The sour side of how we reward ourselves
Since going on a bit of a fitness and health drive Iāve been finding out a lot about myself and my thoughts, habits, and the way I deal with different situations. I never knew that food had such a vast control over me and the way I dealt with life, as I always considered I was a pretty healthy person due to my strict upbringing (in regards to food and health) as I was a very premature and sickly child.Ā
On the 1st of September I started the #SugarFreeSeptember Challenge where I cut out all sugar, including bread/carbs/fruit (as those = glucose/fructose = sugar). I started out confident and determined, by day 4 I was exhausted, hungry, and was suffering from massive headaches. I knew I was going through sugar withdrawal. But by day 6 my head and my eyesight felt clearer than ever and I was way more energised.Ā
Now what I want to talk about is not how I failed in keeping to the strict no-sugar/carbs thing for a whole month (because I did fail, not too badly mind you, at least I didn't go eat chocolate fudge cake ;-) I just strayed a bit with some freshly baked breads, champagne and honey in my tea).Ā
What I want to tell you is how much I realised I rewarded myself with sugar. In the past, if I had a slightly upsetting day I wanted to automatically reach for a chocolate or croissant etc. We constantly say to ourselvesĀ āoh, but Iāve had a shitty week, Iām going to reward myself with *insert food item here*.ā Have you ever noticed that it is nearly always food that is our go-to in times of stress? And more so than not, something sugary. This is easily understood becauseĀ when you taste sugar, the brain lights up in the same regions as it would in an alcoholic with a bottle of gin. Dopamine, the so-called reward chemical, spikes and reinforces the desire to have more. Dopamine levels spike when you are in love and when you take cocaine.Ā Sugar also fuels the calming hormone serotonin.Ā
[Image from:Ā http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2625451/Forget-fighting-fat-sugar-causing-massive-rates-obesity-claims-new-film.htmlĀ ]
So you see, we are ADDICTED. Sadly we have become a society that needs sugar to make us feel better.
Here is a really great video that explains the effects of sugar:
We all know that sugar is bad for weight and diabetes, there is enough research out there now to know that. But what I found out was MY OWN attitude towards food was so warped. We are a society of quick fixes and over indulgence, potions and pills, and using medication to fix a problem instead of prevention.
Now, instead of reaching for a packet of M&Mās or a can of Coke when you are feeling stressed, rather treat yourself with something your body and mind needs (and will thank you for!), and remember fruit juice is pure fructose i.e. SUGAR!.Ā
Things you can do: Take yourself for a walk (even better, walk your doggy), play with your cat, do some meditation, see a friend, watch the ocean, do an activity you enjoy, drink some water, or just close your eyes, breathe in deeply for a minute. You will feel so much better for it! Leave the cakes and cookies for those actual special occasions ā¦ and remember not to over indulge when in that moment.Ā
In conclusion, I think itās all about being AWARE, aware of what you are putting into your body and subsequently your mind ā¦
ā¦ This is one of the things I am working on at the moment.
If anyone has some good resources/info let me know!
Films/videos: That Sugar Film, Hungry for Change, Dr Joanna
Books/Articles: Your Bodies Many Cries for Water, Low-carb fruit, Your Brain on Sugar
