Why You Love Sugar & How To Stop
Do you know anyone who dislikes the taste of something sweet?
Our taste for sweet things is often linked to not only the fact that it’s delicious but also memories and emotions that can make giving up or even reducing sugar extremely difficult.
Why Do We Enjoy Sugar?
We are hardwired to look for sugar - our ancestors evolved to like sweeter fruit because it the high sugar content supplied more energy. At this time a taste for sweetness would have helped us seek out safe and energy-dense food that increased our chances of survival and hanging on to fat was an advantage, not a health risk.
Why Do We Love Sugar?
When we eat sugar, it activates the brain’s reward system and causes the release of one of our ‘feel good’ hormones – dopamine. So not only does sugar taste great but it also makes us happy and motivated.
Why Can’t We Stop Eating Sugar
The dopamine ‘hit’ and the stimulation of the reward system can reinforce behaviour which makes it more likely that we will seek out and eat sugar again and again.
Studies suggest that we end up needing more and more sugar to give us the same intensity of sugar ‘high’.
Sweet foods also disrupt the delicate balance of glucose in our blood stream. This results in a cycle of highs, lows and cravings which leads to the consumption of more sugar.
Why Is Sugar An Issue
We are now including so much sugar in our diet that it is damaging our health and longevity. Excess consumption has been implicated in a variety of diseases including obesity, CVD, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive decline.
How to Kick The Sugar Habit
If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake here are a few tips:
Eat Whole Foods
Try to avoid processed foods as much as possible and get into the habit of reading the label on everything you buy
Avoid Sweetened Drinks
Syrups in lattes, smoothies, fruit juice sports drinks are all really high in sugar!
Eat Regularly
Plan for 3 balanced meals each day if you let your blood sugar drop you are more likely to crave sweet foods
Swap
Swap high sugar snacks for a healthier alternative – e.g. biscuits for apple and peanut butter / fruit yoghurt for natural yoghurt and berries
Take It Slowly
If you are eating lots of sugar trying to reduce the level you are consuming can be tough – but it’s worth it and it does get easier!
If you would like some help or support with your sugar consumption please get in touch. I offer online nutrition advice and a one month programme that will be personalised to your specific needs.
If you’re not ready for a consultation a good place to start is a protein rich breakfast – download my free eBook with recipes and more nutrition tips.