By Rania Sa’adi, Rapid Transformational Therapist & Clinical Hypnotherapist
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves choosing convenience over health, resulting in many unhealthy habits, like sugar addictions.
It’s a pervasive issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, contributing to a host of health problems ranging from obesity and diabetes to mood swings and energy crashes. But what exactly does it mean to be addicted to sugar and how can we overcome it?
Understanding Sugar Addiction
Sugar addiction is a behavioural pattern rooted in psychological factors rather than solely a physical dependence on sugar. It is characterised by an emotional reliance on sugary foods and beverages to cope with stress, boredom, or negative emotions.
Sugar addiction involves withdrawal symptoms when sugar consumption is reduced or eliminated. Individuals with sugar addictions may experience intense cravings, loss of control over consumption and continued use despite negative consequences, reflecting a psychological and physiological dependence on sugar for pleasure and comfort.
How does it start?
When we are young, sugary food is associated with happiness; cookies at Teta’s cake on birthdays, and kunafah on happy occasions.
When you eat a food that’s high in fat and sugar – such as cake, sweets or cookies, you can feel a brief “high” as the sugar hits your bloodstream because it makes you HAPPY.
If this happens when you’re feeling unhappy or stressed, you can experience a temporary uplift in your mood. Your unconscious mind files away this information and the next time you feel down, it sends a message to your body in the form of a craving for the kind of food that temporarily lifts your spirits.
So, you have a repeated behaviour paired with powerful emotions. Thus, an emotional eating habit is formed. Remember, your unconscious mind cannot distinguish between good and bad – it’s your conscious mind that makes these value judgements.
The unconscious mind simply pays attention to anything that it believes will save your life – and feeling good comes into the life-saving category.
Useful Approaches
To overcome sugar addiction, it is important to understand that it is grounded in the concept of “mind over matter,” emphasising the power of the mind to influence behaviour and create lasting change.
One of the fundamental principles is the idea that our thoughts shape our reality. For example, the language we use when talking to ourselves can profoundly impact our behaviours and habits.
Therefore, instead of labelling oneself as “addicted to sugar,” adopt empowering affirmations such as “I am in control of my eating habits,” or “I choose nourishing foods that support my health.”
Moreover, it is also important to address the root cause of sugar cravings, which often stem from emotional issues rather than mere physical hunger.
Many individuals use sugar as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, boredom, or other negative emotions. In my experience, the best approach to overcoming sugar addiction involves addressing the underlying emotional needs driving the behaviour and then implementing strategies to reframe thoughts and habits surrounding food and eating.
By addressing these underlying emotional needs through techniques such as hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, individuals can diminish their reliance on sugar.
Practical Steps
In addition to addressing the psychological aspects of sugar addiction, there are practical strategies to help individuals reduce their sugar intake and regain control over their eating habits:
- Mindful eating: Paying attention to hunger cues and eating slowly can help you become more attuned to your body’s natural signals, preventing mindless overconsumption of sugary foods
- Gradual reduction: Rather than attempting to quit sugar cold turkey, it is best to go for a gradual reduction approach. This allows individuals to adjust to lower sugar intake levels more comfortably and sustainably
- Hydration: Sometimes, thirst can masquerade as hunger or sugar cravings. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help stave off unnecessary snacking
- Stress management: Finding alternative ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or creative outlets, can diminish the need for sugar as a stress-relief mechanism
Sugar addiction is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for our physical and mental well-being.
However, by understanding the psychological underpinnings of this addiction and adopting practical strategies, we can reclaim control over our eating habits and cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
Breaking free from sugar addiction is not only achievable but empowering; paving the way for a life of vitality and well-being.
You can contact Rania Sa’adi at [email protected]
