Do you find yourself walking into the grocery store with good intentions, but walking out again arms full of snacks and sugary drinks? It wasn’t your intention, but that strong urge just took over, and you couldn’t help yourself!
Maybe it’s because you’ve had a FANTASTIC day, you’re in a brilliant mood, everything just slotted into place and now you just want to celebrate with chocolate!
Or maybe it’s because you’ve had the CRAPPIEST DAY EVER!
You started off on the wrong foot as soon as you got out of bed. You had a row with your partner, you were delayed in traffic, your boss just seemed to pick on you all day. So, you decided to drown your sorrows in a delicious sugary treat or two or maybe three!
These are the realities we face every day. We live in a fast-paced world where we are surrounded by sugar 24/7. There’s no let up. And sugar can be even more enticing when we are feeling bored, fatigued, irritable or stressed.
However, and we all know this, relying on sugar for a source of comfort can also have its downsides for both our physical and mental well-being.
While sugar may provide a temporary boost in energy and mood, THAT inevitable CRASH that follows can leave us feeling even worse than before. And when you hit that low it can feel just like a hangover. You feel groggy and sluggish. This cycle of highs and lows can take a toll on our bodies, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and a host of other health issues.
But we all know this. I’m not going to bore you with the research because we all know that eating too much sugar can have a negative impact on our mental health and well being. We all know what we should and shouldn’t be eating.
And, I’m not saying you should give up sugar indefinitely. All I’m saying is wouldn’t it be great to have a healthier attitude and a healthier relationship with sugar?
It’s the emotional aspect we are dealing with here….
WHY DO WE DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Emotions play a vital role in our lives by showing us what we truly need and value. But when we use sugary snacks or other distractions to numb or avoid our emotions, we miss out on opportunities to grow, learn, and heal.
Instead of ignoring our feelings, it's important to face them with courage and kindness. Embracing our emotions can help us understand the reasonings behind our cravings and by breaking free from the sugar habit we allow ourselves to live a healthier more vibrant life.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The first step is being aware of your emotions and the triggers that lead to the desire for sugary foods.
Keeping a food and mood journal can help you track your eating patterns and identify connections between your emotions and food choices.
By recognizing emotional triggers, such as stress, boredom, loneliness, or fatigue, you can begin to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional hunger, making it easier to respond to emotions in a healthier way.
Learning to break free from your sugar cravings is a powerful act of self love and respect for yourself.
So, the next time you feel the urge to reach for that sugary treat, remember that you are more than just a sugar fix.
You can empower yourself and regain control over your life and the sugar cravings. It’s your choice!
Love always.
Julia
Commentaires