Sweet Poison

What do you think of when you hear the word “sugar”? Does a bag of the fine, white baking crystals come to mind? Childhood Kool-Aid®? Maybe you’re more of a salted caramel mocha person. Whatever way you crave your sugar, it still has the same effects on the body. And those effects aren’t so sweet. Simply put, sugar is a harmful, addictive substance. No matter how it’s presented, too much sugar affects the body in not-so-sweet ways. And it’s a bitter pill for every sweet tooth out there to try to break the sugar habit. 

Added sugars are found in a huge variety of processed foods, which we Americans voraciously consume. Studies have shown that sugar is addictive, similar to any addictive drug, and brain scans have found that it affects the limbic system of the body, which is responsible for emotional control. No wonder we rely more on sugar when we’re depressed, stressed, or anxious. We have all heard the term “sugar high” and may have experienced the mood-lifting feeling ourselves. It is ALWAYS followed by a crash of energy. Not good. But, hang on; we’re just getting started. Sugar may wreak havoc on our minds, but it’s flat-out deadly for our bodies.

Obesity rates are constantly on the rise, and sugar is one of the main culprits, as it affects the body’s ability to understand hunger and fullness signals. Sugar also contributes to abdominal fat, which, in turn, can increase your chance of developing diabetes and heart disease, among other serious health issues. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries, which open up a whole other can of serious heart problems.

The average American adult consumes about 17% of their calories from sugar, with children not far behind at 14%. In fact, in just one year, many Americans will consume their body weight in sugar; that averages out to 152 pounds a year! Of sugar!! These are staggering statistics, folks, considering the recommended daily intake is only six teaspoons for women and nine teaspoons for men. Let me repeat that with numerals: 6 and 9!! Children should only be consuming five to eight (5-8!) teaspoons a day! 

So, we know why we should lay off the sweet stuff, but sugar is, again, a drug. Therefore, it takes more than just willpower to quit. Your body may be addicted to sugar’s taste and effects. In case you need a little inspirational kick in the pants, we’ve rounded up a list of benefits that result from just saying “no.”

Sugar is not only addicting, but when eaten in large quantities, it can devastate the body and mind. It isn’t easy to stop consuming something that’s so prevalent in so many of the foods we eat. From peanut butter to condiments, there are many sources of hidden sugars, not to mention the push for us to devour sugary drinks and processed foods. But by eating a diet rich in fruits and sources of naturally occurring sugars, you can begin to break the habit of reaching for that midday candy bar. Protein-packed snacks, like nuts, make a great alternative and give lasting energy so you can feel full. Now is the time to quit this sweet poison and start living a healthier life on your terms!