The Big Breakup

Breaking up with a true love is painful. It can be emotionally and physically taxing. When breakups happen, thoughts about the loss consumes the mind. Often it feels difficult to move forward and the longings can weigh heavily on one’s spirit. Difficulty in sleeping, moodiness, and anger can occur. Divisions happen because one or both parties need to move on and continue to grow in some way. Think about the last time you had a break up. Did you lose sleep? Did it make you depressed, distant and grumpy? These are the effects of a breakup. But, once the initial pain is over, one can begin to accept the situation and move on. Taking a step back, the vision is more clear and the ability to see the trouble of the relationship and the problems it was causing.

My big break up happened nearly four years ago. It was painful at first, and my stomach and brain were really upset. I really was in denial that it was a toxic relationship because it felt so right. I looked forward to my love and made plans to spend more time with it. It made me happy and gave me energy, or so I thought. Then one day, I decided I needed to take a break. I had come to realize that this relationship was one-way, and what I was getting from it didn’t support my overall goals. That’s right. I decided it was time to break up…..with SUGAR!

Just like any break up, I tried to talk myself back into the relationship citing the positive things it brought to me. But in the end, those positive things were only temporary and the overall effect was a big negative! It took four days for those cravings to subside. Sometimes moodiness is a side effect of sugar withdrawal, but I’m not sure that was any different of another day….However, after day four, I didn’t have those cravings, and I began to feel so much better. I had more energy, and my mind was more clear. I learned to enjoy fruit and other vegetables I really never liked. You see, I was consuming empty calories from baked goods (usually from my kitchen) and not the whole food. I had no room for more nutritious food that my body really needed.

Eating real foods and whole foods, gives the body exactly what it needs. It contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. All these things protect our cells and supports our immune system to stay strong and fight off diseases. Sugar breaks down the immune system, causes inflammation, and takes us on a roller coaster ride. When we hit those lows, we grab more of that white stuff and rock on. I was tired of the ride, the cravings, and calories. So how does a person successfully break up with sugar? What about alternatives?

There are alternatives to the GMO sugar found at the grocery stores. So let’s take a look at the options:

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol but not a zero calorie food. It was originally derived from the birch trees in Finland. It has a glycemic index of 7, which makes it perfect for a diabetic to use. It is used 1:1 with table sugar when cooking. Our own body makes xylitol, but if too much is consumed, bloating can be a side effect until the body gets used to having more. From a dental standpoint, xylitol cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria and does not promote tooth decay.

Coconut sugar is a derived from the coconut palm tree. It contains vitamins and minerals inducing potassium, magnesium, B3, B6, zinc and iron. It also contains a fiber called inulin, which slows glucose absorption.

Stevia is another sugar alternative that has been used for more than 1,500 years in South America. It’s natural and virtually calorie free.

Zero calorie sugar substitutes are harmful to our health. Let’s take a quick look at the three most popular and why they should NEVER, EVER be a consideration for consumption!

Aspartame (in the blue packet) is used in more than 6,000 consumer items, including soft drinks, yogurt, chewing gum, salad dressings and multivitamins. Aspartame was discovered accidentally while working on an anti-ulcer drug. Early tests showed that the consumption of high levels of aspartame produced brain tumors and produced epileptic seizures. Aspartame interferes with proper mental functions and compromises the nervous system.*

Splenda (in the yellow packet) also known as sucralose is claimed to be like “real sugar.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Before it was marketed as a sugar, it was in insecticide. Here are some of the side effects from the consumption of sucralose: brain lesions, enlarged and calcified kidneys, decreased red blood cells, increased male infertility, and spontaneous abortions.*

Saccharin (in the pink packets) commonly sold as Sweet’N Low has been a know carcinogen for decades. Yet, in spite of this information, consumers continue to use it. It is derived from coal tar and has no food value whatsoever. *

Breaking up with sugar is essential for overall health. Sugar is a known inflammatory agent that can lead to many diseases. In the mouth, the consumption of sugar can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and cavities. This chronic inflammation is detremintal to a long, vigorous life. That’s not to say I NEVER have sugar, however, my relationship is a much healthier one. I’m no longer addicted and have the discipline to say no and choose wiser alternatives to meet my own health goals.

If you need help in creating change or achieving your goals, there is help available. If you are ready for a healthy change, contact me and let’s get started in creating your new, healthy life! Breaking up is hard to do, but it’s for your own good!

Health bite: Sugar is more bitter than sweet to the body!

*Information taken from FOOD SANITY by Dr. David Friedman

Whoops, I didn't mean to ask for help.

It was a Monday when she came in the office excited to tell me about her new grandson. Beaming from ear to ear, she told me all about this new addition to her family. In the conversation, she admitted to gaining quite a bit of weight, and if I would help her, well that would be great. "Maybe I can," was my rely.  "How much sugar is in your diet?" I asked. "Oh, honey. I have to have sugar. It gets me through the day," was her answer. So I asked her why she chose sugary drinks instead of drinking water. Dehydration will slow down the body, so keeping hydrated with water will actually give you quite a bit of energy. She told me she doesn't like the taste of water, but she does drink the flavored, bottled water sometimes. Occasionally, in the morning she will also put some honey and lemon in her water before she goes to work.  Wait, there's more.

I'm beginning to sense some defense, but I keep going. "Do you prepare your own meals or do you tend to eat out?" I ask. "I don't have time to cook  with my busy schedule. I usually go to McDonalds. You know it's amazing what you can eat in a car driving down the road," she chuckles. "I order the chicken sandwich with tomato, lettuce, and cheese. That's well balanced, right?" Oh, boy.

Now it's clear to me why she had gained the extra weight. She is busy and stressed. Unable or unwlling (I'm thinking the later) to prepare herself for the battles ahead, she has fallen in the pit of a fast food cycle. Of course, it's easy and convenient, but it's not a healthy choice if weight loss is the goal. I was beginning to understand she wasn't ready to make a change. Even though she asked for help, she wasn't ready to take the necessary steps to reach her goals. Every question I asked was lined with excuses and defense. In retrospect, I should have asked her what measures she  had laid out to reach her goal. Her answers would have help me better understand if she was ready and willing to make some changes.

Hopefully, our conversation will replay back to her the next time she thinks about her weight issue or her next McDonalds trip. Sometimes, even though we want to change, we just aren't ready to commit to the hard work.

health-bite: it takes hard work to make a change