I lived a good portion of my life as a sugar addict, completely oblivious to the affects this had on my body, mind, soul and life. In fact, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as sugar addiction till around 2016 when I read a book written by Susan Pierce Thompson that gave me reality check. It was a bit of tough love in a very compassionate way about sugar (and flour) addiction. Who knew? It’s a real thing!
Like most addicts (be it sugar, alcohol, shopping, drugs, sex, etc.), I hit rock bottom, the low of lows, before I was driven to make a life-change. I wished someone had told me that sugar and flour addiction was a real thing before I hit that low!
I started this company, Noble Alchemy, including this website and weekly blog with the sole goal of reaching you, and helping you so that you don’t have to hit rock bottom like I did before you make a decision to improve your life and choose life-long health and wellness over that mocha latte or cookie.
Once I set my fears, insecurities and limiting beliefs aside and truly committed to make the change to eliminate added sugar (and flour) from my diet, my life transformed in every way you can imagine. And those closest to me know that when I say that my life changed in EVERY WAY, know it’s true. I emerged having a better understanding of my authentic self (my essence), and I am stronger, healthier and have more energy now than I had in my 30’s, and I was able to ditch all of my prescription drugs. Oh, and I lost a mere 140 pounds along the way – more than half of myself.
I know it may sound silly to some who may not fully understand this kind of addiction. But as I see it, addiction is addiction – a compulsive dependency on substances or behaviors. Trust me, I lived it, and it’s real. I am a recovered sugar addict (you’ll notice I didn’t say recovering). I know that if I can recover from sugar addiction, you can too! And I’ve helped several people do just that, so I know it’s not just a “one off.”
I identified 25 “sugar addict” secrets below. Take a big deep breath and bravely read each one. And as you read them, keep track of how many times you answer “yes” to these statements as your answers will help indicate if you may be a sugar addict.
1. I consume sugary foods or snacks on a daily basis.
2. I experience cravings for sugar in the morning.
3. I crave something sweet after meals.
4. I feel sluggish without some kind of daily sugar intake.
5. I regularly drink soda or other sweetened beverages (including soda with artificial sweeteners).
6. I add sugar to my coffee or tea.
7. I find it difficult to go to bed without eating something sweet.
8. I wake up during the night to indulge in sweets.
9. I think food tastes bland and uninteresting without sugar.
10. I feel sad or anxious at the thought of giving up sugar.
11. I use sweet snacks like cake or cookies to improve my mood when I’m feeling down.
12. I struggle to stop eating sweets once I start.
13. I frequently daydream about my favorite sugary treats.
14. I will go out of my way to purchase sugary snacks (such as that late night ice cream run).
15. I sneakily snack on sugary treats.
16.I feel powerless against sugary foods, and I am often unable to resist them when they’re in sight.
17. I experience frequent mood swings.
18. I frequently suffer from headaches.
19. I use artificial sweeteners in my diet in place of sugar.
20. I find it hard to resist impulse sweets at the checkout line.
21. I interrupt my day to get something sweet, even if it’s inconvenient or out of my way.
22. I add extra sugar to foods that are already sweetened, like cereal.
23. I put sugar on fruit.
24. I prioritizing desserts over regular meals.
25. I am often the first in line for birthday cake.
Recognizing a sugar addiction is important, as it is not merely an emotional eating disorder (you can determine if you are an emotional eater by reading my previous post from July 23, 2023, titled “When Your Emotions Make You Reach For Food”) but sugar addiction is also a biological disorder driven by hormones and neurotransmitters that intensify sugar and carbohydrate cravings, leading to uncontrolled overeating.
That said, you may also be an emotional eater, like I was. That’s what I call a double whammy, ouch! Controlling your sugar addiction is at least a third of the the battle in fighting back against poor health and excess weight.
If you suspect you have a sugar addiction, here are eight common signs and symptoms to consider:
1. Experiencing cravings despite feeling full.
2. Consuming much more food than intended.
3. Eating until feeling excessively stuffed and then some
4. Feeling guilty afterward but repeating the behavior soon after.
5. Making excuses for excessive eating.
6. Struggling with repeated failures when setting rules.
7. Hiding your eating habits from others.
Now, let’s assess your situation based on the number of “yes” answers to the 25 signs stated above:
1-5 “yes” answers: You are likely not a full-blown sugar addict. However, you do have a sweet tooth, and it’s advisable to make a conscious effort to reduce your consumption of added sugars and processed (boxed) foods. By doing so, you can expect increased energy levels and potential weight loss.
6-10 “yes” answers: It’s time to take control of your added sugar intake before it further disrupts your overall health. Make a serious and conscious effort to cut down on foods and drinks with “added sugar,” including processed and boxed foods. It is possible that you may not be getting enough protein and healthy fats, contributing to your sugar cravings. You could benefit by reading my book (see below).
More than 10 “yes” answers: Don’t delay, purchase my book right away. Seriously!
My unhealthy body suffered a serious medical malfunction that could have killed me and I got a second chance. And I want to help you before you get to that point!
By scoring more than 10, you really do have a challenge with sugar, and it’s time for a change.
Those who have joined my tribe and have created their own path with my guidance, have improved their health, and lost significant weight with this one dietary change and no fad diets! My approach is a “forever” lifestyle change that changed my life for the better.
It works, it’s sustainable, it doesn’t feel like a “diet,” and I know all of this because I lived it. After years of fad dieting I finally got off the roller coaster of failed diets (believe me I tried all of them) and I got healthy! To this day, almost a decade later, I’ve kept every pound off and don’t take any prescription drugs!
The journey to a healthier, happier you is so worth it. I know—because I lived it.
I stopped chasing skinny and started focusing on my health—and that single shift changed everything. I lost 140 pounds, but more importantly, I found clarity, energy, and a life that finally feels like mine. I share the whole story in my book. Click here to learn more and see what’s possible.
Whatever you do, please don’t let another day go by without taking positive action for yourself.
