Sugar, Our Sweetest Poison
A conversation about how a little ‘something sweet’ in our lives can do more damage than we realize…and the importance of craving not just what tastes good, but what is nourishing for our bodies, minds, and soul.
By THE CRUISIN CALIFORNIAN
“Sugar is the sociopath of foods. For it acts so sweet…but it’s really poison.” -Karen Salmansohn
For the past year, I have done a lot of investigative work regarding sugar. There is so much information out there and I didn’t really know what to believe. It’s all bad, it’s not a big, or everything in moderation…I mean really, what is the deal with sugar?!?
Last year, I started with Julia Ross’ book, “The Craving Cure: Identify Your Craving Type to Activate Your Natural Appetite Control.” It was a phenomenal read that provided SO MUCH insight regarding my cravings and nutritional hold-ups. The most startling part was the chapter about sugar. I actually went to the grocery store and picked up items I would typically buy for meals to look at the ingredients — EVERYTHING is saturated with SUGAR!!
Taco seasoning, yogurt, potato salad, salad dressing…and so much more.
I mean, things you’d never think had sugar in them. I expect a box of cookies or tub of ice cream to be sugary delightful, but pasta sauce?!?
To be clear, I am referring specifically to refined sugar. There are naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in fruits, which actually are beneficial when balanced with nutrients and fiber. Alternatively, refined sugar is highly processed and has absolutely no nutritional benefit. In fact, refined sugar was basically non-existent until the 1970’s when its addictive properties were first discovered and subsequently used to capitilize sales..
Ross’ book provided all the historical details of our slow addictive decline. So how is this possible? Well, scientists have shown that sugar in the body releases dopamine, which is a chemical that rewards the brain for whatever behavior has taken place. This is the same cycle that takes place when someone shoots heroin or snorts cocaine.
Even more alarming, sugar actually can actually override neuropathways in our bodies. When we’ve eaten enough food, our bodies release a chemical named leptin which tells our brain to release a bunch of hormones that suppress our appetite. But when we overload out gut with refined sugar, an excess of insulin is released which blocks to leptin receptors and prevents the transfer of the “stop eating, you’re full” message. Which in turn, causes us to continue eating even more!
While sugar tastes amazing and is incredibly rewarding to consume, it is also terrifyingly damaging to our bodies. Here’s how…
So this year, I participated in a 40-day sugar fast and was blown away at just how obnoxious sugar cravings can be in our life. Think about your favorite dessert…can you see it there in front of you? Smell it? Taste it? Our brains actually get a hit of dopamine before we even eat it; the thought or sight of our favorite treat initiates a reaction that sucks us in hook, line, and sinker.
For me, I wanted to change my cravings. And not just for food; for me it was a soul cleansing. A chasing of my faith.
I wanted to crave God the same way I do Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
I wanted to indulge in Him like I do Milk Bar Cornflake Marshmallow Cookies.
I wanted to desire His presence the same way I do Carolyn’s Cafe Coffee Cake.
I wanted to enjoy every moment with Him like I do Peet’s Cold Brew Horchata Oat Latte.
For you, maybe it’s not a chasing of faith…but you can insert anything. I want to crave time with my family, or journaling, or exercising, or even being in community with others. Whatever is of significant value in your life.
I want to find strength, and solace, and comfort, and encouragement in Jesus, not sugar. I want to break the cycle that has hijacked my brain and led me to believe that when I am stressed or bored that I need a sugar fix. I want to destroy the belief system that sugar is my reward for doing something hard or well.
I want to live well.
It is easy to think that our best lives are filled with decadent treats, but I doubt you’ll look back at the end of your life and wish you’d eaten more cookies, ice cream, and pastries. It is far more likely that you will reflect on the adventures you took and the relationships you invested in.
This is in no way meant to chastise your diet or even to say you should eliminate sugar wholly from your life. I successfully completed my fast and have since indulged in an ice cream scoop or two.
Rather, this is a reminder of what a life of excess costs us. Sugar in excess will cost us our health, well-being, and power. So, the next time you’ve had a really hard day or finished an insanely hard project, consider what your soul is actually craving…I doubt it’s sugar.
Our life is a journey of discovering and healing ourselves. I challenge you to discover want you’re really longing for, and then go after it with the same passion, fervor, and commitment you pursue your favorite sugary treat.