Monday 4 February 2019

Am I Addicted to Sugar?


My name's Clare, and I'm a sugaraholic.

When I was drinking (a lot), I wasn't that interested in sugar. I felt quite smug about my lack of sweet tooth. I could inhale a packet of crisps (that's chips for my American friends) from twenty paces, but chocolate? I could take or leave it.

Then, I quit drinking, and hot chocolate and cake became my lifeline.

I have to confess, that over the last few years, that craving for sugar hasn't really diminished. In fact, it's got worse.

In our house, we have cupcake Friday. I don't actually bake the suckers. I'm really not that kind of mother, sadly. But I pick the kids up from school and we go to the local cupcake shop where they sell such beauties as Unicorn cupcakes! With horns and sprinkles.

I swear, eating a large cupcake with lots of frosting makes me totally HIGH.

But then, there's the inevitable crash, an hour or so later. And I've started craving that sugar high more and more.

When I was madly editing my new novel for a Christmas deadline, I spent hours in my pyjamas and Uggs, hunched over my laptop, mainlining mince pies. I kid you not. I ate dozens of those evil temptresses.

I know I am not alone. Many, many people tell me that after going sober they developed unbearable sugar cravings.

Why is this?

Well, it turns out that sugar acts on our dopamine levels in exactly the same way as alcohol, or cocaine, or any other drug.

Dopamine is a neuro-transmitter in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. If you have a tendency towards addiction, it is likely that you are particularly sensitive to dopamine.

When we drink alcohol, or eat sugar, our brains produce a spike of dopamine. Way-hey! The issue is that following that spike, there's a crash, which makes us crave more.

And over time, our brains reduce the amount of dopamine produced naturally to compensate for all the stuff we keep shovelling in, so without booze, or sugar, we feel a bit...meh.

After my Christmas sugar binge-fest, I decided that something had to be done. I needed to moderate.

I have, therefore, given myself some parameters. I will NOT eat sugar during the week. I will NOT eat sugar alone. I will NOT eat more than one cupcake in one sitting.

Is this all sounding horribly familiar?

And, just the same as when I tried those rules with booze, I find myself becoming obsessed by the idea of sneaking down to the newsagent and hiding a cheeky bag of Maltesers (they are mainly air, after all) in my shopping basket, amongst lots of random items that I don't actually need.

I did some research, and there is some good news. There are, it turns out, several ways to produce dopamine in a totally healthy way.

First off, you can eat foods rich in something called tyrosine, like almonds, bananas, avocados, eggs, beans, fish and chicken. Not as pretty as cupcakes, but they do the same thing in a more gentle, less addictive fashion.

You can exercise. Yoga is especially good at producing dopamine, but any exercise, particularly outdoors (dopamine loves sunlight) will do the job.

Make sure you get lots of sleep. If you're sleep deprived, your dopamine levels will go through the floor. That's why you crave sugar when you're tired.

Listen to music! Your favourite tunes lead to an increase in dopamine. Yes, really.

Get a massage. Apparently, massage therapy increases dopamine levels by nearly 30%, while also decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone).

I've been trying these strategies, and they really do work.

So, whether you're craving booze, sugar or cocaine, grab a banana, do some asanas in the sunshine, book a massage and turn the music up, and before you know it, the cravings will go.

Read the story of my first year sober, The Sober Diaries, described as 'Bridget Jones Dries Out.' You can get the first few chapters for free using Amazon's 'look inside' feature. Click here for UK, here for USA.

For daily inspiration and information, check out the SoberMummy Facebook Page. 'Like' page to stay updated.

Love to you all,

Clare

34 comments:

  1. Hmm, I was reading this while eating a mini ice cream ( the ones from Aldi ). Like you SM, I made a vow after Christmas to cut back on sugar after going a bit OTT during the festive season. So I snuck this ice cream while Mrs w3stie wasn't watching. Now I feel bad, and I was already feeling guilty about the choccie bar ( Aldi again ) I had behind her back this morning with coffee.

    Hmmm.

    Guiltily

    Rob

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    Replies
    1. As always, Rob, you and I are twins separated at birth...

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    2. Like you said SM, it's just like the wine. I started the New Year with best intentions to quit sugar treats. That lasted two weeks, and I lost 2 kgs, then it came to the weekend and, well it's ok to have it on the weekend. Then Monday came and I'm reduced to hiding treats around the house.

      Sad really :D

      Rob

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  2. Clare as I said on soberistas, this is not a funny problem. Who wants to look in the mirror and see a big fat blob looking back because they can't stay sober without it. I raised it as an issue and shall we say it wasn't well received......to summerise "Its better than drinking" was the general response. Don't we want to be the best version of our selves possible??? Thanks Clare, I now know I am not going round the twist. Dopamine is the biggest neurohormone we have that affects mood. Pass me an almond any day.....I cant do one cupcake, sorry Im defo an addict xx

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    1. I found the soberistas environment very judgemental and these comments just reinforced my view. There is a balance too - yes, we want to be alcohol free but we also want a healthy life. Sugar is bad, not less so because it doesn't contain alcohol - just in a different way. A very limiting perspective

      holohl, just

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  3. This explains my current half an avocado and walnuts for breakfast every day, plus a banana and tangerine. There's the added hit from the self righteous healthiness of it all. I had no problem avoiding sugary things (except the spoonful in my tea or coffee) when I drank alcohol, but during my first AF year I got a taste for sweet treats. Fortunately the sugar cravings passed, but I'm still dangerous around a packet of crisps. Thanks SM, love NT xx

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  4. Good to know. Now trying to realign my body after 3 wagon wheels, an Oreo easter egg, (just don't, they are horrible) and 2 After Dinner mints. Got a bag of almonds in the cupboard x

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  5. I have turned into a cookie monster, a sober cookie monster!

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  6. It’s an important phase. The body needs time to wean itself off the booze. Zero replacement just doesn’t work.
    So the sugar is good, and then, once life is a bit more manageable, it can be replaced too.

    Sugar is a source of easy energy as well. Some day, especially in early sobriety, we need that.

    Hug
    Anne

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    Replies
    1. Are you past the sugar craving phase Anne? how long did it take you? x

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  7. YES! I quit drinking in January and was fine for the first two weeks. Then I suddenly found myself engaging in the same negative behaviour as when I was drinking: Sneaking off to the store, buying a mini cake (mini meaning it probably served four people instead of 10), rushing home and devouring the whole thing before hubby came home. Oh, and hiding the packaging. Fascinating, but also scary.

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  8. I am five months without alcohol and 6 weeks without sugar. I too had horrible sugar cravings when I stopped drinking. Moderation did not work for me, so I decided to quit sugar as I did the booze, as I had all the same negative emotions and outcomes with both substances. Quitting sugar was actually harder than quitting wine/beer, but I can now say that cravings for both are safely in my rear view mirror. My energy levels are higher, my sense of contentment is far deeper, my self esteem is stronger, my stress triggers are less sensitive and I am more engaged and focused on the things I want to accomplish in my life. While I have not lost weight, I am sure my physical health has benefitted as well.
    Thank you for addressing this topic, Clare. It is an important one.

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  9. Great post, thank you for sharing! Living down under on a horse farm, I find riding in the morning is the best way to get that dopamine high. Sugar totally buggers up my body as once I start, I just can't stop and then I can't fit into my clothes. Best not to start.

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    1. EXaCTLy...it's good to be able to relate. Guilt follows eating a big bag of M&M's. 👎

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  10. Since quitting the booze 14 months ago my chocolate craving has gone through the roof. Today alone I have eaten 2 yum yum, 2 marshmallow flumps & a large bar of hazelnut milka chocolate. It was easy to stop drinking but quitting chocolates OMG I struggle ������

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  11. Perfect timing! I'm 31 days sober and now working on my junk food habit. I crave jelly beans! But mostly its mindless eating everytime I get stressed. You're right about Yoga, its incredibly helpful and my Jack Russell Terrier Chloe gets me outside daily. Every little bit counts. I'm looking forward to your book!

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  12. I'm now 36 days sober, the fact that that is A) in reality, not that long a time and B) feels like a big deal and a long time to me, show's how addicted to the alcohol lifestyle I was/am.

    Is it possible to be addicted to Becks Blue? Or Heineken Zero? I only ask because that I'm drinking one or two of those a night and it does feel like cheating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 36 days is brilliant and you should be proud you have gone through the hardest bit, keep going!

      I think the Becks Blue and Heineken thing is normal behaviour ...and sugar! For me it's Eisberg and chocolate but it feels more habitual than addictive and I'm now reaching a point where I've had enough so looking forward to eating and drinking normal healthy foods. I'm on day 99 so it does take a while....and the alcohol cravings have virtually gone but that is only recently.....



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    2. Thank you. I stopped drinking after reading SM's book. Reading the blogs as they were written is a HUGE help and support. After 50 days I'm now sleeping like a baby... (well a non colic baby anyway).

      I haven't had a sugar craving, but I'm finding the non alcholic beers a massive support, especially as my friends have a huge drinking culture. I also enjoy the taste. I've tried some alcohol free red wine or 'vinegar' as it should be more accurately titled.

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    3. 36 days is a great achievement, 50 is fantastic! you're heading into the phase where it really starts to make a difference now. The cravings weaken and eventually disappear around 100 days... Beer? not really me... I don't fancy it! I can't believe I have just written that! 100 days ago I was addicted, drinking heavily and in a real mess....If I can then so can anyone!

      Keep going, you're doing great....

      Delete
  13. Thank you for your life changing blog.
    I tried to do this 10 years ago but failed. I was on my own.
    http://ayearoflivingabstentiously.blogspot.com/?m=1
    I decided to stop drinking on Tuesday and your blog/book is keeping me going. I feel you are walking by my side.
    I have a birthday and holiday next week. I will be leaning on your wise words.

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    1. There are a lot of people in your position ....people who have tried and tried again but eventually it sticks and your journey begins. That's me! I tried to give up many times over the last 20 years then 107 days ago it happened. I have been through everything Clare has described but if I can do it, anyone can.

      There are hundreds of us walking by your side, all going in the same direction so good luck, be strong and determined and I promise you, it does get easier as time passes.

      Delete
  14. Hello i had the Blog adress by your Book. My name is Diane and i will u
    have 2 years of abstinences the 16 of April.. U am a member off AA Her un Québec Canada it is the better way for me to stop drinking.
    I live by my self for 3 years now and it is the better way to have friends because when a stop i lost all my friends . Living by my self is not easy but it is better for me. I am affective dependance to. I am a retired woman of 64 years Thank you for your blog that make me stroger and abstinence Looking to chat with you
    ps sorry i am french and ny righting in english is not so good lolll

    ReplyDelete
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  16. I have been hovering for a while on here. Today I reached a low. I couldn't take my child to school as was too hung over . I had to miss my work as I was too hung over. Last night I drank a bottle of wine followed by 3 double gone. I thought stopping in week would be enough but it's not. I need to find a way to stop altogether. Hoping feeling this ill for the last time and working on how to quit for good. Everyone sees me as a got it together person, likes a laugh and a drink, good job ,good friend wife and mum but I have my wine witch secret.

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    Replies
    1. You've taken the first step, you've decided you want to stop drinking. Take small steps, set little targets and reward yourself as you achieve them. The first few weeks is hard but the more you stick with it, the more determined you become. Don't hide what you are doing either, be open and share it with your hubby and close friends. You have to accept it is life changing! at times it feels like a huge loss but as the milestones pass, you start to see the light and it does become easier. A day, a weekend, a week, month, 50 days, 100 days....celebrate them all and as you achieve one, set your sight on the next one. And your wine witch will get gradually weaker! mine has almost gone at 110 days. I drink Iceberg wine of an evening, it's not bad!

      You will develop a ridiculous sugar craving but don't worry about it...some way down the line you realise you have had enough and that eases off too!

      So good luck, be strong, and remember there are lots of us all walking in the same direction as you...we're holding your hand until you're ready to let go x

      Delete
  17. Good luck anonymous, you are here acknowledging your problem and that's a good start. Just take one day at a time and you will get there, it is very hard but SO worth it. Maybe join Club Soda on fb too for support, there are loads of people there helping each other through this. Good luck, you can beat the wine witch and you will love waking every day sober without that feeling of self loathing and anxiety that hangovers bring. We're here for you xxx

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  18. First of all, I want to say great job on your book. I don't usually like blog-to-books because they are so stream of consciousness and no beginning, middle and end but yours was a story. I found you by accident through your Ted Talk but it resonated with me. I was trying to lose weight and did not want to admit that wine or drinking was a problem - it was FOOD. I saw myself in your talk though so I bought and downloaded your book. Even though I was a two glasses a night, almost every single night (and weekends of course more!) and hanging on to the fact that I did not drink to get drunk, I had to ask myself, then why do I drink? Good question. Your journey and how the drinking numbs us and then we do not have to deal with our feelings was on target. I haven't stopped completely but I have cut out at least 3/4's of the my drinks and I am down 8 lbs. I just read your entry about moderation and that resonates with me. I think it might be easier to just stop then to worry about every situation and how much I will have to drink. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

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  19. Hi Claire. I've been reading your book in bed every night "Sober Diaries" before I fall off to sleep. I'm enjoying your wisdom and strength through humor. I have a twin sister, and last September our drinking was way out of hand and I had to call 911 to come and pick up my non-responsive sis after a 3 day weekend binge. I had only stopped drinking the week before. My first, last drink was a bottle of Vodka on Friday night through Saturday morning on August 12th. She now hasn't had a drink since August 18th, 2018. We enjoyed living together after we both went through divorce. The problem was we were 2 co-dependent twins that could now drink in the privacy of our own place, my house. After too many uncontrolled episodes of drinking and her lashing out at me, I knew we were in danger of "death", if we did not give up the bottle. She moved out September 1st and has not had a drink since. I, on the other hand, went to a Christmas Party with my best friend and her company at a Casino, and once again I got lost in the booze. I have not had a drink since that night on December 2nd. We all know that when trying to stay sober, especially after 20 some years of drinking, every day counts. I appreciate your inspiration to sobriety. Day 190...minus the one. Paige of the Duo PS the tWiNs.

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    Replies
    1. Vodka took us there sooner than later but it also hannant's accidents and incidents that came with it.

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  20. Wow, Claire, just wow. I'm extremely impressed. Look at this, everybody: https://www.thebookseller.com/news/transworld-wins-authenticity-project-after-six-way-auction-871401
    I don't suppose you know which Danish publisher is buying it, if any? I would so love to translate it for you. I translate Lucinda Riley and Jamie Ford among others.

    ReplyDelete
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  22. This is a great help and really strikes a cord.
    Can I ask how long it took you to lose weight? Im 3w off of wine and no loss��It is making me disheartened! I've gained 2stone in 2years! I really thought it was the wine. I needed it to be the wine because otherwise, I have little else to motivate my sobriety right now!

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete