Breaking Free from Sugar's Sticky Grip

Are you addicted to sugar? I was, or I am. You know how an alcoholic just can't stop drinking? That's me with sugar. Long gone are the days when I would ram two bars of chocolate down my neck and happily indulge in a slab of toast lathered in jam and peanut butter, but for me, there never has been such a thing as eating one biscuit. There is only eating several, and then looking into half a packet, concerned with how this could have happened - again.

Every time I make a cuppa, I hear my mother's voice declaring the evils of white sugar in your tea and how it coats your teeth, rotting them, to then go on to rotting other things. I don't put sugar in my tea, but my father did, at least two teaspoons, and sure enough, he lost all his teeth! The Elizabethans loved sugar, and it was considered an indulgence which only the extremely wealthy could afford, hence if you had white healthy teeth in those days, it was immediately obvious that you were a pauper.

I found myself enslaved to sugar, so I gave it up, along with white flour and other foods that, when I started eating, I couldn't really stop. I made a commitment to let go of the substances that messed with my state of being (as well as my teeth) and to start eating in a way that supported the mental and physical well-being I craved in symmetrical measure.

There is a commonly known fact that what you crave or are 'addicted to' is what you're allergic to. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just believe me when I say that the response I have to insulin is fraught with numerous discomforts, from gut inflammation issues and mood swings to weight gain. Perhaps the most enduring symptom was the incessant argument inside my head.

A New Path Forward

It's been a good few years since I've been entirely off refined sugar and, with a handful of exceptions, off white flour too. I eat fresh and dried fruits. The lessons I have learned from my sugar story that might be of use to you are the observations taken from giving up a substance that didn't serve me and from figuring out, day to day, how to keep living free of it.

Stop Arguing with Yourself: 

I learned to stop arguing with myself. That was the very first step. I paid attention and respected my inner voice. Actually, I came to the conclusion that it was a lot less effort to act on my counsel than to listen to the voice in my head that was constantly berating me.

Observe the Physical Consequences: 

I learned to observe the physical consequences quickly and honestly. I stopped denying that it was the sugar that was responsible for the physical issues I was experiencing, and I encouraged myself to analyse each reaction to insulin as it was happening in real-time, becoming acutely awake to what was materialising physically and consequently, mentally.

Self-Care and Self-Love: 

And so I began to be open to change and met the suffering with self-care, nurturing, and self-love. There came a moment when I clearly felt I didn't want to put myself through 'it' anymore. I deserved better.

Supportive Structures and Routines:

But all the self-love in the world wouldn't have mattered if I didn't manifest it by giving myself the lifestyle changes and support that made the actual behaviour change possible. Personally, I often turned to sugar when I was exhausted, so I found it helped to develop a more manageable work schedule — with breaks and less extreme hours. I needed to learn to sleep more, both at night and if needed, a 20-minute afternoon nap. Sometimes, grabbing easy-to-eat sweet snacks instead of planning healthy alternatives got in the way of my resolve, so establishing new snack alternatives and being prepared daily with nutritious options was enormously important to develop new habits, not least by also clearing the kitchen cupboards of temptation.

That was and is the magical trifecta - Recognising the suffering of the old way, deep self-love and respect for the body and mind, and simple supportive structures and routines.

Final Thoughts

Notice that self-discipline is nowhere on the list of lessons learned. People often ask me if I miss desserts, sandwiches, cakes, or alcohol. But I tell them the benefits outweigh those old habits, and the experience of enjoying the physical and emotional results of a sugar-free life is profoundly healing. In the end, foods are material things, and material things are nothing compared to the riches of self-actualisation.

I'm not suggesting you give up sugar. I'm not trying to convert anyone. Many people can enjoy it in moderation, and honestly, if I come back in my next lifetime as one of them, I'd be delighted. But everyone has substances or behaviours in their lives – whether obsessive internet social media stuff, work, or shopping – that take you away from your sober, clear-minded, autonomous self, that take you away from bright joy and from creating what you really want to create while you are here on Earth.

I want to invite you to set healthy boundaries around those things. I want you to ask yourself, "What would I do differently in relation to that substance or that habit if I was making a grand embrace of myself and the life I want to lead?" And I want you to remember you can't make positive behaviour change without vast self-love and supportive new structures in your life.

I also want you to know that, in my opinion, this blog is not enough to help you quit your addiction. So please don't try to do it based solely on this and then feel bad if you don't succeed. This post is my story, with an invitation to start thinking about this topic as it manifests in your own life.

Recommendations

The Power of Omnimycelia Cognition Nectar

One supportive tool that can aid in overcoming sugar cravings is Emaya Pure Life's Omnimycelia Cognition Nectar. This unique product is made from the extracts of various medicinal mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps, and can be used as a natural sweetener if desired.

The Cognition Nectar contains compounds like beta-glucans and antioxidants that may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing cravings for sugary foods. Additionally, the mushroom extracts in the Nectar have been shown to support cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity, which can be beneficial when trying to break free from the grip of sugar addiction.

If you're looking for a sweet treat without the negative effects of refined sugar, the Cognition Nectar can be a delicious and nutritious alternative. Its natural sweetness comes from the presence of polysaccharides and other compounds found in the medicinal mushrooms, providing a satisfying flavour without spiking your blood sugar levels.

Tap here for Omnimycelia

Powerful Ingredients for Blood Sugar Balance

In addition to the potential benefits of the Omnimycelia Cognition Nectar, several other ingredients found in Emaya Pure Life's tea blends can play a supportive role in achieving healthy blood sugar levels and overcoming sugar cravings.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. Curcumin may also help reduce cravings for sugary foods by modulating the brain's reward system and dopamine release.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, particularly Ceylon cinnamon used in Emaya's blends, has been extensively studied for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. It contains polyphenols that can mimic the effects of insulin and enhance glucose uptake by cells, reducing insulin resistance.

Ginger

Ginger has been found to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar control and insulin resistance. It contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols that may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose uptake by cells.

Cardamom

Cardamom has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to manage diabetes and improve glucose metabolism. It contains compounds like terpenoids and flavonoids that may help regulate blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity.

By incorporating these powerful ingredients into their blends, Emaya Pure Life provides a synergistic approach to supporting healthy blood sugar levels and curbing sugar cravings. The combination of these natural compounds can promote better insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic health.

It's important to note that while these ingredients can be beneficial, they should be used as part of a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance.