oct 31/21 - How to stop eating sugar...

The baklava in Greece was everywhere!
I just had to say NO!

Did you know sugar is more addictive than cocaine?
Doesn’t it feel impossible to say no?

Sugar literally releases the same neurotransmitters that are released in drug addicts when they get their fix.
To boot, sugar is deeply ingrained in our culture. We use sugary treats in all our celebrations. We use it to show our love and appreciation. We even have holidays that revolve around it!

Over 80% of packaged foods in American grocery stores contain sugar!

So how do you stop eating sugar? Unfortunately it comes down to sheer willpower. You just need to stop putting it into your mouth. One way to start is to STOP buying anything with sugar. That means foods that turn into sugar such as the white stuff, breads, pastas etc. 

Things you may experience when quitting sugar.

Cravings - Of course this is normal. When we can’t have something it makes us want it even more. We just need to take it day by day and just say no! Many people experience fatigue, headaches, or even a feeling of sadness or depression but after a week or so, your energy will begin to improve, and you will feel more alive and less irritable.

Keeping the “reason” you are quitting sugar in mind will help when the cravings hit. Here is a list of the reasons WHY you should quit sugar.

10 REALLY GOOD Reasons to Just Say No to Sugar

1. Sugar is enemy #1 of healthy elimination because it slows food’s travel time through the GI tract.
2. Sugar causes our blood sugar levels to spike and fall dramatically making us more susceptible to hypoglycemia, mood swings, pre-diabetes and diabetes.
   
3. Sugar is linked to premature aging as it causes inflammation, which produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles.
4. Sugar causes us to overeat by shutting off the brain’s biochemistry telling us we’re full. It also damages the brain’s dopamine receptor sites, causing us to need more and more in order to get our fix.
5. Overconsumption of sugar is the leading cause of all our major health epidemics including cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
6. Refined sugar has been linked to suppressed immune system, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, asthma, headaches and insomnia.
7. Excess sugar gets stored as fat in the cells, tissues, even around the organs, making weight loss difficult.
8. Sugar causes food allergies because it suppresses the immune system causing the body to be on high alert for foreign invaders.
9. Doubling over with cramps every month? Cutting back on sugar might make a huge difference. Sugar causes hormonal imbalances, exacerbating premenstrual symptoms.
10. Sugar feeds organisms in the body like bad bacteria, yeast, Candida, and mutated cells.

Break the sugar addiction. Keep sugary foods away. Don't tempt yourself by stocking candy, cookies, and other high-sugar foods in your cupboards and fridge. Watch for hidden sugars in foods.
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Try going off it for just two weeks and feel the difference for yourself.

Thank you for following my journey to writing a book series!
Stay balanced,
LeeAnna