Sweet Poison

Have you read the book Sweet Poison by David Gillespie?  A few of my friends were raving about it last year, but I've only recently had a chance to read it. David, the author, is the father of six young children (including one set of twins) and was 40 kilos overweight when he set out to investigate why he, like so many in his generation, was fat. He researched the latest medical findings on diet and weight gain and argues that not only does sugar make us fat, but it is also poisoning us, and is responsible for many of the illnesses in our society such as diabetes, heat disease, stroke, and probably has a strong role in other illnesses such as cancer. 

His argument is pretty convincing (at least to me, I'm not sure if someone with a medical background would find flaws in his argument).

I decided that I would like to give it a go. Not only for the health benefits that he argues, but also because over the last year a couple of kilos have crept on. A couple when I started studying Law, a couple more from the stress of moving interstate, and now a couple from a cold winter and finally finishing breastfeeding. I know that if I don't do something now, then it will become a bigger problem that will be much harder to tackle later. I can still fit into my clothes, but they are feeling tight, and I can't afford to buy a new wardrobe and will find it depressing if I have to buy in a bigger size. 

I haven't figured out all the details of my 'no sugar' challenge for myself, but I haven't had anything with obvious sugar in it since Monday. My little children have been sick this week, which has made it even harder. I have felt very stressed and immediately wanted to reach for a block  piece of chocolate or a slice of cake. Instead, I have been trying to be mindful, and listening to my body and telling myself that it isn't hunger but anxiety. When I have been mindful and paying attention to my body, I can feel the anxiety (and it is very much a physical feeling, tightening) across my upper chest and shoulders. I have been trying to observe this feeling, and letting it be, beathing, and trying to let it go. It isn't perfect, but it helps. If I still feel the need to eat, then I have a cup of tea, or a handful of almonds. Monday was really hard, Tuesday wasn't too bad, Wednesday was the hardest. Today has been ok so far, but afternoons and evenings are the time when I usually indulge. 

One reason why I am finding it particularly difficult is that these little sugary treats (particularly chocolate) is my little bit of luxury in my day, the time for me all by myself. Long days at home as a SAHM can be very trying, and I see this as my reward. I know that it will be hard to change, as it is a form of addiction, and if I am going to break it, then I need to find replacements. I really want to do this. 

Do you eat much sugar? Do you think of it as a great evil, or something to be had in moderation?

Have you ever quit an addiction? What did you find helped you do it?