Breaking the Sugar Addiction

Yes — sugar is an addiction. In our culture of processed foods and high fructose corn syrup, we’re bombarded on a daily basis with enough sugar to kill you. If your goal is health, good nutrition and of course, six pack abs, then you will need to address this “white death” face to face.

Interesting facts:

• before the 20th. century, the average person consumed 5 lbs of sugar per year
• over the last 20 years, in the US, the average person has increased their sugar consumption from 26 lbs to 135 pounds annually.

Known consequences of too much sugar are:

• faster skin aging
• reduceed antioxidant enzymes
• reduced immune system
• arthritis
• bowel disease
• dental health issues
• diabetes
• fuels cancer cells

…not to mention weight problems – and this is just a shortlist.

Limit your Intake

Stay away from refined and processed foods. The obvious bad guys are candies and sweets but the not-so-obvious ones are pre-packaged breads, pizzas, snacks and frozen pre-made meals. Fast food should be avoided as much of the processing of this food adds high-fructose corn syrup.

What Can I Eat?

Start eating things in their natural state, fruits, vegetables and other foods that are not refined and processed. Smoothies are a great way of getting a lot of nutrition in a glass. Smoothies can be just fruit, green (with dark green leafy veggies and fruit) and even chocolate (not the sugary kind, but with cocoa).

Stabilize your blood sugar levels by adding whole grains, lean quality meats, fish and eggs. The added fiber from your veggies, beans and grains will help to regulate your levels.

Your Body Might Rebel

Your body will have to detoxify. This is not a pleasant process. You may experience headaches, nausea and a lack of energy. You may also feel grumpy and irritable while you get rid of the dependence on sugar. It may take a few weeks to get past these withdrawal stages. Lots of water, patience and a steady supply of quality foods will get you through to where you actually start feeling better.

If you must have some sweeteners for your coffee, tea or for other uses consider using organic sugar which is not as heavily processed. Even better is the plant “Stevia.” This is an herb whose leaf is 300 times sweeter than sugar. It has a different taste that may take some getting used to – but if used in small amounts is a healthy sugar alternative.

So whether it’s incremental or cold-turkey, for the sake of your abs, your health and your life, kick the sugar habit!