Halloween has come and gone and the last of the mini candy bar wrappers have probably made their way into the garbage can by now. Hopefully you made it through without too much guilt or over-indulgence.
But just when you can finally sit back and relax, knowing that the bite size Kit Kats, Whoppers and Almond Joys have left the building, you realize the Thanksgiving feast is next up and is right around the corner. Then comes December where sugar season is in full swing – from office parties to cookie swaps to eggnog. Temptations abound. Time to exercise more willpower….. Or is it??
The food industry fills the supermarket shelves with products that are chock full of sugar, salt and fat. Why? These companies are in business to make a profit and these processed items are very addictive. Remember the old potato chip commercial – “bet you can’t eat just one”?
As we give in to the sweet enticements of the season, we get discouraged that we lost the willpower battle once again. But – the good news is – IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT! Huh? Let me explain.
Here’s why. You’re addicted. Yes. Addicted – just like some people become addicted to cocaine or heroin. Studies show that ingesting sugar triggers the exact same pleasure center in the brain. What happens when this addiction kicks in is that your sugar cravings become completely unbearable and you need your next ‘fix’. Not to mention the sugar high and crash rollercoaster ride you’re on as this is happening. You need more sugar for more energy. So how do we break this cycle?? Here are some great tips to get you started on the path to recovery:
- Focus on eating whole foods. For example – whole fruit, rather than a sugar-laden candy bar will likely satisfy a sweet tooth, but won’t send you spiraling out of control.
- Remove processed white flour products from your diet. These have been stripped of vital nutrients and are absorbed quickly into your blood stream. They have the same effect as straight sugar.
- Go cold turkey. Eliminate all added sugars – including artificial sweeteners. You can do it. There will be a few tough days to get through, but once you do, you will feel amazing and sugar will no longer have its strong hold on you.
- Retrain your taste buds. Did you know it only takes 3 weeks to form a new habit? And what’s more, it takes the same amount of time to turn over your taste buds. Soon the processed, sugary foods that were so tempting will no longer be so appealing and irresistible!
- Go ahead and indulge! But wait – don’t go crazy – a small piece of high quality dark chocolate is what you should go for. Chocolate, in its purest form (raw cacao) ,is one of the most beneficial and nutrient dense superfoods on this planet. So yes, go ahead and savor it!
Need more support as you eat your way to a healthier you? I’ve got your back. How about a like-minded community to lift you up as the holiday madness kicks in?? I’ve got one for you. It could be just what the doctor ordered! Let’s do this together. Stay tuned for my easy –to-follow No More Excuses Program – details coming in the next few days!!
This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Health Coaching is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a qualified, licensed professional.