Are you addicted to fat, sugar or groceries?

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I was in the car with a couple of friends and we began a conversation about healthful eating.  One friend said she was in need of my advice because she is addicted to fat and sugar.  My other friend chimed in, “I’m addicted to groceries.”

We laughed and then looked at him puzzled as we tried to get him to define which groceries in particular.  He said, “All of them.” 

Although most of us aren’t addicted to all food, there is evidence that suggests foods high in fat and sugar are addictive and allow us to develop a dependency on those foods.  

Believe it or not, addiction to sugar in food is recognized as a problem. To learn more, click here.

Did you know that when given a choice, rats prefer sugar over cocaine?  That's according to a 2008 Princeton University study.  After ingesting large amounts of sugar, the rats underwent changes similar to those in the brains of people who use cocaine and heroin.  In short, the animals went through withdrawal and wanted more sugar.

Click here to read more about what happened.

So, where does this leave you as a human who is guilty of eating too much sugar? 

The solution is cut and dry.  However, it may be challenging to achieve. You have to stop eating or at the very least cut back on the foods that are loaded with sugar and fat.  The unfortunate part about those foods is the more you eat them, the more you want them.

Maybe you’re able to stop cold turkey, but if not, start with eliminating one thing from your diet.  Maybe it’s sodas or baked goods. I find that eating less sugar makes you sensitive to the taste, so after a while, you won’t eat those foods because you won’t like the way they taste.

And what are some of the benefits of cutting back on sugar?

Weight loss
Increased energy
Lowered risk of diabetes
Lower risk of dental problems, included tooth decay

For tips on how to get started, click here.

And for more information about dependency on fat in food, read this article. I think it will help you begin taking the steps you need to take in order to change your habits.

And if you think you may have an addiction to all foods, you can seek help from Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous.

I am a certified Crossfit Kettlebell instructor, triathlete and former trained dancer. I am not a nutritionist or a doctor. Information I share is based on my own research and experience. Before beginning a diet or fitness routine you should consult your physician or a health professional. For question and comments about this blog, contact me at akiia.james@abc11mail.com.