4th June 2015
Laughter is an instant vacation. Guillermo Álvarez
Isn't it funny how the universe brings things to your
attention. I've just been sat here
thinking what shall I write, I'm in a rush this morning, lots to do, meetings
to get to so I need to not spend ages on it.
Then I found myself thinking about sugar and how my cravings haven't
been quite as bad this month since I've been drinking my nutribullet full of
sweet fruit and also including good wholesome foods and cutting down on the
junk. Then the presenter on the radio
starts talking about what's in today's papers and I heard something about a sugar
tax because we have an obesity epidemic and our poor kids are suffering.
The question for me is, is this sugar stuff addictive, is it
possible that people are actually addicted to the stuff. We, there have been studies in rats that find
sugar stimulates the release of opiates, which makes you feel good! The opiates, in turn, stimulate your appetite
for more sugar, if you give those rats enough sugar, and they become addicted,
constantly pressing a button to get more to keep giving them that high! Scary stuff especially as when you turn off
the supply they exhibit anxiety and other signs of withdrawal just like a
person would if addicted to cocaine!
So possibly, however if people can crack (pardon the pun) a
cocaine addiction we sure as hell can break any food addiction we may or may
not have. Unfortunately we still have to
eat, you can just cut it out all together like you could with a drug or drink
problem. Instead we need to learn how to
enjoy food without constantly wanting more and more and more - can it be
done? Of course it can, I have hundreds
of members who are doing just that, and I weigh lots of members who are
maintaining their goal - so yes we can break that addictive like behaviour cycle.
How can you get that feel good feeling other than from
food? Having a giggle with friends, finding
a way to move your body that you enjoy, spending time with loved ones, having
fun. All things you have to make time
for and maybe that's why eating is such an easy option because it's instant, because
you can do it at anytime, because it really doesn't take any planning. Mmm I
think I've just hit on something there, if I'm feeling a little low, I have to
make plans to go out and do something and possibly have to delay that pleasure
seeking, but with food I can just go and get it there and feel a little bit of
a boost instantly!
So I know I will probably always use food as a mood booster
so I look for foods and meals to do just that without blowing my ProPoints
budget and getting the scales to make me stop smiling. Last night I had leftover Jersey mids, sliced
them and fried with frozen petit pois and a bit of bacon, then topped with a
fried egg, it was delicious and yeah it made me smile as I cooked it and served
it up, my delicious reward at the end of a long day and still a healthy
choice.
I enjoyed every mouthful, but it's always good to ask
yourself if the food your eating is in fact delivering on its promise! The first few mouthfuls may give you that
initial pleasure, but then we usually stop paying attention and before you know
it, it's gone! Start giving your food
your full attention, don't mindlessly eat and don't just pay attention as your
eating it, notice the effect each meal has on your body, an hour maybe two
later, if you've eaten too much, you may have an uncomfortable feeling in your
stomach? Acknowledging this might
encourage you to start to change what or how much you eat, if you don't pay
attention and you'll never notice.
Right I'm off because I need to shower and load my car -
I'll dress inbetween those two activities!
Have a great day BeYOUtiful and pay attention! xx
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