The honey trap: Decadent triple chocolate cake, French crème brule, New Yorker blueberry cheesecake, Rich nougat gelato; Is your mouth watering yet? Sugar, has been our sweet escape, our comfort on lonely nights and our companion since the beginning of time. Our prehistoric ancestors used the detection of sweetness as a sign that something was edible. Therefore, we have psychological dispositions to feel ‘safety’ with sugar. Studies have shown that we naturally gravitate to sugar because the effects are similar to those of drugs such as morphine or even heroin. Sugar can produce opiodis in our brain, giving us a feeling of pleasure and self-satisfaction. So why are there 6 million Google links on the harmful effects of processed sugars?
Studies have shown that the average American eats 158 pounds of sugar a year. That would be 800 extra calories per day in the form of pure sugar which equals to 1 pound gained every 5 days. The primary diseases associated with the consumption of these extra calories are obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, poor immune functions, a rapid decrease in energy and a roller-coaster affect in your hormonal functions. With a worldwide epidemic in obesity we are not only harming ourselves and feeding the pockets of mean ‘Willy Wonkas’ but we are also harming the environment with useless sugar cane plantations. So what is the true golden ticket?
Vanquish the sugar monsters by avoiding: White sugar, brown sugar, cane syrup, sucrose, glucose, sucralose, dextrose, fructose, corn syrup, maltose, xylitol, sorbitol, aspartame, nutrisweet etc. Yes, sweeteners also contribute to a weakening of immune functions!
Stay natural with: fruits, raw honey, pure maple syrup, molasses, stevia and agave. The average human being consumes enough sugars through grains and starches and usually doesn’t need to fill the void with extras. If you are feeling the sugar craving treat yourself to 1 square of organic dark chocolate or tea with honey (if there are absolutely no fruits around).
Stay regular with mini-meals: Eat something healthy and nutritious every 2-3 hours. This way, your metabolism won’t go into sugar deficit and hypoglycemia. Once you get your diet off the binge habit, you’ll stop craving sugar for good. If you continue having problems, focus on exercising and seeing a nutritionist or health professional. They could help you with an initial detoxification program to get you started.
Even though we suffer from the many physical hardships of sugars, it is said that sugar-cravings a largely psychological. Try to find some sweetness and wholesome love in your life and usually you are half the way there! So when it comes to delicious apple pie and citrus sorbet, try to skip that for some real honey!
For Questions/Advise and interest in personal training: ns@theartofbody.com / 08123 89 09 99
