#SugarBalancedLiving

Imagine this: you're leisurely walking down the aisles of a grocery store, pushing your cart filled with healthy items and then you find those candy bars wrapped in colorful packages labeled with enticing words that just look so tasty and appealing. Many of us have experienced this temptation and are drawn in by the allure of sweetness and satisfying texture, especially when shopping hungry. But have you ever taken a moment to contemplate how this innocent indulgence impacts your behavior and mental well-being? Today we’re getting in to the ins and outs of how sugar affects your overall daily health!

Understanding Sugar and Its Many Guises

First, you need to learn what sugar really is. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides calories for your body to use as energy and comes in two types. Natural sugars are sugars that come from fresh fruits while added sugars are those sugars found in processed foods. It's actually the added sugar that you have to watch out for (although, natural sugar should still be moderated and tracked in a healthy diet, as they can still spike your blood sugar levels). It’s sneaky and hides as sucrose, fructose, and glucose.

Sugar’s Secret Rendezvous with Your Brain

Here’s the thing. Sugar likes to trick your brain by using its reward system. Whenever you consume sugar your body releases dopamine, which is the feel-good neurotransmitter, making you feel a surge of happiness after consumption. But it is a trick because that feeling of happiness is going to be short-lived.

Sugar and Mood Swings

Have you ever experienced those mood swings that feel like a wild rollercoaster ride after indulging in sugary or high processed carb foods? Well, sugar might be to blame. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels caused by consuming sugar-rich foods can wreak havoc on your mood and behavior. In fact, it’s so common an issue that it’s something that those working in the field of behavioral health consulting often research. One moment you might feel elated and soaring high, only to crash down moments later like a deflated balloon - both in mood and energy.

The Art of Sugar Addiction

You've probably heard about addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol. Did you know that sugar can also be addictive? The more sugar you consume, the stronger your brain craves it. Before you know it, you can find yourself trapped in a cycle of sugar addiction where your behavior becomes controlled by it.

The Role of Sugar in Mental Well-being

A lot of research has already established the link between excessive sugar consumption and depression. It’s not just a coincidence - rather, it’s a biochemical connection. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress which are both bad for your mental health.

Long-Term Toll: Obesity, Diabetes, and More

As we all know sugar plays a role in medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Unfortunately treating those conditions can be quite costly. Therefore before indulging in a frappe or a donut, take a moment to consider if these fleeting pleasures are truly worth risking your health seriously.

Conclusion

So what can you do to regain control over dietary decisions and behavior? First, be aware of what you are consuming. Start by reading food labels and reducing sugar consumption. Next, you should choose healthier alternatives like natural sweeteners and fruits. And most importantly practice mindful eating - before you put any food in your mouth you have to first think how it might affect your overall well-being and whether it’s the right fuel you need!

*contributed post