October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

WELLNESS
Are You Addicted to Sugar?
by Brandi McCarthy
No? Are you sure? Medical Dictionary.com defines addiction as “a persistent, compulsive dependence on a
behavior or substance.” So, with that in mind, let me ask you this, have you ever felt that you just needed
something sweet, or you would die without some chocolate? Does the smell of fresh baked bread or cookies
have you drooling? Ever had “just one” cookie only to plough down to have 3 or 4 more?? Yup. You’re an
addict. Sorry.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Sugar addiction affects more people than most other addictions combined! It’s
ubiquitous. I bet you don’t even realize how much sugar you are consuming on a daily basis. Let’s look at a
typical day, shall we? For breakfast maybe you have toast and peanut butter with a coffee, yup, sugar there.
And don’t think you’re exempt because you have the “just peanuts” peanut butter either, 9 out of 10 loaves of
bread have added sugar, check the ingredient list. Do you have a low fat yogurt, a granola bar, some crackers
or heaven forbid a muffin, cookie or doughnut for a snack? Check. There’s sugar in all of those. I bet there’s
even sugar in the dressing you put on your healthy salad at lunch or in the lunch meat on your sandwich (and
there’s that bread again) and if you eat out I can guarantee there’s sugar in your restaurant food. Anyone for
an afternoon coffee or tea? Double double? You’re safe and sugar free at dinner though right? Not if you had
any salad dressing, pre-marinated meats, ketchup, or barbecue sauce, tomato sauce.......do I need to go on?
I’m sure you get the point; sugar is in just about EVERYTHING!
So the big question becomes “why is this a problem”? Well, for one, we are getting unhealthier every single
day. High sugar consumption causes a whole host of health problems. Obesity, type 2 Diabetes, and heart
disease are all at an all time high and the worst part is we now have a generation of kids that are not expected
to live as long as their parents! This is the first time in human history that the next generation is expected to
have a shorter lifespan than the previous one. If that isn’t enough to take the gummy bears away from the kids
I don’t know what is!
So what do we do about it? Well, I propose a change. I think we all need one. We are just a small little
community North of Newmarket, but I bet we can make a big change together. Maybe people will even take
notice! I’m not asking you to never touch sugar again. I’m just asking you to become more aware, to cut back,
and to make conscious choices to reduce your sugar intake. I can guarantee you’ll feel better, you’re kids will
feel better (even if they threaten you at first!), you’ll probably sleep better and you will eventually stop craving
the white stuff so much. Your palate will adjust, fruit will taste sweeter, and the benefits go on and on. If you
do it for no other reason, cut back on the sugar for your kids. Give them a fighting chance at a healthier
lifestyle and a longer life.
If you want more ideas on how to cut out the sugar or want to join in on a group sugar detox in your area,
check out www.bodydesign.ca for lots more info! Good luck East Gwillimbury, I know you can do it!
By Brandi McCarthy, RHN. Brandi is a Registered Nutritionist and certified Personal Trainer at Body Design.
Body Design offers personal training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching to assist individuals achieve their fitness
and weight loss goals. www.bodydesign.ca
8 The Bulletin | October 2010 www.thebulletinmagazine.com