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Have you considered just keeping sugar for treats? I don't drink soda (haven't had any in 12 years) or any other sugared drink and on the average day I do not eat refined sugar. But, there are days where I have some chocolate milk, a small piece of chocolate, or some ice cream if its hot. But, I always make sure that its a once a week thing. The FDA says that we should ingest no more than 20 grams of sugar a day. The average American ingests 140 grams or more. I think I average out to about 5 grams a day.
I am a firm believer that the only way one can truly quit a destructive habit is if they really want to. You have to really want it. If you don't really want it then you're going to relapse. You just need the motivation to really want it. My motivation is seeing middle-aged and up people barely able to move because they filled their bodies with garbage and didn't exercise their whole lives. When I am 70 I'm going to be just as strong and healthy as I am now. I'm not going to be lying in a bed wasting away.
I do believe that it is as much a mental as a physical thing, but what I need is something to eat that gives me the comfort that sugar does without the negative consequences. Maybe such a thing doesn't exist.
Why do you need "comfort" from food?
Step 1 - Dont buy any of that junk to keep in the house.
Step 2 - Start exercising. Do you do ANY exercise?
Step 3 - Start eating almond butter and jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread if you feel the urge for something sweet.
Its 100% mental because the body does not crave sugar. I think what you really need is a hobby.
If it were that easy, I would have done it and stayed sugar free, but I have stopped many times with full faith that this was it, but it never worked out. I understand the science; I know the dangers--I already have hypoglycemia. I know that I could end up with diabetes, but fear of cancer didn't stop me smoking, when I used to smoke. None of this is logical.
I do believe that it is as much a mental as a physical thing, but what I need is something to eat that gives me the comfort that sugar does without the negative consequences. Maybe such a thing doesn't exist.
You're going to have to put some will power into it, and it's not going to be easy initially. Also, you don't have to cut it all out of your diet. Moderation is key, my friend! Instead of munching on sugary treats throughout the day, make it into a "special" thing that you enjoy. Make it part of your "you" time when you aren't stressed out (if you're stressed, you'll want it more) and have a small morsel of sugary goodness. That's what I do. I have chocolates in my desk, and I have one or two when I unwind (but not the whole box). It's definitely not going to kill you to enjoy a small morsel.
Part of the reason why people fail on "diets" is because they think they will never ever ever be able to have that "comfort food" again. That anxiety gets to them, and they want it more, and blah blah. What you should be doing is reaching for a lifestyle change that incorporates the foods you love (we're human after all... a big part of culture is enjoying good food with friends and family) MODERATELY while incorporating healthy foods as well. Basically, during most meals, you have whole grains, veggies, and lean meats. Then, on a weekend night with friends, don't be afraid of a night on the town with a meal and spirit you enjoy. Just don't do it everyday.
Jelly has high fructose corn syrup in it. Its just as bad (if not worse) than sugar.
Another option to a peanutbutter sandwich is adding fresh fruit if you want a fruity taste with it.
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