I love sugar. You probably already know that! 
I'm also trying to overcome my sweet tooth. Why? Because I eat way too many sweets, it's not what I'd call a healthy diet, it messes with my emotions, and it sure makes keeping a fit and lean figure a big challenge!
In my quest to learn more about sugar addiction and why sugar has such a stronghold on me, I came across a book called Potatoes, Not Prozac. It focuses on sugar addiction (which can play a part in depression and other negative feelings). I was intrigued.
The author, Kathleen DesMaisons, PhD, points out, that, sure enough, some people can become physically addicted to sugar. And she proceeds to give examples in research that support her hypothesis.
According to Dr. DesMaisons, some people are what she calls "sugar sensitive." Sugar sensitive folks have a biochemistry that makes them more inclined to becoming addicted to sugar, just like some individuals are predisposed to potential alcohol addiction.
Sugar sensitive individuals may be low in specific neurochemicals that help us feel calm, focused, confident, and optimistic. Sugar is a drug that temporarily makes the sugar sensitive feel better, but with negative consequences.
Sure, we all get a little giddy when eating lots of sugar, but a sugar sensitive individual has a much stronger response. To them, sugar makes all their nerve endings dance. They get much bigger highs and crashes from the sweet stuff.
It's not just an emotional bond with sugar or refined foods that is the only issue here. (As a side note, I must say that emotional eating is a real and important matter, as JoLynn discusses on her site, The Fit Shack)! Sugar addiction as presented in this book also involves an actual physical need for sugar in order to feel good.
Interesting concepts, and I wonder: Am I really a sugar sensitive person? Could I truly be addicted to sugar?
The book had a few "tests" to help answer these questions. One effective way to determine if you're truly addicted to sugar is to see how you feel when you don't have ANY sugar for a short time. If you start having withdrawal symptoms and then immediately feel better after having some sugar, you very well could be dealing with a physical dependency.
Another test that made me laugh (out of guilt) was the cookie test. Imagine you arrive home to find a plate of warm, chocolate chip cookies sitting on the counter. No one else is around. You're not hungry. What do you do?
Someone who may have a strong affinity for sugar would make a bee line for the cookies and eat at least one, maybe half the plate! Those who doesn't get a charge from sweets may look at the cookies and think about trying one. They may check the mail or phone messages first. They may say, "I'm not hungry now, so I'll wait until later." Their minds don't switch off at the sight and smell of the cookies.
The reason I laugh is because I belong to the first group, without a doubt! After learning of sugar's drug-like effects and what a sugar addiction looks like, I must conclude that I am indeed a sugar sensitive person. Hi, my name is Susan, and I'm a sugar addict. Truly.
So, if you've determined you're truly addicted to sugar, how do you break this addiction?
Dr. DesMaisons doesn't recommend going cold turkey and what she calls "white knuckling" it. A seven-step plan to help wean those from sugar and recover from a sugar addiction is described in later chapters.
What are your thoughts on physical addiction to sugar? Do you believe yourself to be "sugar sensitive?"
Photo credit: q83
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13 comments ↓
I’ve read one of Dr. DeMaison’s books (the one geared toward kids), and I absolutely believe that both my daughter and I are addicted to sugar.
In the last couple of weeks I’ve really worked hard at only keeping healthy, non-sugar snacks in the house, and while my daughter has complained, her behavior has been so much better!
I rarely eat added sugar, but I love my fruit and milk and other foods which are naturally pretty high in sugar. Apples especially are a favourite of mine, and sometimes if I don’t have an apple for a day or two I really start to crave them like crazy. I’m sure that it’s the missing sugar that my body is crying for! But at least it’s not added sugars (although I think I might be VERY tempted to go for the warm chocolate chip cookie too:)).
Lynnae,
After reading the first part of this book, I believe I am a sugar sensitive person and quite possibly physically dependent on the stuff. I get antsy and irritable if I don’t get my daily sugar fix!
Well, it sounds like the suggestions in the book for children are working for your daughter, even if she misses her sugar right now. Hopefully if they work for little ones, they’ll work for the adults too!
Sagan,
Good for you for avoiding the sugar! Fruits are a better option than candy. Apples have nutrients, fiber, water, and are lower in calories – all great things and much healthier than the chocolate chip cookies!
I wouldn’t be surprised if I am. Well, I get headaches if chocolate doesn’t touch my lips for 2 days. But I’m not sure if it’s the sugar or the caffeine. In most cases I’d go cold turkey…but it’s chocolate.
I completely believe in this as I try not to eat much sugar but, when I fall off the wagon (or leap. as I did when traveling this past weekend), it is UGLY.
Im ALL ABOUT trying to be sure my 2 year old doesnt follow in my footsteps.
interestingly I dont drink and never really did and have no urge to—-and supposedly this is so closely tied.
especially with wine (sugar essentially)
M.
Mrs. Micah,
What’s funny is that I’m NOT a huge chocolate lover! I mean, I do like chocolate, just not a lot at one time. I think the caffeine really affects me. I would (dare I say it?) choose vanilla ice cream over chocolate! Actually, if we want to get technical here, the best is chocolate chip ice cream (not mint) – A perfect amount of dark chocolate in a sweet, vanilla base. Ohhh, yeah!
MizFit,
I read about the connection between alcohol and sugar. It’s interesting! I’m also not a big drinker. I’ll have a little bit of a fruity cocktail or wine now and then, but I don’t really care for the taste, even if it is sweet. I also don’t like the way alcohol makes me feel. Some people like the buzz/loopy feeling, but I don’t! (I never did enjoy the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cup ride at DisneyWorld!)
I’ve lept from the wagon too many times to count! I’m sure you’ll get back on in no time.
I am most definitely a sugar addict. I would snarf through that plate of cookies before anyone would even have time to check phone messages! It’s a terrible addiction that I wish I could get the willpower to quit. I have so much respect for those (like Jolynn) who are able to overcome it! I will have to check this book out, thanks!
I started reading about the connection after I realized I was the only person I knew who LOVED sugarrrrry port.
workout mommy,
Amen! All respect for those who overcome their sugar addiction! It’s a tough one to beat since sugar is everywhere, and it takes a firm comittment. Yet, the book I’m reading suggests a slow, gentle approach to breaking free from sugar’s hold as opposed to stopping cold turkey. I guess it all depends on the individual too. Some can do it, but I know I’m not one who could stop sugar cold turkey. I would be a MESS and then up binging on it!
MizFit,
Makes sense since it’s concentrated sweetness. Beer – ick! I can only appreciate a sip. It’s too bitter for me!
Hi Susan,
Dr. Kathleen DesMaison’s books are so good, aren’t they?
I’m definitely addicted to refined sugar and white flour, and it’s funny because I’m also not a big drinker – in fact I’ve always said that I didn’t care if I ever had a drink (I really don’t like alcohol, even though it’s just liquid sugar), but don’t take away my cheesecake or chocolate!
Well, that’s what I used to say, I’m not doing either the sweets or alcohol now.
I respect and admire you for overcoming your sugar demons! Keep up all your awesome work, JoLynn!
I linked my name to a great set of tips on stopping sugar cravings. Have you read “Sugar Blues”? I agree … sugar is to be avoided!
Thanks, Maria. Good info!
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