I don’t have a sweet tooth, I have twenty-eight of them. For me, going off sugar is as easy as Bilbo giving Gandalf the ring in The Lord of the Rings. But that sweet stuff suppresses your immune system and is dangerous for your health. In flu season that can spell trouble. To motivate me to break sugar’s grip I brushed up on some sugar facts.
Sour facts on sugar:
- Suppresses your immune system
- Causes cavities
- Increases moodiness, irritability, and depression (sugar blues)
- Saps energy
- Causes calcium loss from the body’s bone structure (to neutralize the acidity)
- Leads to weight gain and addiction (More addictive than cocaine for many.)
- Increases the severity of PMS
Paul wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything,” (1 Cor. 6:12, NASB). We do not want to become slave to our cravings.
How do we break free?
Pray
Ask God for the desire and motivation to eat well. Jesus said to pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” (Matt. 6:13). He also told Peter, to keep praying…because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, (Matt. 26:41).
Protect
“Make no provision for the flesh,” (Rom. 13:14). In other words, don’t keep things around that tempt you.
Substitute
Find healthy alternatives. Fresh, seasonal fruits are naturally sweet and packed with immune boosting nutrients. Try a variety.
Use natural sweeteners. I use raw agave nectar to sweeten drinks, and in sauces and cooking. Pure maple syrup is great on oatmeal and baked goods. Mix fruit juice and sparkling water for a refreshing bubbly drink. I like pineapple with a squeeze of lime. Bake your own treats using whole grains and natural sweeteners.
Feed your real hunger
Hunger weakens our resolve. Don’t skip meals and then grab a candy bar. Take time to enjoy your food. That fills a need in itself.
Buddy up
Ecclesiastes says two are better than one. Find a partner who will encourage you and pray for you.
Exercise and laugh
High carb foods cause a chemical reaction in the brain that temporarily relieves stress and makes us feel happy. We crave them when we need a pick me up. Unfortunately, like most artificial stimulants, the negative effects outlast the pleasure. Exercise and laughter, on the other hand, relieve stress and boost your health.
Listen to your thoughts
Negative thoughts sabotage our health. A friend said that when her thoughts say I need chocolate, she asks herself, am I hungry or stressed? Hunger needs real food and stress needs something else.
Taste buds change. After a while of eating healthier, natural foods, I prefer them over processed ones.
I hope these tips help you. When you pray for yourself, pray for me too! I’d love to hear what helps you stay free from dominating cravings.
Here’s to your freedom and health,
Deborah W. Wilson
Bible Study for Women
Ladies, I’ll be leading two studies on Give Yourself a Break. One in Cary and one in Zebulon. Click here for more information.
Thanks Debbie…..I am struggling with sugar also.
Sugar really is addictive. Have you tried agave nectar? I like the taste, and it doesn’t kick off the cravings. It has a low glycemic index.
Thanks, Debbie, much needed advice as I am out of control when it comes to sugar. Will have to try agave nectar. Blessings, Sheila
Let me know how you like it.
Awesome post Deb! I love it and agree from start to finish.
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Well done article that. I’ll make sure to use it wisely.