How did you beat your Sugar Addiction?

Anna L · 08-24-2007, 02:38 PM

Is there anyone here who would consider themselves a "Sugar Addict?"

I'm just wondering if anyone has been able to overcome their addiction to sugar. How did you do it?

I know I'm addicted to sugar like there's no tomorrow. Once I have a little, I just want more. I've tried going a day or two without it, and I am great. I feel so much better. Then, I give in, and that's the end. It's not as simple as just eating a little in moderation - I can't do it. It's like a drug for me. I'm talking about cookies, candy, cake, chocolate, etc...

I really want to give up cold turkey, and I'm wondering if anyone here has been successful at doing so.

icka · 08-24-2007, 03:05 PM

when you say sugar addict i believe you also mean "sweet tooth"? i have a mean sweet tooth. i haven't had to battle it though. when you go up against a craving i find you lose. I've moderated it and I've taught that pesky sweet tooth of mine to limit itself.

LadyNaomi · 08-24-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna L

Is there anyone here who would consider themselves a "Sugar Addict?"

I'm just wondering if anyone has been able to overcome their addiction to sugar. How did you do it?

I know I'm addicted to sugar like there's no tomorrow. Once I have a little, I just want more. I've tried going a day or two without it, and I am great. I feel so much better. Then, I give in, and that's the end. It's not as simple as just eating a little in moderation - I can't do it. It's like a drug for me. I'm talking about cookies, candy, cake, chocolate, etc...

I really want to give up cold turkey, and I'm wondering if anyone here has been successful at doing so.

I am definetly a carb/sugar addict. I don't know the answer, but I think the key is going to be moderation. I think if we deprive ourselves, we are self defeating. Lifestyle change and moderation is going to take us far.

erinid · 08-24-2007, 03:37 PM

I was a sugar addict-- and I don't mean sweet tooth-- I mean all out sugar addict able to eat a whole bag of candy without even thinking about it. At times I felt like I couldn't live without that sugar-- I would get headaches, nausea, exhaustion, etc. I quit cold turkey and had the worst headache of my life-- I was exhausted and could barely get out of bed in the morning. I ended up going back onto the junk (literally) until my best friend told me about metformin. Since I started I don't crave sugar. I have energy without needing sugar. I don't even take sugar in my coffee anymore!!! I know it is possible to just quit sugar, but it didn't work for me-- hopefully it will work for you!

Geo · 08-24-2007, 04:29 PM

I've dramatically reduced the amount of sugar I eat lately. Here's what I think worked: 1) I only drink water now, and Crystal Light on the rare occasion that I want a treat. 2) I allow myself as much fruit as I want, and I feel okay about the sugar in that because at least it's not the processed stuff and I'm getting some fiber too. 3) I think about the horrible things that raw sugar does to my body and how I want to be healthy and sugar is not the way there.

Now when I have like a real cookie or piece of chocolate or non-diet soda, honestly the sugar taste is wayyy too strong and I'm good after a bite or sip. I go drink some water.

julia_sometimes · 08-24-2007, 08:35 PM

don't keep it in the house...for me this meant going on Nutrisystem and only eating the protein-enhanced 'chocolates' that they offer. I can honestly say after 8 months of eating healthier foods and smaller portions I don't even want sweets...and if by chance I have some they are actually (dare I say) too sweet for my taste now!
Also! I had researched cinnamon supplements and have been taking them since January as well...they are supposed to help regulate sugar metabolism and I think they may be helping me with my cravings.
Best of luck - you can totally do it - just take it a day at a time (and when faced with some sweets, think about how good you'll feel at the end of the day for passing it up by reflecting on how bad you've felt for not

)

thismama · 08-24-2007, 08:38 PM

For me I had to cut out sugar and all high glycemic sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, etc). I can't do moderation re: sugar, like you.

I also cut out, and I think this was the key for me, all refined white grains, including bread, white rice, white pasta. I also limit whole grains, but do eat them regularly.

Eat protein with every meal and snack, especially at first. And for me I ate something with protein every two hours, at first. That really helped cut down cravings for sugar.

Eat plenty of fat, as well. Eating enough fat really makes a difference. Avocados, olive oil, cheese, etc.

Good luck!

SABTeacher · 08-24-2007, 11:15 PM

I recently made the same switch as the previous poster.

I know I have an addiction to simple refined carbs (sugar, white flour). It's not just a sweet tooth for me, it's a real addiction. In some ways, it's no different than any other addiction. I can't just have a little bit and once I have a little, I eat a lot.

About a month ago I decided to stop it all cold turkey. My diet no longer contains any sugar (and I mean any sugar, even if there's just a couple of grams per serving, I don't eat it). I also switched out white rice, white flour, and other simple carbs for complex carbs. My current diet consists of lean sources of protein, dairy, lots of fruits/veggies, and lots of 100% whole grains.

If I want something sweet, I eat fruit. I do not use any artificial sweeteners, honey, or maple syrup. I DO use a little bit of Agave Nectar (maybe a teaspoon) in my oatmeal and plain yogurt. I did this after experimenting and seeing that it does not have the same addictive effect on me. I also researched it and found out that it's primarily fructose (fruit sugar) and is lower on the glycemic index than an apple or brown rice.

So, that's my long answer to your question. I am definitely a sugar addict. I believe that the only solution for me is to not have it in my system at all. The first 5 days were the hardest. I experienced true physical withdrawal symptoms. After I got through that, I found that I feel better than ever! Also, I no longer crave sweets in the same way, because it's now out of my system. I plan to keep it going.

Best wishes,
Shari

Annw · 08-25-2007, 03:47 AM

What helped me curb my sugar cravings is exercise. I found that when I exercise regularly, 5-7 times a week, I no longer crave sweets. I didn't plan on it either, I just found out it's the way it is. I remember dishing out ice cream to my kids a couple of weeks ago and thinking "how weird, I don't feel like having any myself" lol

I am not an expert, but I think I read somewhere that sugar cravings can be a sign of insulin resistance - you may want to get tested for that too.

Anna L · 08-25-2007, 04:10 PM

Thanks everyone for the great and helpful advice.

I'm going to try really hard to not eat sugar/refined carbs for 1 week and really pay attention to how I feel physically and mentally.

LadyNaomi · 08-25-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SABTeacher

I recently made the same switch as the previous poster.

I know I have an addiction to simple refined carbs (sugar, white flour). It's not just a sweet tooth for me, it's a real addiction. In some ways, it's no different than any other addiction. I can't just have a little bit and once I have a little, I eat a lot.

About a month ago I decided to stop it all cold turkey. My diet no longer contains any sugar (and I mean any sugar, even if there's just a couple of grams per serving, I don't eat it). I also switched out white rice, white flour, and other simple carbs for complex carbs. My current diet consists of lean sources of protein, dairy, lots of fruits/veggies, and lots of 100% whole grains.

If I want something sweet, I eat fruit. I do not use any artificial sweeteners, honey, or maple syrup. I DO use a little bit of Agave Nectar (maybe a teaspoon) in my oatmeal and plain yogurt. I did this after experimenting and seeing that it does not have the same addictive effect on me. I also researched it and found out that it's primarily fructose (fruit sugar) and is lower on the glycemic index than an apple or brown rice.

So, that's my long answer to your question. I am definitely a sugar addict. I believe that the only solution for me is to not have it in my system at all. The first 5 days were the hardest. I experienced true physical withdrawal symptoms. After I got through that, I found that I feel better than ever! Also, I no longer crave sweets in the same way, because it's now out of my system. I plan to keep it going.

Best wishes,
Shari

*bows gracefully* All hail to queen Shari!!! I am so envious of you. WOW, that takes some will power, share some girl.

I have a question, I always hear we're supposed to use whole wheat spaghetti, brown rice, etc...but those have soooooo many carbs, are they really beneficial to us low carbers? Am I missing something?

tina_ · 08-25-2007, 10:30 PM

I’ve been off sugar for a week now. And the only thing that changed me was when I ended up in the hospital with the stomach flu. And I ended up having a blood gas test. And after that I realized that I have to lose the weight or I would end up in the hospital all the time. So I just quit right then and there and told everyone I wouldn’t have anything with sugar or have any junk food anymore till I lose weight.

SABTeacher · 08-26-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyNaomi

*bows gracefully* All hail to queen Shari!!! I am so envious of you. WOW, that takes some will power, share some girl.

I have a question, I always hear we're supposed to use whole wheat spaghetti, brown rice, etc...but those have soooooo many carbs, are they really beneficial to us low carbers? Am I missing something?

LOL. You can save the bows for now. It's only been a month. If I'm still doing this in a year, I'll accept the praise.

Willpower? Well, I had my daughter 8 months ago and I'm still quite a bit away from my pre-pregnancy weight. And, I was about 30 lbs overweight already when I got pregnant!!! So, that's where the willpower's coming from. And, obviously, it's important for me to be as healthy as possible for her and to set a good example when it comes to eating.

I'm finding that when the sugar and white stuff are out of your system you just don't crave them as much. It's when I was trying to "cut down" that I struggled the most. Having a little bit just triggered me to eat lots and lots more.

As for your question about the carb amounts, I guess each person has to figure out what works best for their individual body. Current opinion is that complex carbs are best for the body. They are often recommended for people with hormonal and blood sugar problems. They may sometimes be high in carbs, but they are lower on the glycemic index, are broken down VERY slowly, and do not cause insulin spikes. They provide the body with much needed fiber, nutrients, and energy and allow you to feel satisfied longer. The carbs that they contain are much healthier for the body than simple carbs like sucrose and bleached flour.

I know that eating this way works well for me. I feel satisfied and my body is less sluggish. I know that a lot of folks here have made the switch to only complex carbs and have had great success. There are even a lot of women with PCOS who are vegetarian and eat a diet that's quite high in complex carbs and non-animal sources of protein, and it's worked for them. Other women, may find that their bodies really do best when all carbs are limited. I think we each have to play around and experiment to see what works best, but IMHO, the days of super low carb are over. I think it's been shown in a lot of recent research that this is not the best approach for most people. Nowadays, it's more about trying to eat good, healthy carbs (complex) and limiting (or eliminating) those "bad" simple carbs.

Shari

SABTeacher · 08-26-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tina_

I’ve been off sugar for a week now. And the only thing that changed me was when I ended up in the hospital with the stomach flu. And I ended up having a blood gas test. And after that I realized that I have to lose the weight or I would end up in the hospital all the time. So I just quit right then and there and told everyone I wouldn’t have anything with sugar or have any junk food anymore till I lose weight.

So sorry about the hospital visit and having to go through the tests. I guess the only positive that came from it was your resolve to lose the weight and eat healthier. Best of luck to you!

Annw · 08-26-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SABTeacher

LOL. You can save the bows for now. It's only been a month. If I'm still doing this in a year, I'll accept the praise.

Willpower? Well, I had my daughter 8 months ago and I'm still quite a bit away from my pre-pregnancy weight. And, I was about 30 lbs overweight already when I got pregnant!!! So, that's where the willpower's coming from. And, obviously, it's important for me to be as healthy as possible for her and to set a good example when it comes to eating.

I'm finding that when the sugar and white stuff are out of your system you just don't crave them as much. It's when I was trying to "cut down" that I struggled the most. Having a little bit just triggered me to eat lots and lots more.

As for your question about the carb amounts, I guess each person has to figure out what works best for their individual body. Current opinion is that complex carbs are best for the body. They are often recommended for people with hormonal and blood sugar problems. They may sometimes be high in carbs, but they are lower on the glycemic index, are broken down VERY slowly, and do not cause insulin spikes. They provide the body with much needed fiber, nutrients, and energy and allow you to feel satisfied longer. The carbs that they contain are much healthier for the body than simple carbs like sucrose and bleached flour.

I know that eating this way works well for me. I feel satisfied and my body is less sluggish. I know that a lot of folks here have made the switch to only complex carbs and have had great success. There are even a lot of women with PCOS who are vegetarian and eat a diet that's quite high in complex carbs and non-animal sources of protein, and it's worked for them. Other women, may find that their bodies really do best when all carbs are limited. I think we each have to play around and experiment to see what works best, but IMHO, the days of super low carb are over. I think it's been shown in a lot of recent research that this is not the best approach for most people. Nowadays, it's more about trying to eat good, healthy carbs (complex) and limiting (or eliminating) those "bad" simple carbs.

Shari

Excellent post Shari! Thank you! I tried very low carbs for one week and it was awful for me. I felt great at first, then 5-6 days into it the headaches and weakness hit me. Once I got back to moderate consumption of complex carbs, I felt so much better. I follow the GI principles, roughly, avoiding insulin spikes is my goal now.