We all have that guilty pleasure. Sometimes sweet treats are just too tempting to pass up! It’s OK to enjoy sugary treats in moderation, but if you can’t go a day without a sugary substance, you may be addicted.
Is Sugar Addictive?
You may not believe it, but sugar can be addictive. That’s one reason why Americans continue to over consume the sweet stuff. But why are we so addicted? The answer is that sugar triggers a response in our brains.When we consume sugar, we feel good. This is because dopamine—the feel-good neurotransmitter—is released. Dopamine is often associated with the reward center of the brain and also triggers a response in those using cocaine or heroin.
Sugar consumption lends itself to feeling good, elevated, and even excited and happy. Once we start, it’s hard to stop. We want to continue this feeling, so we reach for more sugary items. But when we continuously consume sugar and then stop, we can go into withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal can lead to cravings. The cycle continues, leading us to consume more and more sugar.
The problem with this is that eating too much sugar is linked to a long list of potential health issues, the most prevalent being obesity and diabetes. Eating overly sweet foods can also ruin your sense of taste and pleasure in more subtle, natural flavors.
5 Ways to Test If You’re Addicted to Sugar
Before we offer helpful tips on how to cut down on sugar, let’s determine whether or not you have a sugar addiction. Here are five things to look for to help you figure out if you’re addicted:- You eat to satisfy a craving even if you aren’t hungry.
- You become tired or sluggish after eating.
- You eat to negate negative emotions.
- It worries you to cut down on certain foods.
- Your work or social life is affected due to food issues.
5 Ways to Cut Down on Sugar
Eating sugar is linked to health concerns including obesity and diabetes. Here are some ways that you can cut down on your sugar intake:- Cut down on the amount of sugar you add to food items such as coffee or tea. You’re in control of these, so you can choose to leave them out.
- Make sugar swaps. Instead of reaching for sugar, use monk fruit, stevia, xylitol, bananas and other fruit, or honey to naturally sweeten food when cooking or baking.
- Recognize sugar on the label. Sugar goes by many names including sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, and so on. Being aware of these names will help you pick healthier foods.
- Stick with fruit. When you’re craving something sweet, stick with fruit instead of processed food. Fruit, too, can satisfy that sweet tooth.
- Spice things up. There are a variety of different spices, like cinnamon, that can replace sugar and, in fact, make food taste better. Become familiar with different herbs and spices when cooking.
Sugar should be a source of added sweetness, not the cause of health problems. Be mindful of the amounts you are consuming, and cut back when possible.
Republished from BelMarraHealth.com.
