I remember when we met. Like the Pavlovian dogs, every time I heard the Helm's truck whistle as a child, my mouth would water in anticipation of those freshly made doughnuts. Sinking my teeth into the glazed icing, my heart would do the happy dance.
I never dreamed my favorite friend would turn into my worst enemy. I feel so betrayed! Slowly over time, I would become dependent upon my friend for a good ending to every meal.
Look around. You see people walking stiffly. Many times, that's arthritis; joints inflamed from sugar. How did this sweet friend sneak into our lives to destroy us? Now, that doesn't matter. It only matters that we become aware and take action. My stiff joints have pain until I eliminate my sweet friend. My energy then returns and my mind clears as I put distance between sugar and me.
After studying a bit about nutrition, I would come to realize that sugar causes inflammation in the body. Inflammation is an indicator that your immune system is breaking down and disease is imminent. Interesting. Dis-ease. When we are not walking with ease, we are unhealthy.
Withdrawal from sugar mirrors symptoms to drug withdrawal. You may have intense cravings for sugar, lethargy, anxiety, headaches and muscle pain. Yes, I can check all the above. I tried numerous times and failed to rid myself of this symbiotic relationship.
Interestingly, you can crave sugar when you are lacking in: iron, calcium, zinc, chromium and magnesium. (www.thorne.com "The Science Behind Sugar Cravings"). We have learned that "sugar can trigger a dopamine release, a neurotransmitter that controls pleasure and reward-motivated behavior, into your system."(https://addictionresource.com/addiction/sugar-addiction/)
About 80% of packaged food items in the grocery stores contain added sugars. In many popular drinks, the average can of soda can contain about 40 grams of sugar. This knowledge had no effect on me until I was taught that you divide the number of grams by 4 to get the number of teaspoons. So 40 grams of sugar equals 10 teaspoons of sugar!
I am ready to end this love affair. It's too painful and too expensive - on every level. I made a plan to team up with the Lord to walk away from my sweet fr-enemy. I'd love to hear if you're ready to make a commitment to your departure from sugar. I'd love to hear what works!!
Have a beautiful week and I'll see you next Friday morning! Remember HOPE only sparkles with LIGHT behind it! See you next time at www.sparklinghope.net.