it and how it will transform your life. Love and good-luck xxxxxxxxxxx

Cait_Sidhe · June 2012

I can't post links because I'm on a work computer and most sites are blocked. But google "Lustig Debunked"

onceagainigo · June 2012

Hi Melissa,

Me too! Cake and chocolate, Diet coke or Pepsi max are the worst. I get cravings too, and I just have to have it.

On occasion i even feel a bit panicky if there is none in the house. But then I have to have none in the house, as otherwise I will go on a binge!

shoobz · June 2012

Technically, you're not addicted to the sugar, so in one way you're right.

But in another, far more practical, less uppity and pedantic way, you're completely wrong, because you can be addicted to anything you enjoy, and sugar is not JUST enjoyable, it is a necessary part of your diet. An addiction is not necessarily a physical one, but if the OP has a sugar crash and craves sweet things, then yes, that is her body telling her she needs it right now. If she feels like **** because she doesn't have it, it's an addiction. It may not send her into a cold sweat, but a mild addiction is still an addiction.

And even if it wasn't a physical response, often when a person enjoys something they can become addicted to the hormones released when they do it, which DOES satisfy your definition of addiction because they're chemicals too.

smill101 · June 2012

This may already have been said as I haven't read all the posts:
Studies have proved that sugar & corn syrup (artificial sweetener) are a major contributor to the main reasons why Britain & the USA have high levels of obesity. Corn syrup (fructose (HFCS)) is added to most processed foods to soften texture, add volume, prevent crystallization of sugar, and enhance flavour (making the food taste sweeter). The problem starts because high sugar levels in the food fool the brain into thinking it's not full (no off switch for eating), therefore increasing gluttony & binge eating.

aleks80 · June 2012

I was definitely a serious sugar addict until about 6 weeks ago. I ate loads of stuff that I wasn't even aware had high levels of sugar in (e.g. breakfast cereals that are marketed as being healthy, white bread, etc). After reading loads of research on the internet I decided to give up all sugars except for those in fruit and veg (I still keep a reign on fruit to 2-3 portions a day), only eat low GI carbs like oats, and started doing more regular exercise (4 x 30min per week) and the results have been amazing. The numbers are good - I've lost 6kg (13lbs) in 6 weeks of which about 4kg is fat and 2kg water (normal when reducing carbs), but the main positive is that I feel so much better. I can focus more, I'm less moody, less fatigued between meals, etc.

The first 2 weeks were really difficult, as my wife will testify, and I was cranky and tired all the time - definitely signs that sugar is indeed addictive as going cold turkey was a nightmare. Then all of a sudden one day the fog lifted and I felt great. Now where I used to crave chocolate and biscuits in the evening, I look forward to a piece of fruit or a handful of brazil nuts and feel much better for it.

For me personally I am not viewing the 'no sugar' plan as a detox, but hopefully as a life-long change. From what I have experienced, sugar is indeed both addictive and a toxin with no place even in a balanced diet (except for those naturally occurring in fruit and veg in reasonable quantities). As I say I can only speak for myself and how i feel, and don't claim these as broad brush solutions for everyone else, I just know it works for me.

tinks1999 · June 2012

Hi Melissa, it's not known as deadly white powder for nothing! I also have a huge sugar addiction which worries me terribly. I would like any tips. The problem is manufacturers pump nearly everything with it. :frown:

aleks80 · June 2012

May not be the answer you want to hear, but the only real way is to avoid processed foods and cook from scratch. If everything is made up from the basic ingredients without anyone adding things to make it last longer, make it cheaper, colour it, enhance its flavour, etc then it is will be a whole lot better for your body and will almost certainly have a lot less sugar. Its a hassle to find the time to do it, but its definitely worth it. We've got a young family, so when we do cook we make loads that will last for few days, but takes pretty much the same amount of time as just making it for one meal. Hope this helps.

LooseWheel · June 2012

The first and quickest sure fire thing to help beat a craving is tensing muscles. This has been shown to help with sugar and smoking cravings. The physical motion of tensing all muscles you possibly can all at once for several seconds including, hands, arms, stomach, bum, pelvic floor muscles (for girls only of course!) upper legs, lower legs, toes man!!!! Squeeze, friggen squeeze. That first muscle tension can have a physiological reaction that can release a strong burst of endorphins. A kind of satisfying rush that temporarily distracts your body and mind from the focus of wanting that specific sugar, food or nicotine item. The rush that takes just seconds of tensing, to give you power to beat a five minute craving. That first strong craving can initially be beaten with this tensing technique and the endorphine rush will last that 5 minutes and then do it again if you crave reoccurs minutes later. Keep doing this. Try it for all cravings that you know are not right for your body, you know they are huge if you give in as in you have a lower level of self control (such as eating the whole pack, not just a couple). If you are able to learn to satisfy a craving by a small dose of what you are wanting, such as 10 M&M's and not a whole pack, then you are able to teach your mind 'simple craving satisfaction'.

Just going off what I have learnt and can happily say I dont crave chocolate anymore. It can last in the fridge for ages, I dont even scoff the kids chocies either!

Going cold turkey is hard. It is the hardest thing to do with sugar over cigarettes. I quite smoking cold turkey no probs. Also gave up daily cola over doses cold turkey and put up with head aches for a week. I think your body can get used to sugar differently, every persons body will react to sugar and respond to quitting high doses differently.

Have to look at what you've done b4 thats been even the slightest successful for cutting down on sugar. Often things work better 2nd time round. You have to take note of what your body might go through over the next month and let those around you know what you are doing. You will have withdrawals. Its a shock to your system making extreme changes. If you cant handle the cold turkey kind of shock, do it in steps.

Good luck. You've made the first step of identifying an issue in your life that you want to take control of. Take the second, write it down and remain aware of all changes, thoughts, feelings, physical reactions and remain in control of it all. Best of luck mate. It can be done. You will do this

htimpaired · June 2012

I saw this title and thought I wrote something in my sleep and didn't remember, 'cause my name is Melissa too, and I totally have a problem with sugar. Specifically, gummy candies. a big bag of them from the bulk section of my grocery store. I also used to smoke, and totally find myself experiencing cravings, urges, those overwhelming thoughts of how good it will taste...it makes me sad really. I mean, rationally I can tell myself...it's FOOD! and it's making me gain weight!
But as with anything, rational doesn't always apply.

I have sugar-free italian ices in my freezer, and sugar free jello in my fridge. I'm hoping they help with the craving. I'm thinking I'm gonna go cold turkey, just like I did with cigarttes. Unless someone comes up wtih a sugar patch!

LooseWheel · June 2012

Understanding sugar...And seeing it in a size you know sugar as a spoonful. One can of cola = 10 teaspoons of sugar. Sounds huge as you wouldn't do that in your cup of coffee huh!

This info comes from an article 'The anatomy of a sugar hit' from Good Health magazine, November, 2011. (In Australia)

1 teaspoon contains 4 grams of sugar
to work out how many teaspoons of sugar a product contains, divide the amount of sugar on the pack in grams by four.

eg: A chocolate bar with 12 grams of sugar would equal 3 full teaspoons.

1 gram of sugar provides 12 kj of energy. (Kilojoules)
multiply the grams of sugar in a product by 16 will tell you how many of the foods kj's are actually sugar.

eg: 1gram of sugar = 16kj of energy
so....
12gram of sugar (the chocolate bar) = 192kj of energy.

Thats the math part.

.......................................................

Looking at that can of cola again. It is harmful to you as soon as it enters you face! The high sugar AND acid content, a lethal combination, can increase dental decay and enamel ersoion. (So if you gonna have it, use a straw and save your teeth).

Next stop, cola goes to your stomach. Then into your small intestine where the sugar component metabolises into both glucose and fructose. This is the process that allows the sugar to hit your bloodstream.

After around 20 minutes your blood sugar levels will have peaked, a sensor in your brain instructs your pancreas to secrete large amounts of insulin to help deal with the excess of glucose in your bloodstream. Meanwhile your liver is trying to metabolise the fructose and will also have to work overtime to remove any excess insulin that remains after blood sugar levels have stabalised.

Next effect - your Brain. With insulin pushing the glucose around your body, you will certainly feel a surge of energy and may even feel more mentally alert. The sugar influx also increases the brain's production of serotonin, a neurochemical that's linked with pleasure and reward - right now that sugar high feels good.

After a few hours, your body has burned up all the glucose it could possibly use, while the liver has metabolised as much fructose as it can handle - the leftovers, wait for it, ARE CONVERTED INTO FAT. As levels of circulating glucose fall, that initial sugar high turns into an energy crisis for your brain and you'll feel the need for another hit.

This is a similar physical reaction and effect that taking drugs can have on your body.

Thats why sugar truly can become an addiction as you are teaching your body to feel its become reliant on it and you give in and take another hit.

Hopefully this understanding on the effects that sugar can have on your body, can truly and honestly help you to understand its duty in your body and also motivate you like never before to take control of this substance. Truly take control matey. It can be done.

Best replacement for sugary fixes can be sweet fruits too. It is a beneficial swap in many ways. cheers guys!

ready2tryagain42 · June 2012

I have a very good friend of mine who admits her sugar cravings and addictions. About 4 years ago she had to give up sugar due to them being a symptom that aggravated her chronic arthiritis. She told me some crazy stories..about how she would take Sugar in the Raw packets and shoot them all day long. It is addictive..but it is beatable.

SilviCor · June 2012

Hi Melissa, Remember, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

Hi, My name is Melissa and I am addicted to sugar.

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