Sweet as sugar

I wasn’t allowed sweets as a child. Which probably explains why I am addicted to pic’n’mix as an adult. Can you imagine what it was like for me aged 9 to be taken into a sweet shop and invited to choose anything I wanted? Read what happened in my book!

So how does depriving ourselves fuel cravings and overindulgence?

Addictive nature of sugar

When we eat sugar, our body experiences a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This might give us a quick burst of energy, but it’s usually followed by a crash, leaving us feeling more tired and irritable. But there’s more to it – sugar consumption also triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

The Cortisol Cycle

Cortisol is our body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands located on top of our kidneys. It plays a crucial role in helping us respond to stress by increasing our blood sugar levels, enhancing the brain's use of glucose, and increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues.

When we’re under stress, cortisol levels rise to help us cope. However, chronic stress can lead to persistently high cortisol levels, which may contribute to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. The tricky part is that consuming sugar, while providing a quick dopamine rush, also triggers a cortisol spike. So, while we might feel a momentary lift, we’re actually feeding into a cycle that can perpetuate our stress.

Dopamine Delight

Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. It plays a key role in how we experience pleasure and reward. When we consume sugar, our brain releases a surge of dopamine, giving us a temporary mood boost. This is why we often crave sugary foods when we’re stressed or seeking comfort.

Childhood Cravings

As children, many of us were given sweets during times of sadness or distress. I was given chocolate by relatives at my baby brother’s funeral. So sugar has created a connection to comfort in my brain. This has conditioned me to reach for sweets during difficult times as an adult as I crave sweets as a way to recapture the comfort I felt as a child.

Forbidden Fruits

Being forbidden to eat sweets as a child can make them even more enticing as being told they can't have them can create a sense of longing and fascination. This forbidden allure can carry into adulthood, making sweets a powerful trigger for cravings. The emotional memory of wanting something that was restricted can heighten the desire for sugary treats, leading to an ongoing struggle with cravings and overindulgence.

Compassionate curiosity

Rather than focusing solely on dietary changes, let’s adopt a stance of compassionate curiosity towards our cravings and habits. This approach encourages us to understand the underlying causes and gently explore alternatives without judgment. By understanding the emotional connection to sweets and the addictive nature of sugar, I hope to make more balanced choices. It’s not about completely eliminating sweets, but about finding a healthier relationship with them. And not wanting to eat the whole sweet shop!