Sugar – Time to Ditch the White Stuff (Again!)

Sugar – A Scary “Fuel”

It’s a delicate balancing act for our body to monitor the amount of sugar in our bloodstream and release the proper hormones to keep our sugar (glucose) levels “normal”.  As a society we are inundating ourselves with sugar and refined carbohydrates.  According to the USDA the U.S. sugar consumption in 1821 was 10 pounds per person, 120 pounds in 1970, 120 pounds in 1980 (yes, no change in 10 years there), 141 pounds in 2004, and 199 pounds in 2005.

Sugar – How Much?????

Let’s break that down.  Each person in the United States is eating almost 200 pounds of sugar each year.  That’s just sugar - refined sugar.  This equals approximately 8.64 ounces per day or 245 grams per day per person.  The stress this puts on our pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands is profound.  We have to question . . . do we keep our bodies in a continual state of stress with sugar and interpret everything around us as stressful?????

Sugar – A Big Stress

I’ve given up sugar a few times.  A few weeks before Valentine’s this year I was sugar free (again) when the candy arrived.  I splurged and had a mini Hershey’s chocolate bar.  No problem.  The next night I had two.  The next night I had two again.  The following night I was up to three.  Day five, three again.  Day six, my husband asked me if I was snapping at everyone for a reason.  I had to take a serious look at my behavior!  I was aggitated, irritable, short with everyone – I felt “wired” on the inside.  All from sugar and all within five days!

With current additional stress I’ve found myself turning, once again, to sugar to get me through the day.  Unfortunately the toll this takes on my body is reprehensible.  And I’m doing it to myself, as well as my family.  Additionally, sugar puts me, once again, at risk for diabetes.  It’s time to take back the control of my life.

Sugar - A Drug to Give Up

Effective last week, I’m off sugar again!  Yes, my head was pounding and I felt tired at first.  But, these symptoms only lasted a few days  . . . my health was worth that.  I encourage you to join me.  Find a healthier, happier, more balanced you – kick the sugar habit blues.