I love sweets!

Cookies, ice cream, cake- you name it. While on my wellness journey, I started to notice how much sugar I was consuming. Every day, it was something sugary, a drink from Dunkin’, or a donut from the gas station. I could not resist, I don’t know if it’s just my taste buds, but anytime I have something salty or savory I have to follow it up with something sweet, or else I don’t feel satisfied.

It was starting to control my emotions- this where I started to draw the line. Waking up in the middle of the night, constantly rechecking the cupboards and fridge from just a little piece of anything remotely sweet was becoming a nuisance.

Why do I rely on sugar so much? My teeth and health were starting to be affected, and when I think back to my childhood, I always had unlimited access to sugar and unlimited cavities as well. 

It makes me happy when I eat sweets. I know there is a science to this, and that sugar alters your brain chemistry. I think behind my sugar is dopamine addiction-but one thing at a time I just know I need to make decisions for my health.

I had tried before, to quit sugar but I always relapse especially if everyone around me was consuming sugary foods. I just needed more will power and a plan. 

Week by week I started to wean myself off, I just went day by day. So when I would crave coffee from a coffee shop, I opted for sugar free instead. Luckily I don’t consume sugary drinks typically-I prefer water. What also helped was adding flavor enhancer drops and powders that were sugar free and tasted sweet. 

I started doing more research on the forms of sugar that didn’t cause a spike in my blood sugar. I started consuming fruit, fruit doesn’t just have sugar but also fiber and other nutrients, so we don’t get that sudden jump in our blood sugar.Honey and maple syrup I am also a fan of, when making desserts I always opt for one of these options.

My take away from breaking my sugar addiction  was not to do it cold turkey-hey, some people can. For me the cravings were just too intense and I would give in. Setting goals like : “I’m only going to get a small ice latte today instead of a large one like I usually do.” 

Thinking like this helped me move forward, it’s important to celebrate your wins even when they are small. I had such guilt when I would fall off track but I understand that you can always get back on track.

I also would say removing all the processed sugars from your pantry and fridge is a great way to make yourself choose a better alternative, it may be hard for those living with others, just try your best.

I hope this can help some of those trying to lessen their sugar intake and make it just a little bit easier as someone who was once addicted to sugar.