How many spoons of high fructose corn syrup you had today? None? That’s what you think.
Seriously? So, you don’t remember that great feeling of enjoying the super sweet goodness of corn? Well, then this might be shocking news to you, an average American consumed 27 pounds of this last year, and that is just one kind of sugar.
Get a load of this, the same average Joe or Jane consumes about 32 teaspoons of sugar (all kinds) every day. One of the reasons: you don’t even know where the stuff is hiding. You can, however, take a simple guess, such as Ice cream, Candies, Jellos, and Sodas. But would you guess breakfast cereals, yogurt, Salad dressing, Bread, and ahem, energy bars?
Sugar is a pretty standard ingredient of modern living. It is in almost every processed food in some form or other. Too much sugar in your diet is now proven to inflict serious damage to both your body and mind in ways beyond the obvious Diabetes. Sugar plays a pretty important role in Autoimmune diseases, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, hypertension, vasoconstriction, sagging skin, and Celiac disease. One established scientific fact, our bodies do not need a single grain of that white sugar.
How can something that we poor souls love so much play such havoc?
Sugar enters the bloodstream directly from our food and in the case of processed sugar, very fast. Our bodies evolved to handle higher-than-usual levels of sugar by converting it into something that can be used later. Within a day, the body is flooded with high levels of triglycerides, a kind of fat that is ready to be converted into fat tissue that is stored everywhere in the body but typically very visible on your tummy, thighs, and butts.
It is so hard to lay off sweet things because they are, uh, sweet things. I understand it is part of our social culture to say Yes to dessert offered at dinner because the other choice will ensure you do not get invited next time. But if you are still with me here, let me share what works for me.
- I have become resistant (almost repugnant) to marketing and up-sell. I know very well that when I am offered a combo meal by adding soda for just 50c extra, it’s likely going to cost me $5000 later.
- I acquired the real taste of the food, not the sugar. By consuming things that have sugar, just your sweet taste buds are having a party. When I quit, I started appreciating shades of different tastes which felt bland earlier.
- People think that sugar gives you energy. I have realized exactly the opposite. Not just refined sugars but even refined carbs make me lethargic both at a physical and mental level. Try it, get off sugar, and focus on good nutrition, you will be more energetic than ever.
- At social events, to start with, go with “sharing”, it works for me while not offending the person offering me the dessert. “I and my wife are going to share, thank you very much”
It’s probably not practical to eliminate sugar from your life, but rather find a progressive and balanced approach that works. I treat myself occasionally, savoring those sweet moments without guilt. I am guessing my body thanks me for making mindful choices and prioritizing my well-being with that occasional indulgence of sweet happiness.
Anyone can break free from the sugar trap and embark on a healthier, happier journey toward a sugar-reduced lifestyle. Your future self will be grateful for the positive changes you make today. Start now and experience the difference it can make in your life.