How do I learn to embrace a life without sugar?

 

June 11, 2024

Embarrassed. Ashamed. Disappointed. Looking back to my entry in October 2021 and I realize my sugar intake has only slightly decreased and I've spent 3.5 years in the same sweet, sticky, sugary mess that I swore I would pull myself out of. Oh, and I've gained another 10 lbs., which means I've gained back 50 of the 80 I lost in 2019. It's not about bread, pasta, muffins. It's about pure sugar. Starbucks drinks. Ice cream. Brownies. Cookies. Did I mention Starbucks drinks? 

I lost so much time. So much freedom to do the things I want because of a broken mind, broken body. Swollen, stiff, inflamed, enlarged, sick in my body and mind. I never in my wildest dreams thought kicking sugar would be harder than alcohol.

I went through six sessions of hypnotherapy hoping to kick sugar. I'm in therapy. I read the books, listen to the self-help podcasts, hope, cross my fingers, pray that I'll come to hate it like I did alcohol. But when I'm by myself, my inner 5-year-old takes over and my mind blanks out all the advice, info, knowledge, and the understanding that what I'm doing is slowly killing me. And oh, man... the self-hatred after the fact? Off the charts. The things I say to myself are so awful I wouldn't dream of saying them out loud to another person. 

Right now I'm reading Freedom from the Diet Trap by Jason Vale. His book about alcohol titled Kick the Drink Easily was an important one for me many years ago. In both books, he talks about how we've been tricked by the food and alcohol industries:

Jason Vale suggests that we've been tricked by the food and alcohol industries primarily through marketing strategies that promote unhealthy products as desirable and even essential for a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some ways he argues that this trickery occurs:

Misleading Advertising: Vale argues that the food and alcohol industries use misleading advertising tactics to make their products appear more appealing and healthier than they actually are. This can include exaggerated health claims, misleading packaging, and manipulative imagery that associates their products with happiness, success, and social acceptance.

Manipulation of Cravings: Vale asserts that the food industry deliberately formulates products to be addictive, using a combination of sugar, salt, fat, and other additives to manipulate our taste buds and create cravings. This can lead to overconsumption and dependency on these unhealthy foods, contributing to issues like obesity and chronic disease.

Portion Distortion: Vale argues that the food industry promotes oversized portions and encourages excessive consumption through tactics like "supersizing" meals and offering value deals that encourage people to buy more than they need. This can contribute to overeating and poor dietary choices.

Alcohol Marketing: Vale also criticizes the alcohol industry for its aggressive marketing strategies that glamorize drinking and downplay the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. This can include promoting alcohol as a symbol of social status, relaxation, and fun, while ignoring its negative health effects and potential for addiction.

Lobbying and Influence: Vale highlights the influence of the food and alcohol industries on government policies and regulations, arguing that they use their financial power to shape public opinion and prevent meaningful reform that could promote healthier eating and drinking habits.

Overall, Vale believes that the food and alcohol industries prioritize profits over public health, and they exploit our vulnerabilities and desires to sell products that ultimately harm our well-being. He advocates for greater awareness of these tactics and encourages individuals to reclaim control over their food and drink choices by making informed and mindful decisions.