Sugar is as addictive as Cocaine

I’ve been re-reading my book Off the Wall – How to Develop World Class Mental Resilience recently and found the chapter on maintaining good energy an eye-opening refresher. I have summarised the chapter here to share the dangers of eating sugar and carbohydrates.

The dangers of sugar

“I attended a talk by a nutrition expert who demonstrated the evidence of what happens to the carbohydrates we consume. He informed us that the latest science has demonstrated that sugar and carbohydrates turn into glucose in the blood, which we require to function.

This glucose is then distributed to all the organs that require it, but here is the important bit -the excess glucose turns to fat! He said that this is the main way we put on unwanted fat, particularly around the waist -which is the danger area.

Graze on healthy snacks

He recommended that we avoid a big breakfast and graze on unsalted nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, brazils, cashews and almonds, plus some fruit, and avoid carbs wherever possible. He also recommended that we eat a reasonably sized evening meal as this helps us go to sleep.

So, the best way to get rid of belly fat is to stop eating sugar and carbohydrates (or drastically reduce the intake of these). By stopping the excess glucose turning to fat, the body then uses up the fat stored around the belly and soon this fat starts to disappear.

The fat will start to fall off

You will find that on a low sugar/carbohydrate diet your weight will drop and you will feel neither over-full nor hungry. I have discovered in a few short weeks that I have lost a few pounds, have much more energy during the day and, most importantly, don’t get that energy dip I used to get in the afternoons.

I feel really good in myself and don’t feel full all the time like I used to. I am in a more positive state about myself.

Sugar Cravings

Of all the carbohydrates we consume, sugar is the worst culprit of all and it is very addictive. Does that morning Danish pastry leave you craving another treat two hours later? Do you grab a chocolate bar to cope with your afternoon slump – and then reach for a coke to get out of your post-slump slump?

If you’ve found that munching sugary snacks just makes you crave more sugary snacks, you’re not alone. Eating lots of simple carbohydrates – without the backup of proteins or fats – can quickly satisfy hunger and give your body a short-term energy boost, but almost as quickly they leave you hungry again and craving more.

Why do we Crave Sugar?

• The appetite for sweet things may be hardwired. Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokeswoman states that, ‘sweet is the first taste humans prefer from birth.’ Carbohydrates stimulate the release of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin.
• The taste of sugar also releases endorphins. These calm and relax us, and offer a natural ‘high’, says Susan Moores, MS, RD, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Sweets simply taste good. Rewarding ourselves with sweet treats, which can make us crave them even more, reinforces that preference.

It is extremely addictive

Nutrition suggests that, in fact, higher sugar, higher glycemic foods can be addictive. Several studies have shown that sugar is as addictive as Cocaine. Experts say that it takes 28 days to detox from most addictive substances.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn

Wow what an eye opener and what great advice – try it for 28 days and see what happens!!

Thoughts for the week.

1. Have a think about the sugars and carbs you consume on a weekly basis
2. Make a conscious effort to reduce these dramatically
3. You will crave these for the first 3 to four weeks but then the craving disappears
4. Observe how you feel during the day and particularly in the afternoon.
5. Eat a banana in the afternoon if you are lacking energy rather than a chocolate bar

Well that’s it for this week have a wonderful weekend and stay positive.

Warm regards

John

Off the Wall – How to Develop World Class Mental Resilience available here
http://www.jdmindcoach.co.uk/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/ (Special offer. Put in code 10POUND when prompted to receive a signed copy for £10 including postage and packing – UK only)