Sugar Addiction??

Are you addicted to sugar? Addiction to sugar is stronger for some people than others, but the truth is sugar is a powerfully addictive substance. If you've overindulged in cookies, candy, cake, or ice cream—and trust me, we all have, then you know its seductive pull. Food manufacturers are especially aware of this when they load sugar into soft drinks, breakfast cereal, soups, salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, energy bars, and even catsup.

We Americans consume an average of 20 to 30 teaspoons (about ½ cup!) daily of sugar daily, which has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), attention and memory problems, hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression. Every month a new study comes out adding to the list of dangers posed by consuming sugar and as well as high-fructose corn syrup, maltose, and dextrose. Despite the risks, we continue to eat sugar because it is so addictive.

In fact, sugar meets all the criteria for an addictive substance:
It stimulates release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, in a manner similar to alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs of abuse. People eat it compulsively, despite negative consequences and the intention to stop. With continued use, people develop a tolerance to its effects. Heavy sugar consumers have trouble functioning without it. When consumption ceases, withdrawal symptoms occur.

Letting go of dependency on sugar is easier said than done. Because the roots of sugar addiction are both physical and emotional, you need a combination of physical and psychological approaches. The less you eat sugar, the less you will crave it. If you get withdrawal symptoms, know they will only last a few days and then you'll feel more balanced and energetic than ever.
Some recommendations which will make it easier to get away from sugar are as follows:

Keep sugar and sugar products out of your house. This includes white and brown sugar, corn syrup, and maple syrup.

Eat healthy meals adding fresh fruit, vegetables, dried fruit and fruit juice to satisfy that sugar craving. Adding protein and fiber rich foods will also help by filling you up; taking away that empty feeling.

Drink plenty of water, keep hydrated.

Exercise!! When you get that sugar craving, get outside, walk, run, call a friend to join you! If you belong to a gym, get there and work out!!

Once you get past that withdrawal, you not only will feel better, but will have more energy. No more of that 2 pm slump!!