Sugar? Would you like one lump, two, three, four or more? Alarming statistics tells us, America is addicted to sugar. Most of us have a sweet tooth. I will admit I enjoy a sweet treat on occasion. Research tells us, America consumes an astronomical amount of sugar every year. The overwhelming amounts of sugar consumption are contributing to major health problems. You may be surprised to find where sugar is hiding. Once you become cognizant you may decide to change the way you eat.
You might be saying to yourself, “ I don’t eat much sugar at all.” Guess what? Nearly everything contains sugar. Why? The simple truth, it is more cost effective for food manufacturers. With a fast moving society grabbing a meal on-the-go is normal. Most of these quick and convenient meals are loaded with fat and sugar. We are living in an age where we need to eat quickly and get back to our daily tasks. According to research, in 1822, the average American consumed approximately 45 grams of sugar every five days. One 12-ounce can of soda is equivalent or more than 45 grams. Startling, yet factual. Americans consume nearly 130 pounds of sugar in one year and averaging 3,550 pounds in an entire lifetime. Soft drinks are the biggest culprits. Sugars, candy, cakes, cookies, pies, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, milk and grains all contribute to America’s sugar addiction. We literally have a burgeoning population of people with major health problems.
Our bodies need to process whatever we consume. A paramount problem is how our body metabolizes sugar. When we eat too much of one type of sugar (ie. Sodas), our liver transitions into high gear to process it and converts most of the sugar into fat. This can explain our out of control obesity problem in America. You see they are interwoven. This very problematic sugar addiction is leading to insulin resistance, as well as obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Studies conducted by Dr. Robert Lustig, a California-based endocrinologist revealed through brain scans, sugar is as addictive as cocaine. He says, “It causes a euphoric effect that triggers dopamine, the chemical that controls pleasure in the brain.” The more sugar we eat the more our body craves. Interestingly, food manufactures have been told since the 1970’s that our foods contain too much fat. Food manufactures responded by eliminating the fat. The result was foods without fat tastes like cardboard. The fat is now replaced with sugar. By thinking they have solved one problem they have created another.
So now what? The best suggestion I profess is to slowly eliminate your sugar intake. If you drink soda(s), gradually wean yourself. Think before your eat. Ask yourself, will my body like this sugar. Your brain tells you yes, but your organs are saying no. Once you configure your diet plan you could experience headaches, fatigue or depression. Be resolute and know you can overcome your cravings slowly but surely. Stay focused and vigilant. Your goal: Quit the sugar and avoid becoming a statistic.
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