Figuring out how to stop sugar cravings isn't as hard as it seems. In fact, just understanding the science behind it alone can make all the difference.
It's true that many people's lives spin out of control just by eating a few bites of refined sugar, also known as sucrose, which can lead to binge eating, compulsive eating, overeating and even food addiction. But here are a few facts about sugar that just might make you think twice when it comes to your overall consumption.
First, sugar is the ultimate empty calorie. Due to the refining process, it's stripped of essential fiber and nutrients, and in order for your body to process it, it has to draw on its own reserves of vitamins and minerals to break it down. So, if you are constantly filling yourself up with empty calories, you might feel full physically for a short while but nutritionally and emotionally you'll feel empty.
Not only does sugar rob your body of nutrients, it also robs you of self-dignity, self-respect, and self-control. People cringe when their cravings for sugar overwhelm them and they wind up feeling guilty and ashamed when they give in. But one important factor to consider when it comes to sugar that food advertisers fail to tell you is that sugar is a hardcore, addictive drug.
Sugar is classified as a drug for two reasons:
1. When you eat it, you crave more;
2. When you withdraw from it, you go through withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, moodiness, and more cravings!
Hmm... you think M&M's Mars knows that? You betchya.
It's no mistaking that sugar is dominating the food supply these days. It's even been proven to be more addictive than heroin or cocaine. Eureka! In addition, sugar makes you fat and is the leading cause of weight gain and obesity, not to mention the fact that the overconsumption of sugar has led to the explosion of hypoglycemia and diabetes we see in society today.
Sugar addiction is impacted by a variety of influences, one being emotional eating. An inability to properly manage emotions under stress will lead to dysfunctional eating behaviors such as overeating, binge eating, stress eating, and compulsive eating, and often leaves you feeling inadequate and weak. However, there's not enough willpower in the world to curb a full-on binge when your physiology calls for it.
When your body demands energy, as in when your blood sugar drops too low, about the only thing that is a quick fix is sugar, therefore sugar is not really the problem but rather the solution. Since sugar is fast absorbed in your mouth, your body is smart enough to know to produce a craving to get it in you pronto to prevent you from passing out. The key here is determining where you're deficient - emotionally or physically, or both - and working backwards to fill the void(s).
Sometimes its not so obvious, as in your job is killing you or your spouse is toxic, and even when it is, you might not be so apt to changing it. You don't necessarily have to leave either one, yet stress eating comes as a result of emotional distress, so if changing yourself is not enough, you may have no other choice.
It's also important to consider all the physical drivers of sugar cravings (i.e. blood sugar imbalances) that must be addressed, which can be rather complex but with sustained effort, are totally worth it. Long term success with reversing the damaging effects of sugar on your body often requires stepping outside of the traditional medical model and working with holistic practitioners who are trained in natural, preventative protocols.
A top tip knowing how to stop sugar cravings is next time you get a craving for sugar, don't demonize it as if it's a weakness due to lack of willpower when it comes to eating it, because in reality, it's an important message from your body that there is an underlying imbalance somewhere that requires your attention ASAP. What that imbalance exactly is demands investigation, and whether it's physical, emotional, or mental satisfaction, the key to overcoming sugar cravings is identifying what your body wants and knowing how to feed it right.
Reducing sugar in your diet not only helps with inflammation, but weight loss gets easier, moods naturally balance out, energy levels soar and sugar cravings stop. What a relief! Plus, the even better part about getting a grip on sugar cravings is that once you do, you can easily still have sweet, you just crave it less so you're not left feeling so out of control around it, and who doesn't want that?!
It may take time, but persistence is power and will pay off in the long run.
Are you a busy entrepreneurial woman whose self-image and weight issues are holding you back from fulfilling your life's destiny? Claim your FREE audio 5 Ways Improving Your Health Will Improve Your Bottom Line at http://angelaminelli.com/.
Angela Minelli is an Emotional Eating Coach and Digestive Health Expert, author, speaker and founder of Angela Minelli International, a heart-based global business serving purpose-driven women entrepreneurs whose self-image and weight issues are inhibiting their confidence and blocking them from pursuing their life's passion.
She takes a stand for women who are living less than ideal lives, stopped by unnecessary fears that prevent them from stepping into their power and delivering their God-given genius to the world. Her coaching programs and products are designed for women with complex lifestyles yet allow for powerful transformation to take place within a small segment of time.
Post A Comment:
0 comments: