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™.
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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