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  Break Free From Your Sugar Habit: Start Some Sugary Soul Searching
by Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.


Time and time again, people ask me, "Connie, what should I do first to help me kick my sugar habit for good?" I believe that the best way to begin to overcome your destructive dessert patterns is to start learning your "sugar truth." This tactic may be a little challenging or embarrassing, but most of all, you'll find it enlightening and eye-opening. You see, it's vital for you to figure out why you want that donut or Danish now!

Look, let's face it: In those gotta-have-"goodies"-now moments, it usually doesn't help to know that eating a bunch of sugary foods and processed carbohydrates just isn't good for you. That's why, now, when you're not rattled by cravings, is a good time to embark upon "Sugary Soul Searching."

Thousands of "Sugar Kickers" worldwide have discovered that this is a simple, effective technique, where you tune into what's going on in your heart and soul that drives you to "rely" on those inferior, nutrient-lacking foods. Once you know what's making you turn to sweets or those "culprit carbs," you stand a better chance of being able to easily steer clear of them.

In other words, especially if you're an "emotional eater" (that's most of us), it's helpful to decode or deconstruct the source of your often-mysterious cravings. So, let's delve now into why that chocolate ice cream, strawberry cheesecake, and white pasta are so darn appealing. Think about it: Why would you be willing to ditch your diet, damage your body, and ignore your best intentions just to have some fiber-lacking, nutrient-deprived sugary substance?


Try to complete this interactive exercise quickly. Your rapid responses will be telling. But please be truthful, and remember, you don't have to show anyone your answers! When sugary foods and much-like-sugar carbs beckon, do you feel:

* Angry Yes _____ No _____
* Anxious Yes _____ No _____
* Apathetic Yes _____ No _____
* Ashamed Yes _____ No _____
* Betrayed Yes _____ No _____
* Bewildered Yes _____ No _____
* Bored Yes _____ No _____
* Challenged Yes _____ No _____
* Cheated Yes _____ No _____
* Competitive Yes _____ No _____
* Confused Yes _____ No _____
* Contrite Yes _____ No _____
* Defeated Yes _____ No _____
* Depressed Yes _____ No _____
* Discouraged Yes _____ No _____
* Embarrassed Yes _____ No _____
* Envious Yes _____ No _____
* Exasperated Yes _____ No _____
* Frantic Yes _____ No _____
* Frightened Yes _____ No _____
* Frustrated Yes _____ No _____
* Grumpy Yes _____ No _____
* Guilty Yes _____ No _____
* Helpless Yes _____ No _____
* Hurt Yes _____ No _____
* Ignored Yes _____ No _____
* Jealous Yes _____ No _____
* Left out Yes _____ No _____
* Lonely Yes _____ No _____
* Melancholy Yes _____ No _____
* Rejected Yes _____ No _____
* Sad Yes _____ No _____
* Sleepy Yes _____ No _____
* Tired Yes _____ No _____
* Worried Yes _____ No _____


Now that you've uncovered some great clues, it's time to put them to good use.
  • Spend some time (at least a couple of minutes) looking over your answers.
  • Next, write a list of which specific emotions drive you the most to sugary over-indulgence.
  • Now study that list, and think back to times you "blew" your diet. (What were you feeling?)
  • Finally, bring your Sugary Soul Searching emotions list with you whenever you leave the house. (You can put it in your wallet, handbag or even slip it in your pocket.)
  • Make sure to post your list to your fridge or your computer, too.

You're now better prepared to face those inevitable sugary temptations out there! Just knowing what emotions set you off can help give you the strength and even inner wisdom to say "no" the next time those "treats" taunt you. Start to realize that you are much bigger than this sugar habit. And remember, Life is Much Sweeter Without Refined Sweets™.



More You Might Like:
Cranberry Juice to the Rescue
Sleepless in America
The One Minute Diet Tip That Puts You in Control
Smart Eating for Life


About the Author:
Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C. is author of SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books) and founder of The 21-Day, Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Diet™. Connie-who now laughingly pokes fun of herself as an "Ex-Sugar Shrew!"-has helped thousands of people to break free from the depressing, debilitating aftershocks of too many culprit carbs. She runs www.SugarShockBlog.com and a free, online KickSugar support group; and holds seminars (both live and over the phone). The former sugar addict is a certified holistic health counselor (who studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition); a frequent radio guest; and an experienced journalist, who has contributed to The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, TV Guide, eDiets.com and SheKnows.com. To get more tips and tactics to break free or to learn if you've been brainwashed to become a sugar addict, visit SugarShockBlog.com.



 
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