Sugar, the sweet powdery white substance that makes you feel good. Like a drug, the more you have, the more you want!
Sugar in excess causes a host of health and emotional imbalances. Diabetes and heart disease to highs and lows in mood are only a few physical manifestations. According to the USDA, the average American consumed 151 pounds of sugar in 2005. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily sugar consumption to 7% which is estimated to be 130-150 calories. This sounds a lot easier than it actually is. Most people eat many sources of food every day that contain sugar. Recent studies show consumption of sugar comes from soft drinks, fruit drinks, and sports drinks. The rest sneaks into our diets from ketchup, sauces, breakfast bars and cereal.
High levels of sugar intake increase risk for type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and heart disease. Sugar intake has also been linked to depression, migraines, poor eyesight, autoimmune diseases (such as arthritis, and multiple sclerosis), gout and osteoporosis.
Tips To Overcoming Sugar Addiction
1. Drink water. Many times sweet cravings can be a sign of dehydration.
2. Create a supportive environment. Remove sweet treats from the house or ask family members to remove the temptation by moving it to where you do not see it.
3. Reduce Caffeine. Caffeine causes blood sugar swings that cause sugar cravings.
4. Do not use food to mask your emotions. Turning to sugar or food to comfort when stressed, anxious to avoid feelings. Incorporate new, non food related patterns of self care. Try changing your focus to places, people, and situations which make you feel nurtured to combat the urge to eat.
5. Keep a food journal. Food journaling is a way to keep track of when, where, and how many times you tend consume sugar.
6. Eat sweet vegetables and low-sugar fresh fruit. Raspberries, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and grapefruits are great low-sugar fruit options. Avoid mangoes, bananas, and dried fruit.
7. Get physical. Twenty minutes of exercise helps balance blood sugar levels and reduces tension.
8. Get more sleep. When we are tired our body craves more energy.
9. Stay away from artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes that contain aspartame, Nutrasweet, and Splenda Many scientific studies have proven risk of obesity from consuming aspartame.
10. Experiment with Spices. Coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom all naturally sweeten food and help to reduce sugar cravings.
The physical body doesn’t biologically need sugar, but it does need love, time with friends and family, exercise, hobbies and nature. When life is sweet itself we do not crave sugar and other additives!
Laura Schwalm is a Master Psychic Healer that offers Holistic and Spiritual Services to help individuals create overall balance in their lives. To read more about Laura’s services go to www.pureenergyhealer.com To read about classes and workshops Laura offers go to www.meetup.com/holistic-and-spiritual-transitions/
